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Saranac Lake Winter Carnival | February 6-15, 2026

Friday, February 6, 2026 12:00 AM
Sunday, February 15, 2026 3:00 PM

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Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival 2026

Save the date for the annual Winter Carnival in Saranac Lake

2026 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival's Ice Palace and Fireworks

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, a cherished tradition since 1897, is one of the United States' oldest winter carnivals.

Scheduled for February 6-15, the 2026 Winter Carnival promises a diverse array of events and activities.

While the full schedule is still under development, you can expect these traditional highlights during the 10-day festival:

Ice Palace: This large structure is built by volunteers using ice blocks from Lake Flower. It will be illuminated nightly.
Gala Parade: A lively procession of floats, marching bands, and costumed performers will be held on Saturday, February 14.
Fireworks: The Ice Palace is lit up at the opening ceremony with a fireworks display, and a finale fireworks show is held at the end of the carnival.
Sporting Events: The festival typically features a variety of winter sports and fun competitions, such as snowshoe softball, ultimate frisbee in the snow, and broomball.
Royal Coronation: The carnival begins with the crowning of the Winter Carnival King and Queen, followed by a reception.
Live Entertainment: Venues around Saranac Lake will host a variety of bands and performances.

A fun and creative theme for 2026.

The theme for the 2026 Winter Carnival is "Cartoonival." This name combines “cartoon” and “carnival” to celebrate all things animated—ranging from ink and cels to panels, word bubbles, and hyperbole. The festivities will feature beloved works such as “Calvin and Hobbes,” “Rick and Morty,” “Bugs Bunny,” and “Steamboat Willie.”

Gary Trudeau's Saranac Lake Winter Carnival button. — 2025 Theme. Photo courtesy Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

As in previous years, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Gary Trudeau, a local native and creator of “Doonesbury,” will design this year's carnival button featuring the Cartoonival theme.

With the theme established, it’s time for the community to gather their colorful costumes and parade floats. The Ice Palace Workers will begin designing a Cartoon-themed Ice Palace, and participants are encouraged to explore cartoon-inspired music for the celebration.

The majestic Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace.

The stunning Ice Palace serves as the centerpiece of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. Built from ice harvested from nearby Lake Flower, this iconic structure showcases the creativity and skill of the carnival's organizers. Each year, the palace features a unique design that lights up the night with spectacular colors and illumination.

More detailed information about the event schedule will be released soon. This cherished carnival plays a vital role in preserving Saranac Lake's heritage and ensuring that future generations can continue celebrating winter in style.

Take part in winter racing and sporting events.

2026 Winter Carnival in Saranac Lake downhill inner tube racing. — Lil’ and Big ADKers compete in the snowtube race on Mt. Pisgah.

At each carnival, attendees embrace the winter spirit by participating in or watching a variety of activities, including fun runs, snowshoeing, skating, cross-country races, and various winter sports competitions such as rugby, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee in the snow.

These events cater to both experienced athletes and casual spectators, perfectly capturing the essence of the season while promoting outdoor activity and community involvement.

Parades, processions and fireworks!

The carnival's parades are a magnificent sight to behold. They feature imaginative floats, lively music, and vibrant costumes. Keep an eye out for the majestic King and Queen of the Carnival, who preside over the festivities in regal attire.

The 2026 saranac lake winter carnival parade through downtown — Everyone loves to strut their stuff at Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival Parade.

No celebration is complete without a dazzling fireworks display. The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival often includes several nights of fireworks displays, such as during the lighting of the ice palace, the torchlight parade of skiers on Mt. Pisgah, and at the closing ceremonies. Make sure not to miss these breathtaking shows, which fill the night sky with explosions of color and light, leaving spectators in awe.

So mark your calendar and get ready for one of the best events of the winter in the Adirondacks.

For more information, including the schedule of events, visit the Saranac Winter Carnival website or Facebook page.