For some people, winter recess is an opportunity to escape the cold for a warm beach destination, but if you prefer to embrace winter and all its magnificent glory, Lake George is the coolest place to be in February. From igloo dining and skiing to the annual winter carnival, discover all the things to do in Lake George on winter break.
Lake George Winter Carnival
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February, the Lake George Winter Carnival features a full itinerary of events, including activities for kids, live music, fireworks, polar plunges, and cook-off contests for chowder, chili and chicken wings.
Get your souvenir mug for the hot chocolate toppings bar, sign up for the glacier golf tournament, watch the hilarious outhouse races, enjoy horse and carriage rides, naturalist-led snowshoe hikes, and so much more. View the Winter Carnival Schedule.
Winter Recreation
With an average snowfall of 40-60 inches, Lake George is the perfect winter vacation destination for snow sports and recreation. From ice fishing, skiing and snow tubing to ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, you’ll find it all in the Lake George Region.
Even during a snowless winter, there’s still plenty of outdoor winter fun to be had. The area’s ice skating rinks remain open, as well as the hiking trails, and both Gore Mountain in North Creek and West Mountain ski area in Queensbury continue to make snow for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Igloo Dining & Ice Bars
Dine al fresca without the frostbite at several Lake George area restaurants offering heated outdoor Igloo dining and a truly unique experience, including The Inn at Erlowest and Sagamore Resort in Lake George and The Queensbury Hotel in downtown Glens Falls. The Barrel restaurant in Bolton Landing even has a curling rink.
For more winter adult fun, enjoy a hot toddy, craft beer or seasonal cocktail at the Ice Bar, located at The Lagoon Bar & Grill in Lake George.
Indoor Activities
Lake George is known for its abundance of miniature golf courses, but did you know you can even play a round of putt-putt in winter? ADK Karting offers glow-in-the-dark mini golf, as well as go karts, an arcade and racing simulators. The Fun Spot also offers indoor fun, including laser tag and rolling skating, and you’ll find bowling at Lake George Lanes & Games and axe throwing at Adirondack Axe.
Looking for something a bit more relaxing? Check out The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, featuring more than 5,000 pieces of art, including the works of Rembrandt, Renoir, Degas and Picasso, or make an appointment for some pampering at one of the Lake George area spas.
Restaurants & Shopping
With fewer crowds than summer and fall, winter break is the perfect time to explore the restaurants and shopping around Lake George. Warm up with a wine tasting or sample a craft beverage at one of the local wineries, breweries and distilleries in the region.
After a day of winter fun, cozy up beside the fireplace for a bite to eat at one of the area’s many restaurants, or head over to the Lake George Outlets for some shopping.
Book Your Lake George Vacation Rental for Winter Break
While many of the hotels and resorts in Lake George are closed for the winter, Northern Living has dozens of vacation rentals in the Lake George Region that are available for winter break. Choose from cozy cabins, spacious vacation homes with game rooms, bars, home theaters and multiple bedrooms, as well as lakefront rentals with fireplaces and hot tubs. We even have pet-friendly vacation homes.
Browse our Lake George vacation rental listings, or contact us and allow our concierge professionals to personally pair you with the perfect vacation rental for your winter break in Lake George.
