Lake George Winter Carnival’s Week 1 schedule features outhouses and chili

A blast of Arctic air and fresh snowfall has created wintery conditions just in time for the 2025 Lake George Winter Carnival. The Carnival kicks off this weekend, Feb.1-2, with a full schedule of activities and events. Opening Ceremonies will take place at noon in Shepard Park, the Carnival’s base of operations, with a blessing and speeches by local officials.

Lake George is frozen, and skaters and fishermen have been out on the lake this past week. However, If Carnival officials deem the ice is not yet safe for on-ice events, these activities will be moved to the shore.

The Carnival is held each weekend in February, and, new for 2025, a fifth weekend has been added, March 1-2. The final weekend has been dubbed “Chillin’ and Choppin’ at the Lake,” and will feature lumberjack competitions.

Lake George Winter Carnival 2025 Week 1 Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 1

9 a.m. ATV Poker Run hosted by Duffy’s Tavern, Lower Amherst Street, Lake George. Participants will collect poker chips at checkpoints and compete for prizes. Entrance fee is $25. Register online at Ticketleap or with cash on the day of the event.
10 a.m. Jeep Duck Hunt sponsored by Nemer Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Queensbury. Check in and pick up a map at The Garrison, Beach Road, Lake George. Participants will follow the map on a hunt for rubber ducks. The grand prize is $500 with additional cash prizes and giveaways. Registration fee is $25. Pre-registration is required by noon, Friday, Jan. 31. Awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, 5 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriot. Register at Ticketleap.
10:30-12 p.m. Winter Art Workshops at the Courthouse Gallery, 1 Amherst Street. Design and build a warm winter shelter. This project is for all ages. Free of charge.
12 p.m. OpeningCeremonies at the MacDonald Pier, Shepard Park
12 p.m. Children’s activities around town
12-3 p.m. Horse & Carriage rides begin at Canada Street by Lower Montcalm Street and carry riders through the Village streets. Cost: $5 for children, $10 for adults.
1 p.m. Chili Cookoff at the Lake George Village Mall, 289 Canada Street. Local restaurants compete with their best chili recipes. With the purchase of a ticket, attendees will sample each entry and submit their vote for the best. Cost: $15.28 (includes service fee.) Purchase tickets here.
2 p.m. Make Your Own Snow Tie-Dye Tee Shirt. Held next to the Shepard Park restroom building. Nominal fee.
2 p.m. – Outhouse Races. The Lake George Winter Carnival’s signature event is hosted by The Lagoon. The races will be held on the ice if it is safe, otherwise, the races will be held in Battlefield Park along Elizabeth Little Blvd. (West Brook Road.) Entrants will be competing for $4,000 in prizes, with $2,000 awarded to the top finishers. The event is free for spectators. To enter the races,  register at Ticketleap.
2:30 p.m. Lake George Dogs Got Talent contest hosted by The Dog Cabin. Bring your pups to Shepard Park Beach and show off their talents to win prizes.
3 p.m. Polar Plunge at Shepard Park Beach. Register to take the plunge at the Lake George Winter Carnival Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park or online here. Registration is free.
4 p.m. Lake George Winter Carnival 2025 Parade travels down Canada Street.
5:30-7 p.m. Souvenir Mugs, Hot Chocolate topping Bar and free S’mores. Souvenir mugs and topping bar tickets are 15.00. May be purchased online at Ticketleap. Carnival organizers are offering at no charge marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers and a glowing firepit so attendees may make their own s’mores.
7 p.m. Fireworks over the lake

Sunday, February 2

10 a.m. Paint & Sip with Michele at the Holiday Inn Resort, 2223 Canada Street. Paint a Winter Parade scene specially designed for the Winter Carnival. Tickets are $36.70 (including service fee.) Purchase tickets here.

12-3 p.m. Horse & Carriage rides begin at Canada Street by Lower Montcalm Street and carry riders through the Village streets. Cost: $5 for children, $10 for adults.
12-2 p.m. Karaoke Sing-A-Long in Shepard Park
12 p.m. Sundae Funday sponsored by Stewart’s Shops. Make your own sundaes and donate to benefit local charities. Location to be announced.
1-2:30 p.m. Silent Wings Raptor Show at the Courtyard Marriot, 365 Canada Street. Learn about birds of prey and see live birds up close. Suitable for all ages.
1-2 p.m. Cupcake decorating with Lake George Baking Company. Decorate your own cupcake at the Shepard Park Amphitheatre. Free activity.
2:30 p.m. Lake George Dogs Got Talent contest hosted by The Dog Cabin. Bring your pups to Shepard Park Beach and show off their talents to win prizes.
3 p.m. Polar Plunge at Shepard Park Beach. Register to take the plunge at the Lake George Winter Carnival Souvenir Tent in Shepard Park or online here. Registration is free.
3:30 p.m. Keg Toss competition. Register to enter at the Souvenir tent by 3:15 p.m. Sunday. The competition will be held on Shepard Park Beach.
4 p.m. Skillet Toss sponsored by the Adirondack Winery. This competition, designed for women, requires strength and skill as competitors must fling a cast-iron skillet through the air aiming for a target. Sign up at the Souvenir Tent by 3:45 p.m. on Sunday.