The Winter Carnival 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 theme this year is a family friendly, Halloween based carnival titled - "Creepy Carnival"

Schedule Of Events:

Thursday, February 1, 2024

11:00 am - 12:30 pm AND 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Drop off times for the Winter Carnival Sun Catcher Contest  at the NYS Boat Lauch to the right of the Ice Palace, Display and voting throughout Carnival, See the How to Make an Ice Sun Catcher Video

5:30 pm 23rd Annual Past Royalty Mixer and Dinner - Open to Past Royalty Only (contact Marilyn Bigelow at 518-891-1286)

Friday, February 2, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town  (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Make Your Own Winter Carnival Button ($1.00, Saranac Laboratory Museum, 89 Church St.)

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

7:00 pm- 10:00 pm - Live Music- Blessid Dirt, Folk Duo (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street)

7:30 pm - Women's Civic Chamber Coronation of Winter Carnival Royalty  (Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St)

7:30 pm Doors 8:30 pm  Show -  Live Music - Waterhole - Annie in the Water wsg Organ Fairchild  - 21+ - $14.00 Adv / $17.00 Door

Post Coronation Winter Carnival Royalty Reception (Elks Lodge #1508, 30 Bloomingdale Ave)

Saturday, February 3, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 2:00 pm -  Lutheran Church Bake and Craft Sale (Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main Street)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Make Your Own Winter Carnival Button ($1.00, Saranac Laboratory Museum, 89 Church St.)

10:00 am - 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - NBT Bank Ice Palace Fun Run - 4 miles (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Edward Jones Arctic Golf Build-an-Obstacle Contest (Prescott Park next to the State Boat Launch)

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Paul Smith's Booster Club Chocolate Festival (Romano's Saranac Bowling Lanes, 11 Bloomingdale Ave)

11:00 am - Long Run Wealth Advisors Curling Exhibition (Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

11:00 am - Paul Smiths College Woodsmen Exhibition (Riverside Park)

12:00 pm - Heat Keepers Icicle Contest -- prizes for longest natural icicle (Riverside Park, icicle check-in at 11:30 am)

12:00 pm - Lake Placid Curling Club "Hit the Button" Curling Competition -- Open to all ($, Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

12:30 pm - Saranac Teachers Association Little Ladies Fry Pan Toss -- For Girls 6-17 (Riverside Park, Registration 11:00-12:00)

1:00 pm - Women's Civic 3rd Corn-a-ment Cornhole Tournament (On the ice in front of Saranac Waterfront lodge,  $42 registration fee per 2-player team.  Benefits SL Youth Center. Contact Deb Reilly at [email protected] or Karen Russell at [email protected] for information.

1:00 pm - Taylor Rental Ladies Fry Pan Toss -- For Ladies 18 and Up (Riverside Park, Registration 11:00-12:30)

2:30 pm - NEW TIME, NEW DAY LifePower Chiropractic Ultimate Frisbee Games (Saranac Lake High School Football Field, 79 Canaras Ave, Call 518-637-3238 for details)

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Catholic Daughters and Knights of Columbus Annual Winter Carnival Spaghetti Dinner - Includes spaghetti, salad, dinner roll, dessert and beverage At St. Bernard's School cafeteria $15/person $5 for children 10 and under

To go order available 518-524-2559 - call or text

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Catholic Daughters/Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner for local scholarships. (St.Bernard's School Cafeteria 63 River st. $)

7:00 p.m - (roads closing at 6:15 pm) Lighting of the Ice Palace and Hotel Saranac Opening Fireworks Display (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

7:30 pm Doors 8:30 pm Show -  Live Music - Waterhole - Joslyn and the Sweet Compression wsg Los Blancos 21+ - $15.00 Adv / $17.00 Door

Sunday, February 4, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

Taste the Film dinner . Multi course dinner to compliment a "Creepy Carnival" style movie! ($ Hotel Saranac,100 Main St) More info to follow.

10:00am - Drag Brunch Celebrating Creepy Carnival at the Belvedere Restaurant! (There is also a 1:30 performance)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm -  Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 6:00 pm - Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Edward Jones Arctic Golf (Prescott Park next to the State Boat Launch)

10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Skate Lake Colby sponsored by Adirondack Health -- Demos, Free Skate, Straight Line Drag Races for Ice Skates and Kick Sleds 2 pm to 3 pm. (Beach at Lake Colby)

10:00 am - White Stag Downhill Ski Races (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, 92 Mt. Pisgah Lane, $) Celebrating 70th Anniversary!

11:30 am - Arctic Bar-B-Que -- Friends of Mt. Pisgah (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, Mt. Pisgah Lane, $) Celebrating 70th Anniversary!

1:00 pm - The Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza, a bathing suit-clad round-the-town bike ride (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

1:30 pm - Drag Brunch Celebrating Creepy Carnival at the Belvedere Restaurant! (There is also a 10:00 am performance)

2:3 pm - NEW-Rice Furniture Tug-A-War . Open to 1st 8 teams to register at ([email protected]) Max 8team members, Min 2 females per team, max 1600lbs per team (Riverside Park) Open to first eight teams to register that meet the criteria.

2:30 pm  - Roots Contracting FlowerBall (Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

Monday, February 5, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

12:00 am -  4:00 pm -  Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Line Dancing at Elk's Lodge #1508, ($ Bar will be open. Contact Mary for information, 518-524-0767.

7:00 pm  - Ecumenical Service  (St. Lukes Church 136 Main St. followed by cider and doughnuts Rev Vance Mortinsen and Rev Bill Cooper)

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm -  Make Your Own Winter Carnival Button ($1.00, Saranac Laboratory Museum, 89 Church St.)

12:00 pm -  4:00 pm -  Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm -  Winter Carnival Grand Marshal Reception (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street)

5:30 pm - Garagery - Main Street Exchange Fashion Show - 2 rounds of Frightening Fashions! (53 Main Street Rear)(Click here for more information) $25

6:00 pm  - Winter Carnival Royalty Dinner ($, Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street) To make a reservation contact Milt Adams at 518-891-4367

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

Creepy Carnival Themed Dinner ($ Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St) More info to follow.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm -  Make Your Own Winter Carnival Button ($1.00, Saranac Laboratory Museum, 89 Church St.)

12:00 pm  - 4:00 pm - Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm  Family Night at the Ice Palace sponsored by Hudson Headwaters Health Network (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

7:00 Doors 8:00 Show - Live Music - Waterhole - Hayley Jane wsg Giovanina Bucci - 21+ - $13.00 Adv / $15.00 Door

6:00 pm - Curtis Lumber Snowshoe Races -- All Ages (Dewey Mountain, Route 3, call 518-891-2697, Children's Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

Thursday, February 8, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm -  Make Your Own Winter Carnival Button ($1.00, Saranac Laboratory Museum, 89 Church St.)

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm -  Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

6:00 pm - American Management Association Torchlight Skiing and Fireworks (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, 92 Mt. Pisgah Lane) Celebrating 70th Anniversary!

7:30 pm - Magic Rocks! https://www.magicrocks.com. Featuring International Award Winning Magician/Illusionist Leon Etienne, who hails from Utica, NY. (Click here for more information!)

7:30 pm - Doors 8:30 pm Show - Live Music - Waterhole - The Strictly Hip: Masters of the Music of the Tragically Hip - 21+ - $17.00 Adv / $20.00 Door

Friday, February 9, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm -   Make Your Own Winter Carnival Button ($1.00, Saranac Laboratory Museum, 89 Church St.)

10:00 am - Adirondack Bank Innertube Races (Mt. Pisgah Ski Center, 92 Mt. Pisgah Lane, Children's Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club) Celebrating 70th Anniversary!

12:00Pm - 4:00 pm -   Cure Porch on Wheels- - History Exhibit (at Lake Flower Boat Launch near the Ice Palace)

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Coakley Home and Hardware Children's Skating Races (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave, Children's Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm  Coakley Home and Hardware Family Open Skate with Free Hot Chocolate (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)

5:00 pm - (Tentatively) Firefighter's Broom Ball (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Live Music - Moments Notice- Jazz/Latin/Blues (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street)

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm -   Live Music- Moment's Notice, Jazz/Latin/Blues (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main Street)

7:30 pm -  Paul Smith's College Hockey vs Jefferson Community College (Saranac Lake Civic Center, 213 Ampersand Ave)

7:30 pm - Rotary Club Variety Show, Tickets available at Chamber of Commerce, Ampersound, NBT Bank ($, Harrietstown Town Hall, 39 Main St)

7:30 pm Doors 8:30 pm Show - Live Music - Waterhole - Bella's Bartok and Folkfaces - 21+ - $13.00 Adv / $15.00 Door

Saturday, February 10, 2024

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 11:00 am Meet the Winter Carnival Characters at the Ice Palace (Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)

10:00 am - 6:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - CanAm Snow Rugby (Saranac Lake High School Track Field, 79 Canaras Ave, Call 518-524-5841)

11:00 am - Paul Smith's College Alumni Reception (Hotel Saranac,100 Main Street)

11:00 am - Paul Smiths Woodsmen Exhibition (Riverside Park)

12:00 pm - Gala Parade Line-Up (Register at Nice N Easy Mobil, 196 Broadway Ave)

1:00 pm - Gala Parade presented by Casella Waste (From the firehouse on Broadway to LaPan Highway)

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Live Music - Waterhole - The Big Takeover at the Post Parade Party - (Doors open at 12pm )- Free Show

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm  Saranac Waterfront Lodge Snow Ball- Themed "Monster Mash" ($, Saranac Waterfront Lodge, 250 Lake Flower Ave)

7:00 pm - NEW TIME, NEW DAY Guide Boat Realty "Storming the Ice Palace" Closing Fireworks Display (Ice Palace) (roads closing at 6:15pm)

9:00 pm - Live Music - Waterhole - West End Blend wsg All Night Boogie Band 21+ - $15.00 Flat (Doors open at 8:00 pm)

Sunday, February 11, 2024 -- Last Day

All Day Clue Hunt--Can you solve the clues to navigate your way through town (Available 24/7 outside the History Hut and Gift Shop near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Winter Carnival History Hut and Gift Shop--Learn about Winter Carnival, Shop for Official Merchandise (Winter Carnival History Hut near the Ice Palace)

10:00 am - Community Bank Adult Cross-country Ski Races (Dewey Mountain, Route 3, Call 518-891-2697)

11:00 am - Snowflake Volleyball Tournament (Saranac Lake Civic Center, Rotary Field, 213 Ampersand Ave)

11:00 am - Roots Contracting FlowerBall (Lake Flower near the Ice Palace)

12:00 pm - Adirondack Health Youth Cross-country Ski Races (Dewey Mountain, Route 3, Call 518-891-2697, Children's Event Fees paid for by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)

12:00 pm - 1:45 - Facepainting before the Kiddie Parade (Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St)

12:00 pm Doors 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Show - Live Music - Waterhole - The Big Takeover at the Post Parade Party - Free Show

2:00 pm - Casella Waste Systems Kiddie Parade from the Hotel Saranac to Harrietstown Town Hall (Meet at the Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St)

2:45 pm - New - Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters Hobby Horse Race , for Jockeys ages 6-8yrs,9-12yrs, 13-17yrs, court race. Bluid a horse,Buy a horse and Ride that horse in this Mid-Winter Derby. (Riverside Park)

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Live Music - Waterhole - Jatoba at Bloody Mary Sunday (Doors open at 12pm )- Free Show

9:00 pm Show - Live Music - Waterhole - West End Blend wsg All Night Boogie Band - 21+ - $15.00 Flat (Doors open at 8:00 pm)

Date: Feb 1-11, 2024

Location: Various Venue in Saranac Lake, NY

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