Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2024 Dates February 2-11 .
2024 theme : “ CREEPY CARNIVAL “
Halloween based GHOSTLY FAMILY FUN ! See you there!!

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival began in 1897.
2011 fireworks
photo by Mark Kurtz Photography

the most fun you'll have all winter

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival began as an integral part of Saranac Lake's history as a renowned health resort. In order to break winter's chill and to promote outdoor sports and games, the Pontiac Club was formed in November 1896, and a few months later, they sponsored a one-day fancy dress winter carnival in 1897, which was expanded into the Pontiac Club Carnival in 1898.

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the longest-running event of its kind in the eastern U.S. Since 1897, it has grown into a 10-day festival that includes sports, performances, two parades and three sets of spectacular fireworks.

Over the years, the Winter Carnival has retained the warmth, charm and camaraderie of a community celebration. The Carnival – organized by an all-volunteer group called the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee – is a community-driven festival made possible by the efforts of many volunteers and sponsors. The centerpiece of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the Ice Palace, built by volunteers on the shore of Lake Flower's Pontiac Bay at the state boat launch.

Learn more about the Winter Carnival on our History page.

Most photography on this website is produced by our official photographers. Photos posted prior to the 2021 Carnival are the work of Mark Kurtz Photography. Photos from 2021 to the present are the work of Meachele Manchester.

Top Sponsors
Guide Boat Realty
Casella Waste Systems Inc.
North Country Community College
Hotel Saranac
Saranac Waterfront Lodge
Adirondack Bank
Taylor Rental
Stewarts
Adirondack Health
Coakley Home and Hardware
National Grid
Hudson Headwaters Health Network
Dunkin'
American Management Association
Can-Am Rugby Tournament
Buttons & Posters
Get your latest Winter Carnival buttons.
Recent Info/News
Kathy & Roger Steinbrueck Named Grand Marshal’s
2023-01-25 - The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee chose Kathy & Roger Steinbrueck as its 2023 Grand Marshal's
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© 2023 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Celebrating its 127th anniversary in 2024
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