Ice castles, light shows on pause: Is this the end of winter magic in Lake George?

Epic ice castles, colorful winter light shows, and magical frozen displays are skipping this year in one Adirondack mountain town.
For the past three years, Lake George has hosted chilly temptations like Ice Castles, Winter Realms, and Winter’s Dream, but now, all three events are on hold, partly due to unsuitable weather conditions.
Ice Castles, the company famed for constructing frosty spectacles nationwide and for two years in Upstate New York, has faced challenges in both crafting and maintaining these structures amidst rising temperatures and persistent rain, risking their structural integrity.
Their already limited run was shortened significantly in 2023 due to weather conditions.
The company pivoted to a more weather resistant attraction last season, Winter Realms. The event was complete with ice skating, lights, igloos, and a sculpture park.
Brad Buehlhorn, East Coast Operations Director for Ice Castles, told News10 that mild weather in addition to feedback from guests about Winter Realms went into their decision to take a break from New York entirely.
However, the team said their time in Upstate NY was enjoyable and they remain hopeful about returning in the future.
Winter’s Dream, a separate light and projection show produced by Moment Factory, announced last month that they would also not be returning to the area until November 2025.
This pause comes after Warren County re-invested an additional $400,000 in occupancy tax funds into the event, adding to the initial $3 million in startup costs, according to The Post Star.
Fort William Henry Hotel hosted Winter’s Dream for the first time from winter 2023-2024, but due to warm weather and rain, ended their season early.
Lake George mayor Ray Perry told News13 that he has been fielding questions about what will be in place of these lost events. Perry said the number one suggestion has been an ice skating rink.
The Post Star reported that another idea on the table is to lease lights from Albany and create a large winter village event in part of Charles R. Wood Park.
The Lake George Winter Carnival, which has been running each year since 1961, will still take place each weekend in February 2025. Lake George is also home to other winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.