A Christmas snowstorm followed by two weeks of sub-zero temperatures has transformed the Lake George region into a glittering land of ice and snow. According to a January 10 Lake George Association report, Lake George is still open in Hague and Northwest Bay, and a mini January thaw is putting an official call of ice-in on hold. However, the forecast calls for a steep drop in air temperatures for mid-January. Things look hopeful for a total freeze over. Along with the sparkle of ice and snow comes winter celebrations. Here is a roundup of 2018 “only in the winter” things to do in Lake George:
Adirondack Pub & Brewery Funky Ice Fest
33 Canada Street
Lake George, NY
(518)668-0002
Two weekends: Jan. 19 – 20 and Jan. 26 – 27
This year’s Funky Ice Fest goes back a few decades with a 70s theme complete with a disco ball. Bring your own vinyl and enjoy Ice bars, ice sculptures and interactive ice pieces. Admission is free. For 2018, the ADK Pub & Brewery is debuting their Funky Lounge, which they describe as, “Heated and decked out with far-out decor, this is the perfect place sit down with a bite to eat from the Food Truck and a cocktail!” This is a kid-friendly event. The fest begins at 4 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted but be aware the Ice Fest draws a large crowd that may upset some pets.
The Inn at Erolowest Winterfest
3178 Lake Shore Drive
Lake George, NY
(518)668-5928
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 – 8 p.m.
Toast marshmallows from the s’mores station at a fire bar and enjoy signature cocktails on the Erlowest Terrace overlooking Lake George. Local vendors, including Adirondack Winery, Love is on Lake George and The Dog Cabin, are displaying their wares in the Ballroom and DJ Andy Pratt is providing the music. Guests of the Lake George Courtyard Marriott and the Queensbury Hotel can leave their cars parked as Premier Plus Travel & Tours will be operating a shuttle, which will run a loop from Glens Falls to the Inn between 1:30 and 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
King Neptune’s Pub Ice Castle Grand Opening Party
1 Kurosaka Lane
Lake George, NY
(518)668-2017
Jan. 19, 2018
You don’t have to travel to South Korea for some Winter Olympic action. The folks at King Neptune’s are building an ice luge, ice corn hole court and ice shuffleboard on their Lakeside deck. The crowning glory will be a sparkling ice castle. The Grand Opening party features 2017 Battle of the Bands winner Paradox Saints who will perform on the ice deck 6 – 9 p.m. Radio WEQX will be live broadcasting during the party. Neptune’s will roll out a new winter cocktail menu for the event.
The Sagamore Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge
110 Sagamore Road
Bolton Landing, NY
(518)644-9400
Two weekends: Jan. 19 – 21 and Jan. 26 – 28
The Sagamore started the area’s ice bar craze several years ago and is always a spectacular display of ice sculpting artistry. The Caldwell Lounge will be open if you prefer to cozy up by the fire. The food service staff has created a special Ice Bar menu with items such as a snowball martini and Maine lobster and shrimp served on a bed of snow.
Bolton on Ice
All over Bolton Landing
Two Saturdays: Jan. 20 and Jan. 27
Shop and dine in Bolton Landing, pausing to warm up by fire pits throughout the town. Watch wood carving demonstrations with Glenn Tree Art in Rogers Park, 12 – 3 p.m. both days and stop in at the Adirondack Winery Tasting Room for a sample of mulled wine.
Fort William Henry Hotel Polar Ice Bar
48 Canada Street
Lake George, NY
(518)668- 3081
February 9 & 10
Hot soup and a cool selection of beer and cocktails at a full ice bar adorned with ice sculptures and a fire pit for those who need to warm up. Acoustic guitarist and local favorite Rich Ortiz will provide the entertainment. The Polar Ice Bar is open 4 – 10 p.m. on Friday and noon – 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Holiday Inn Forest Ice Bar
2223 Canada Street
Lake George, NY
(518)668-5781
Two weekends: Feb. 2 – 3 and Feb. 9 – 10
The Holiday Inn is jumping on the Lake George ice bar bandwagon this year with an ice bar and ice sculptures under the pines of their front lawn. Sip specialty cocktails and enjoy hot bites by the fire pit area, which has a spectacular view of Lake George.
The Lake George Winter Carnival
Shepard Park (headquarters)
Canada Street
Lake George, NY
(518)240-0809
Each weekend in February
The Lake George Winter Carnival kicks off Saturday, Feb. 3 with opening ceremonies in Shepard Park. The Carnival’s signature event, the Outhouse Races, begin after opening ceremonies and the Lake George Winter Carnival Parade steps off at 4 p.m. from Fort William Henry and travels north on Canada Street to Shepard Park. Each weekend features races, cook-offs, dog shows, polar plunges, children’s activities and more.
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