Lake George Winter Staples Not Returning This Year

Lake George New York: Popular Winter Fun Destination

New York during the winter months can be gorgeous. And while many will enjoy the snow and cold from the comfort and warmth of their home, there are others who enjoy getting out to enjoy the winter outdoors.

Lake George is a great escape for New Yorkers looking for fun winter activities. While snowshoeing, ice fishing, tubing, snowmobiling, and skiing/snowboarding are a main draw, Lake George had a whole lineup of Wintertainment Destinations that many flocked to over the years.

However, it looks like things are changing.

Ice Castles Makes Change in 2023

The magical Ice Castles of Lake George became a popular tourist destination over the last few winter seasons. The castles, caves, slides and entertainment areas made winter in Lake George feel like a fairy tale.

Over the last year or so, due to warmer winter weather, Ice Castles had to return in a different form. In October of 2023 Ice Castles announced a change to their operation. They wrote "With warmer winters, we created a new attraction that is less weather dependent and even more enchanting and magical. Presenting Winter Realms!"

Winter Realms was a less weather dependent "Wintertainment Destination" with light shows, an ice skating rink, igloos, sculpture park and Santa's Village during the holiday season.

Popular Winter Lake George Attractions Not Returning in 2024

We should have seen the writing on the ice...

It looks as though Winter Realms a production by Ice Castles will not be returning to Lake George in 2024. It was announced back in June of 2024. The East Coast Operations Director for Ice Castles, Brad Buehlhorn told News 10 "Our experience in Lake George has been wonderful. We definitely want to go back."

With that being said there were a few factors that went into closing Winter Realms including mild winter weather.

On their website they write "We’re currently closed. Thank you so much for joining us this last season!"

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New Channel 13 adds that Lake George Winter's Dream will be also be closing this season. Lake George Mayor Ray Perry told News Channel 13 that the event will be "paused" this year.

Mayor Perry added "The number one question people ask me is what’s going to go on this winter, and also the number one suggestion is an ice skating rink."

In conclusion, that means in all 3 Lake George winter attractions will not be returning: Ice Castles, Winter Realms and Winter's Dream.

Relive The Magic of The Lake George Ice Castles Through Photos

If you missed your chance to see the Lake George Ice Castles you can visit them at their other locations in Colorado, Utah, Minnesota, and the closest to us New Hampshire.

But if an out of town vacation isn't in your future, take a look at some of the Ice Castle creations of years past:

Drone Captures Images of the Breathtaking Lake George Ice Castles

Many in our area are excited for another season in the Adirondacks and the Lake George Ice Castles. Set to open for the season later this Winter, this year's exhibit

the Ice Castles will be expanded and enhanced in year two, and some of the significant additions include, an ice bar, whimsical winter characters for meet-and-greets, and new light features according to Town officials.

This magical display debuted last winter in the ADKs and is set to open later this year, and weather permitting, it will run through the entire 2023 Winter Season.

Check out these spectacular drone photos taken above the Lake George Ice Castles by the Adirondack Drone Company in Crowne Point. These images were taken last winter and showcase the sheer, sparkling beauty of these icy gems - quickly becoming one of Upstate's most-beloved attractions.

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM

Magical Ice Castles Return to Lake George in 2023

Lake George will transform from an Adirondack town to a magical frozen village filled with castles, slides, and even a bar made of ice! Grab your coats, and mittens and chill with the family in Lake George this winter!