NEWSLETTER
Winter in New York State is magical! When the snow starts to fall, the fun heats up with festivals, carnivals, and events showcasing the best of the snowy season. Watch fireworks erupt over dazzling ice castles, warm up with vibrant jazz performances at NYC Winter Jazzfest, or cheer on Team USA from two-time Olympic host city Lake Placid ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Add some of these 28 can’t-miss winter carnivals, festivals, and events to your winter bucket list and plan your next cold-weather adventure in New York State.
NYC Winter Jazzfest (NYC)
Get ready to celebrate all things jazz at the 2026 Winter Jazzfest in New York City! Listen to an incredible lineup of artists including Lady Blackbird, Lakecia Benjamin, Kassa Overall, and James Carter Quintet, plus keynote speakers, and panel discussions. Don’t miss out on the festival’s Manhattan and Brooklyn “marathon nights,” where you can catch jazz performances at multiple venues from 5pm to 3am.
Salmon River Winter Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Warm up with winter fun and good food at the 2026 Salmon River Winter Festival. Held at various locations throughout Oswego County, celebrate snow season with horse drawn sleigh and wagon rides and snowshoeing at Selkirk Shores State Park, and warm up indoors with live music, a crafts show, and cornhole tournament. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, check out the festival’s food challenges, where local restaurants compete for the best mac and cheese, chili, and wings.
Long Lake Winter Carnival (Adirondacks)
Enjoy a full day of frosty fun in the Adirondacks at the Long Lake Winter Carnival. The day kicks off with a bonfire and live ice-carving demonstrations, followed by cardboard sled races, a kids balloon chase, men’s keg toss, women’s frying pan toss, and a highly-anticipated broomball tournament. Plus, there’s free ice skating and sledding all day and fireworks to end the night.
Grafton Lakes State Park Winterfest (Capital-Saratoga)
CREDIT: NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Each January, Grafton Lakes State Park transforms into a winter wonderland during their annual Winter Festival, promising fun for the whole family. The festival starts with a polar plunge, where prizes are awarded for silliest costumes. Take part in outdoor activities like snowshoeing, kicksledding, horse drawn carriage rides, snow bowling, and free snowmobiling. Warm up indoors with a bite to eat from food vendors, and then meet live animals from Uncharted Wild and birds of prey from the NYS Rehabilitation Council.
Orchids After Dark (Greater Niagara)
Credit: @aliciakwietniewskiphoto on Instagram
If experiencing winter indoors is more your speed, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens’ Orchids After Dark exhibit is a must-visit. After the sun sets, hundreds of lights will illuminate your way through the Botanical Gardens’ magical orchid exhibit, which becomes even more breathtaking when bathed in brilliant color.
Knickerbocker Ice Festival (Hudson Valley)
After more than a decade “on ice,” the Knickerbocker Ice Festival is returning to Rockland Lake State Park this January! In the 1800s, Rockland Lake was home to the Knickerbocker Ice Company, whose crystal clear ice was shipped to New York City and the world. Get ready for a frozen festival unlike any other as you celebrate the area’s rich history with dazzling ice sculptures, carving competitions, and igloo making. Then warm up with a bite from local food trucks around the fire pit.
Alexandria Bay Winter Carnival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Beat the winter blues with 11 days of festive fun at the Alexandria Bay Winter Carnival. There’s something fun for everyone to enjoy with an ice skating show, live music, trivia, sledding, and a popular volleyball tournament.
Hudson Valley Wingfest (Hudson Valley)
Calling all wing lovers! Hudson Valley Wingfest is returning to the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center with even more wings! Stop by top wing restaurants, food trucks, and caterers serving up all kinds of unique flavors to savor, and vote for your favorite. Plus, there will be live music from The Nerds, games, prizes, and more.
Lake George Winter Carnival (Adirondacks)
The Lake George Winter Carnival has been a winter family staple since 1961! Experience the magic for yourself across five fun-filled weekends. The carnival kicks off on February 7 with opening ceremonies and a parade down Canada Street. Be sure to check the full lineup for events including: a polar plunge, cookoffs, fireworks, a hot chocolate bar, dog talent shows, outhouse races, ATV and snowmobile runs, and more.
Syracuse Winter Fair (Finger Lakes)
Missing summer fair fun? Bring the good vibes inside at the Syracuse Winter Fair! Taking place at the New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center, this winter festival will feature a mini midway with carnival rides and games, live entertainment, ice sculptures, and fireworks.
Catskills Pride Ski Weekend (Catskills)
Credit: Jess Brock
Hit the slopes with Pride this winter at Catskills Pride Ski Weekend! Join the Pride Center of the Capital Region, Big Gay Hudson Valley, and Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center for three days of community and celebration across Belleayre Mountain’s 63 trails and glades. Be sure to head into the host city of Kingston, with a lively LGBTQ scene and even more fun pride ski weekend events.
Black Ski & Ride Weekend (Catskills)
Credit: Hunter Mountain
Celebrate Black excellence and diversity on the slopes at Black Ski & Ride Weekend! Taking place at Hunter Mountain, this jam-packed weekend will feature skiing and snowboarding across 67 trails and four terrain parks, live music, giveaways, food, and an emphasis on community.
Lake Placid Winter Olympic Celebration (Adirondacks)
Cheer on Team USA in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games from two-time Winter Olympic host city Lake Placid! Enjoy a month filled with Olympic-level events, starting with the exhilarating Empire State Winter Games (February 5-8). Other highlights include a “From Lake Placid to Italy” athlete showcase at the Olympic Museum, themed skating nights at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, a local Olympic memorabilia exhibit at the Cambria Hotel, and lively community watch parties.
Cooperstown Winter Carnival (Central New York)
Credit: This is Cooperstown
Harlem Chamber Players: 18th Annual Black History Month Celebration (NYC)
Celebrate Black History Month with the Harlem Chamber Players for their 18th Annual Black History Month performance. Presented in partnership with The Leonard Davis Center for the Performing Arts at City College and in association with the Harlem School of the Arts, this concert showcases “American Landscapes,” highlighting living American composers and their contributions to American classical music. You’ll get to experience conductor Tania Leon, a new commission by Eddite Venegas, and dancers from the Harlem School of Arts with choreography from Leyland Simmons.
Saratoga Chowderfest (Capital-Saratoga)
Credit: Rachel Dymond
Bring your appetite and get ready to chow down at Saratoga Chowderfest! Sample chowder from some of Saratoga’s top restaurants, each serving four ounce samples for just $2, then vote for your favorite to win. There will also be family-friendly activities and live music throughout downtown.
Vintage Vines & Valentines (Finger Lakes)
Feel the love this winter in Naples for Vintage Vines & Valentines! Embark on a tasteful journey sampling local wines, brews, and spirits from in and around Naples, and join in on village festivities including live music, vendors, and more.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (Adirondacks)
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has been a snow season staple in the Adirondacks since 1897, offering 10 days of winter fun for the entire family! Walk through the iconic ice palace, made from giant ice blocks pulled right from the lake, and watch as fireworks light up the sky overhead. The jam-packed festival also features a variety of family-friendly events, live music, parades, games, exhibits, an accessibility day, and more.
Syracuse Winterfest (Finger Lakes)
Join more than 100,000 visitors this February to celebrate Syracuse Winterfest. Kick off this multi-day festival with a vibrant fireworks display, then check out the full lineup of events for activities like ice skating, ice sculptures, culinary competitions, cocktail mix-offs.
Indian Lake SnoCade Snowmobile Festival (Adirondacks)
Looking for President’s Week plans? Indian Lake SnoCade promises mountains of fun geared towards snowmobiling enthusiasts. The week-long event lineup features guided snowmobile rides through snowy Adirondack forests, snow sculptures, outdoor human foosball, cardboard and duct tape sled races, a snowshoe softball tournament, and more. When you’re ready to warm up indoors, grab a bite to eat, explore the Winter Wonderland Craft Show, or watch live music and comedy performances.
Mayville Winterfest (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Revel in the magic of Mayville’s Winter Festival this President's Day weekend! Each year, this picturesque town goes all out on winter fun with an ice castle made from ice blocks pulled right from Chautauqua Lake, family-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, local craft vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, a DJ, fireworks, and more.
Flurry Festival (Capital-Saratoga)
Head to Saratoga Springs to experience one of the largest traditional participatory dance and music festivals in North America! Taking place each year over President’s Day weekend, the Flurry festival features around 400 performers. The festival highlights various genres of music and dance, from swing and square dancing to hip hop and waltz.
Greater Niagara Fishing Expo (Greater Niagara)
Join thousands of anglers in downtown Niagara Falls for an expo focused on all things fishing! Catch one (or a few) of the fishing seminars, presented by Expert Anglers, focusing on a variety of topics like fly fishing, kayak fishing, open water trolling, and how to catch specific fish. You’ll also get to explore more than 170 fishing-related exhibitor booths from well-known fishing manufacturers, local fishing guides and outfitters, fishing clubs, and much more.
Canandaigua Fire and Ice Festival (Finger Lakes)
Each February, downtown Canandaigua comes alive with its annual Fire and Ice Festival! Melt away the winter blues with an unforgettable lineup of events, including professional ice carving and speed carving competitions, fire shows, snow sculpting, a dog sled team, fire-building competitions, horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more. Plus, many downtown businesses will be sporting special menus, experiences, and discounts throughout the festival.
Adirondack Winter Pride (Adirondacks)
Photo courtesy of ORDA
Celebrate LGBTQ community in the Adirondacks at this three-day festival in Lake Placid! This magical winter weekend kicks off with a welcome celebration in downtown Lake Placid. On Saturday, hit the slopes of Whiteface Mountain and be sure to stick around for the Apres-Ski Party to enjoy dancing and even more fun. Admission also includes a Winter Passport for the Olympic Legacy Sites, discounted adult ticket pricing at Whiteface Mountain, admission to Saturday's Drag Show at Twisted Raven, and more.
Inlet Frozen Fire & Lights (Adirondacks)
Each year on the last Saturday in February, the Adirondack town of Inlet comes to life with winter magic. Celebrate the snowy season and the outdoors with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, and more. Don’t miss out on the annual cardboard sled or outhouse races. When you’re ready to warm up, grab a free hot dog to enjoy around the bonfire and watch as fireworks light up the sky.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival (NYC)
Credit: Joe Buglewicz
On March 1, get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake at the 28th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival! Enjoy dragon dancing, stunning outfits, martial art performers, and more. Afterward, explore local storefronts decorated in red and gold.
Harriet Tubman Day (Finger Lakes)
Honor the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman at the annual celebration of Harriet Tubman Day in Auburn. Each year on March 10, the day of her passing, the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park hosts a reception featuring special guests, live music, commemorative posters, and more. Learn even more about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad at other sites in the area like the Harriet Tubman Home, Fort Hill Cemetery, NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, and Seward House Museum.
Holiday Valley Winter Carnival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
End ski season with winter family fun on and off the slopes at Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival! Experience costume parades, live music, the popular Yodeler Snowbar, and more. After hitting the slopes, head into Ellicottville for ski town vibes, local storefronts, and their annual Mardi Gras Weekend with parades, live performances, and fun activities for everyone.
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