Winter Carnival | Long Lake | January 17, 2026

Saturday, January 17, 2026
12:00 PM 6:00 PM

Mt. Sabbatis Recreation Center Long Lake, NY, 12847 United States (map)

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Long Lake Winter Carnival 2026 Brings Big-Time Winter Fun to the Central Adirondacks

Winter carnival fireworks celebration like those in Long Lake. — Winter fireworkds.

If winter in the Adirondacks had an official hometown celebration, it would look a lot like the 2026 Long Lake Winter Carnival.

On Saturday, January 17, starting at noon, this beloved annual event returns to Mt. Sabattis Recreation Center, transforming the heart of Long Lake into a high-energy playground filled with laughter, competition, and classic Adirondack spirit.

With events for all ages, free outdoor activities, live music, local food, and fireworks to close out the day, the Long Lake Winter Carnival invites visitors and locals alike to bundle up, head outside, and support a community that truly embraces winter.

A full day of classic winter carnival fun.

The fun kicks off at noon with the lighting of the bonfire and the installation of ice sculptures, setting the tone for a festive afternoon on the mountain. A highlight of the day is the live ice-carving demonstration by The Ice Farm, where spectators can watch towering blocks of ice transform into works of frozen art.

A beautiful ice sculpture by talented artisans like those at Long Lake's 2026 Winter Carnival. — The beauty and craftsmanship of ice carving.

Crowd-favorite competitions follow throughout the afternoon. The always-entertaining Cardboard Sled Races invite creativity and courage, with divisions for all ages. Long Lake’s playful competitive streak shines through in traditional events like the Men’s Keg Toss and Ladies Frying Pan Toss, while the return of Broomball adds fast-paced action to the schedule.

The Coronation of Winter Carnival Royalty brings a touch of pageantry, and a town-wide photo with the royalty offers a fun keepsake moment for participants and spectators alike.

Free outdoor activities and local food all day.

True to Adirondack tradition, the carnival encourages everyone to get outside. Enjoy free ice skating and sledding all day at Mt. Sabattis, with mountain air and snow-covered scenery as the perfect backdrop.

When appetites kick in, the Long Lake Fire Department will serve food on site, giving attendees an easy way to support local volunteers while refueling for more fun. Best of all, the event happens rain, snow, or shine—because in Long Lake, the weather is part of the adventure.

Kid's enjoying sledding at an Adirondack winter carnival. — Winter carnival fun.

Fireworks and live music keep the party going.

As daylight fades, the celebration ramps up. A grand fireworks display caps off the carnival at 6 pm (or immediately following Broomball), lighting up the winter sky over Long Lake.

The weekend fun doesn’t stop there. On Friday, January 16, enjoy live music by Scotty Evans from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Long View Lodge.

On Saturday night, head to Long Lake Diner (Owl’s Head Pub) for live music by The Altered Tones from 8:00–10:00 pm.

The Long Lake Little Bus runs until last call, making it easy—and safe—to enjoy the full weekend lineup.

Getting there, parking, and shuttles.

The Mt. Sabattis Recreation Center and Geiger Arena sit at 6 Pavilion Way on Deerland Road (Route 30). Parking is available at the Post Office, near the Geiger, and in the lower lot.

A free shuttle service runs from 5 pm until late, serving locations throughout town. To request a ride, call 518-304-3511.

Celebrate community spirit.

The Long Lake Winter Carnival celebrates more than winter sports—it celebrates community. By attending, visitors support local businesses, volunteer organizations, musicians, and the town of Long Lake itself. It’s a reminder that small Adirondack communities thrive when people show up, cheer each other on, and share a little joy in the snow.

For full details and updates, visit the event webpage, the Long Lake Facebook profile, or call 518-624-3077.

Event details at a glance