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.


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. 

Sagamore Resort - IgloosSagamore Resort - Ice Sculpture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sagamore Resort - Ice Bar Wide AngleSagamore Resort - Ice Bar Close Up


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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!

Funky Ice Fest - Ice BarFunky Ice Fest - Harp

Funky Ice Fest - GuitarFunky Ice Fest - Piano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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!

Polar Ice Bar - Ice BarPolar Ice Bar - DrinksPolar Ice Bar - FWH SculpturePolar Ice Bar - Face Sculpture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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 Gem Ice Bar - Crown SculptureThe Gem Ice Bar - Ice BarThe Gem Ice Bar - ThroneThe Gem Ice Bar - Skier Sculpture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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!

The Lagoon Ice Bar - Fire PitsThe Lagoon Ice Bar - Corn Hole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lagoon Ice Bar - Ice BarThe Lagoon Ice Bar- Luge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Boats by George Ice Bar Après Ski Party

Date(s): February 17 & 18, 2024

Join Boats by George at their Route 149 Showroom for their Ice Bar Après Ski Party during the 3rd weekend of the Lake George Winter Carnival. Enjoy craft beer and spirt tastings from Adirondack Pub & Brewing and High Peaks Distilling at the custom ice bar, or snack on appetizers while strolling the showroom or standing by a cozy fire pit. Come dressed in your best après ski outfit and take part in photo ops, grab friends for the shotski, or challenge any Boats by George salesman to a friendly game of air hockey on ice tables – emerge victorious and claim a $10 gift card to the retail shop! Don’t let the opportunity to enjoy this winter celebration melt away!