Saranac Lake Gears Up for 2026 Winter Carnival with Ice Palace Construction Underway

Saranac Lake, NY – Winter in the Adirondacks got a little more magical yesterday, January 21, as community volunteers gathered for the first day of construction on the iconic Ice Palace, the centerpiece of the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. The event marks the beginning of weeks of preparation leading up to the festivals kick off in early February.

            Now in its 128th year, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is one of the oldest winter festivals in the United States, celebrating the region’s snowy season with a blend of community spirit, outdoor fun, and creative tradition. What began in 1897 as a one-day fancy dress carnival organized by the Pontiac Club to encourage outdoor activity during harsh Adirondack winters has grown into a 10-day celebration filled with parades, competitions, fireworks, and more.

            At the heart of the festivities is the breathtaking Ice Palace, a temporary structure built from thousands of blocks of ice harvested from Lake Flower. The tradition of constructing an Ice Palace dates back to 1898, when the first “Ice Fortress” was erected as a symbol of winter’s beauty and the village’s pioneering spirit. Over the decades the palace has evolved into an artistic, architectural wonder – sometimes towering up to 60 feet high and spanning significant lengths – that draws visitors from across the Northeast and beyond.

            Yesterday’s build began with volunteers cutting and transporting blocks of ice to the shorts of Lake Flower, where they will be stacked and bonded with a snow-and-water “slush” mixture that acts as the structures mortar. Modern equipment like cranes and loaders assist with heavy lifting, but much of the assembly still relies on hands-on work and the camaraderie of volunteers – a hallmark of the event that has endured for more than a century.

            As construction continues over the coming days, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by and watch the palace take shape along River Street near the Lake Flower State Boat Launch. The full Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is set to run from February 6-15, featuring the much-anticipated Ice Palace Lighting Ceremony, fireworks, parades, athletic events, and dozens of family friendly activities.