Winterfest is a fun winter event for the whole family, held every January in downtown Chelan, Washington. It runs over two weekends featuring live music, wine tastings, beer and ale tasting, kids games and activities, and a Polar Bear Splash. The major highlights of the festival is an incredible ice sculpture exhibit, a huge beach bonfire, and a spectacular fireworks display to solemnly close the festival.
Glacier Lake Chelan, surrounded by snow-capped hills, is a perfect backdrop for a winter festival. Ride a horse-drawn carriage, warm up by the fire and immerse yourself in a real winter wonderland. The adults can take advantage of the Ice Bar and wine tasting in a snowy Downtown Lake Chelan choosing among 40 different award-winning Chelan Valley wines. Some high-end wines are also available during the Saturday Grand Wine Walk.
The ice-carving competition takes place during the first weekend of the festival. After the People’s Choice Award is passed to the winner, visitors can view the completed sculptures through Sunday. Alefest is one of the most popular events of Winterfest. If you like beer or cider, sample over 20 craft breweries and cideries in Manson during the second weekend of the festival. Live music in the Winterfest Ice Baris available during both weekends. Kids Activities at Winterfest include Snowflake Lane, horse carriage rides, apple bin train rides, and the Ice Slide.
