Photos by Kacey O'Brien
Winter in New York can be frigid. The subzero temperatures keep some people inside, warming their hands in front of the fire and missing out on the wonder of the season. Others embrace the cold, bundling up in heavy coats and thick gloves, to gather around the coolest ice bars in the region.
What is an ice bar?
Using saws and chisels, master artisans sculpt bars made entirely of ice. These flawless and intricate creations become the centerpieces of fancy lounges and local watering holes throughout the Lake George Area. The first ice bars are carved in January, but the ice bar season really hits its stride in February. Groups gather to achieve that warm, winter glow by sipping chilled drinks that are mixed, poured, and served at these frozen wonders.
The ice bar phenomenon has hit the Lake George Area! Do some ice bar hopping in the Lake George Area, and make sure to watch our ice bar video on YouTube to get a taste of the experience beforehand!
Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge
Date(s): January 19 & 20, January 26 & 27, 2024
The Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge, the swankiest rendition of the ice bar, is held at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing. Sip handcrafted drinks served over the exquisitely sculpted bar while admiring views of Dome Island and the Narrows. This year’s theme is the wild, whimsy world of the Big Top! Don your furs and fedoras, or should we say top hats and tailcoats, to pose for photo ops with the interactive sculptures. You can expect all sorts of circus-themed carvings, frosty cocktails with names like the “Snow Shoe”, "Old Man Winter”, and "Nor'easter", as well as igloos to rent for private gatherings at one of the “hottest and coolest” places in the Lake George Area.
Click here to purchase tickets or call The Sagamore Resort at (518) 644-9400.
Funky Ice Fest
Date(s): January 19 & 20, January 26 & 27, 2024
Funky Ice Fest is an all-out, groovy ice festival held annually at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery in the Lake George Village. There's no doubt that you're walking into a winter-themed party – there is ice everywhere! Sculptures at the event in prior years have included a frozen beer pong table, a playable piano, and several ice bars serving frosty drinks. Handcrafted drinks made from local spirits and ADK Brewery beers pair nicely with food specials to round out the evening, while the BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl) policy guarantees you will be dancing late into the night. This is a can’t-miss family-friendly event!
Polar Ice Bar
Date(s): January 19, 20, & 21, 2024
The Polar Ice Bar at the Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center is a great opportunity to sip a drink and admire a miles-long view of Lake George from its southern basin. The hotel’s combination of historic significance and breathtaking views make it the perfect location for an ice bar. And, this year’s will take place at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge. Carvings will include the full-service ice bar, as well as artistic ice sculptures. Settle in near a crackling fire pit to enjoy specialty drinks, a warm meal, and live music!
The Gem Ice Bar
Date(s): January 19 & 20, January 26 & 27, 2024
Come check out one of the newest ice bars in the Lake George Area! The Gem Ice Bar (returning for its second season!) will have a “northern winter wonderland” theme. An après ski happy hour and toasty snacks will be on the menu. Unique to this ice lounge is a live ice diamond carving. While you’re here, we highly recommend booking a table at The Gem, which has a modern, yet sophisticated, mountain atmosphere and a delicious menu to match.
The Lagoon Ice Bar
Date(s): January 19, 20, & 21; and every Saturday & Sunday through February 25, 2024
‘Tis the season for freezin’! Belly up to The Lagoon Ice Bar – the only ice bar that will be open every weekend in February during the entirety of the Lake George Winter Carnival festivities that include children’s activities, cook offs, contests, and more. Gather your roughest, toughest crew and register for the outhouse races – officially sponsored and hosted by The Lagoon. Or, just chill out and take part in a frozen cornhole competition with a cocktail or craft beer in hand. This is also a great location to watch the Winter Carnival fireworks on Saturdays!
