Things to Do in the Lake George Area in January

New Year, New You. And speaking of which, there’s always something fresh and exciting to do in the Lake George Area. Start the new year off right with a wide itinerary of events and activities to remember for years to come.

Whether plunging into the chilliest waters, traversing through the winter wonderland, or just simply keeping warm with an entertaining hockey game or arts exhibit, there’s something for everyone’s resolutions.

Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of January.

January Events

As the first month of the year, the Lake George Area is ready to rock, right from the get-go. Both locals and tourists can expect some spectacular festivities to set the stage for the remaining months ahead.

Below are just a few examples of events to consider attending this January.

Polar Plunge – First Day in Lake George

Location: Shepard Park

Date(s): January 1st

Time: First Wave begins at 1:00 PM

Be a part of an annual New Year’s Lake George tradition.

Since 1973, hundreds and thousands of winter enthusiasts have dipped into the freezing waters of Lake George, whether for fundraising efforts or simply for the thrill.

Afterwards, make sure you dry off, dress in cozy layers, and hit the Polar Plunge Party at Duffy’s Tavern for warm food and drinks.

*To learn more, check out our Polar Plunge event page.

Ice Bar Festivities

Location: Various

Date(s): Various

Time: -----

One of the most sought-after winter activities in the area is the beloved Ice Bars that frequent many popular venues.

Bear witness to the masterful frozen creations and centerpieces while sipping on handcrafted cocktails. These parties will light up the night with décor, entertainment, and, of course, the crowds.

Check out the Ice Bars happening at beloved locations such as the Sagamore Resort, the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, The Gem, and more.

*To learn more, check out our Ice Bars blog.

Adirondack Thunder Hockey Season

Location: Cool Insuring Arena

Date(s): Home Games on January 3rd, 10th, 11th, 12th, 25th, 26th, and 29th

Time: ------

Calling all hockey fans and newcomers alike! Get ready for hard-hitting, lightning-fast hockey action perfect for the whole family.

Playing in Glens Falls’ Cool Insuring Arena, the Adirondack Thunder, an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate of the NHL's New Jersey Devils, are ready to deliver an electrifying performance filled with lights, sights, and a dedicated fanbase to boot.

Home games in particular provide a phenomenal atmosphere with a team of beloved players to cheer for. There’s also a collection of promotional events and theme nights scattered throughout the season that you won’t want to miss.

*To learn more, check out our Adirondack Thunder blog.

**For all upcoming home games, check out our Adirondack Thunder event page.

January Activities

Regardless of snow, thousands continue to visit the Lake George Area this time of year. Whether you crave the freezing outdoors or the warm and cozy indoors, the southern gateway to the Adirondacks offers many possibilities to explore.

Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of January.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Home to three premier ski resorts – ranging from beginner trails to some of the steepest runs in the eastern part of the U.S. – the Lake George Area is proud to welcome all skiers and snowboarders to enjoy pure winter fun.

Whether you’re scaling the widely renowned summits at Gore Mountain, exploring the 35 varying trails of West Mountain, or searching for a vintage experience at Hickory Ski Center, the area is a winter athlete’s paradise.

(Fun Fact: Both Gore and West can run with artificial snow.)

*To learn more, check out our Skiing and Snowboarding page.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

If downhill thrills aren’t your forte, consider a laxer experience in Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing.

The Lake George Area is home to miles of groomed, accessible trails, all varying in length and difficulty. From the lighted trails of Cole’s Woods, to the expansive network at the North Creek Ski Bowl, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of an Adirondack winter, while also getting some terrific exercise. Bundle up, grab your gear, and hit the trails, and embark on an adventure you won't soon forget.

For snowshoeing in particular, there are plenty of local trails that are able to accommodate all skill levels. So grab your snowshoes and check out options like the Meadowbrook Preserve and the Van Dusen Preserve.

*To learn more, check out our Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing page.

**And, for more information and tips on Snowshoeing, please feel free to check out our "Snowshoeing 101" blog.

Snowmobiling

All the joys of exploring a winter wonderland, without the tiring endeavor of walking or snowshoeing.

With more than 300 miles of expertly marked, mapped, and maintained trails through the Adirondack woodlands, you’ll get to witness the great outdoors, majestically cascaded under a blanket of tours.

Book a snowmobile tour with C + C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours, explore the area’s trail systems with 1 of the 4 nearby snowmobile clubs, or discover the available options on your own.

With suitable trails for all experience levels, snowmobiling is both an exhilarating and a welcoming activity during the winter months.

*To learn more, check out our Snowmobiling page.

**For tips and regulations on Snowmobiling, check out the New York State DEC’s Snowmobiling page.

Ice Fishing

Who said you needed it to be warm to go fishing?

Ice Fishing is a unique fishing experience to behold. The frozen surface allows access to many sections of lakes and ponds that would otherwise be inaccessible without a boat, providing plenty of premier spots throughout the area.

Dress warm, find a stable setup point, and fish for local species such as chain pickerel, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and many others.

*To learn more, check out our Ice Fishing page.

**For available locations around, check out the New York State DEC’s Ice Fishing in Warren County page.

Igloo Dining

For a truly unique experience, dining with friends and family in a heated igloo is in a league of its own. Be seated in a warm and cozy dome, savor delicious food, and take in picturesque settings with a snow or winter-themed landscape as your canvas.

Partake in Igloo Dining from some of the area’s most popular restaurants, such as The Barrel, the Bolton Landing Brewing Company, Park 26 at the Queensbury Hotel, and more.

This seasonal specialty is highly regarded in the area, so trying for yourselves is certainly recommended.

*To learn more, check out our “Igloo Dining” blog.

Sleigh Rides

Enjoy an authentic horse-drawn sleigh ride as you dash through the snowy fields of the Adirondack forests at Circle B Ranch.

A team of Belgian Draft horses pushes either a smaller classic sleigh (4-7 people) or a larger group sleigh (up to 12 people) around the backwoods of Chestertown as guests are able to marvel at the majestic and relaxing scenery. After the ride is done, complimentary refreshments and a “make your own” s’mores bar are served at the ranch’s barn, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

This experience is great for the whole family, and one that will leave lasting memories.

*Reservations are required. Call (518)-494-4888 to book your ride or for more information.

Arts & Culture

If you’re an arts aficionado, then make sure to check out the theaters and museums that make themselves home in the Lake George Area. The area is a major supporter of the local arts scene and, as such, is an important facet for all trips and vacations.

From the enlightening exhibits displayed in the Hyde Collection and Chapman Museum, to the performances shown at venues like the Charles R. Wood Theater and the Tannery Pond Center, as well as various mediums and outlets in-between.

Check out these select events and shows happening during January:

*To learn more, check out our Arts & Culture page.

What to Pack

Before participating in any of the above events or activities, it’s important to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for whatever weather and/or environment you can expect to encounter.

Below are some helpful suggestions for packing for your Lake George Area trip during the month of January.

Dress Warm

Though it’s a new year, January is still just as cold as December, if not more so (especially if you’re out and about during the early morning or late-night hours). As such, an essential part of packing should be to make sure you dress warm for the chilliest of temperatures.

Besides wearing additional layers, you should also consider:

• Scarves
• Mittens and/or Gloves
• Jackets
• Long Pants
• Long Sleeves
• Sweaters
• Proper Winter Boots

Ice Safety

Though this mostly applies to the above Ice Fishing section, anyone attempting to traverse frozen Lake George, or any other body of water, should do so with extreme caution.

Check out the New York State DEC’s Ice Safety Guide for more information on safely crossing, as well as more tips and tricks in regards to Ice Fishing.

*Ice thickness can vary on a lake, so make sure you check the ice periodically.