Winterfest Ice Weekend brings frosty enjoyable to Chelan

Visiting Lake Chelan in January seems like stepping right into a snow globe — crisp air, twinkling lights, and that unmistakable small-town heat that makes winter in Washington really feel enchanted.

Lake Chelan Winterfest options back-to-back weekends full of enjoyable and parts of ice and hearth. The competition’s Ice Weekend transforms historic downtown Chelan right into a glowing playground of ice artwork, reside music, native flavors, and wintertime enjoyable.

This 12 months’s three-day celebration delivered the proper mix of cozy and electrical, proving as soon as once more why Winterfest is likely one of the Northwest’s most beloved winter traditions.

A Weekend Filled with Frosty Adventures

The second you hit Woodin Avenue, Winterfest sweeps you up in its vitality. Ice sculptures shimmer between storefronts, competition wanderers sip steaming cocoa, and reside music from the Ice Bar spills into the streets.

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers joined the beloved Find Tsilly Scavenger Hunt—a playful search by downtown outlets and streets that has turn into a signature Winterfest custom.

The snow slide was additionally a most important attraction that stuffed the streets with laughter because the ice slide despatched youngsters (and loads of adventurous adults) zipping down the icy monitor, including nonstop pleasure to the winter wonderland.

The Ice Bar: Winterfest’s Frosty Heartbeat

Friday kicked issues off with the primary night of the Ice Bar —a glowing, carved-from-ice lounge that immediately turned the place to be. Illuminated ice blocks, grownup drinks, and a rotating lineup of reside performances stored the vitality excessive as guests gathered, mingled, and soaked within the winter magic. As the music carried festivalgoers from golden afternoon gentle into the glowing night chill, the Ice Bar pulsed because the social heart of the whole weekend.

Saturday Big Moments: Fireworks, Plunges, and Wine Walks

Saturday introduced the total lineup of Ice Weekend magic. Visitors watched reside ice carving on the nook of Woodin and Emerson, browsed the Vendor Market, and hopped aboard nostalgic apple bin rides that provided a uniquely Chelan option to tour the competition scene.

Families might cease by cookie adorning, teen craft actions, and Frosty’s Winter Trail, whereas wine lovers made their method by the favored Wine Walk, full with a bottle store for take-home favorites.

Winterfest is understood for its spectacle, and Saturday night time delivered. The courageous (or maybe the boldest) took on the Polar Bear Plunge, diving into the icy lake to the cheers of bundled-up crowds.

Moments later, because the bonfires glowed, the sky erupted in coloration in the course of the Firework Display at Don Morse Park, reflecting off the lake in a stunning winter gentle present.

For those that want their thrills indoors, Rotten Apple’s stand-up comedy reveals provided two nights of laughter and heat — an ideal counterbalance to the chilly out of doors enjoyable.

Sunday’s Sweet Sendoff

Ice Weekend wrapped with a comfortable Sunday lineup: the Bubble Brunch at Cider Press, a family-friendly Cocoa Crawl, and one final spherical of Ice Bar music. It was the perfect option to wind down — heat drinks, native bites, and a last stroll by Chelan’s frosty downtown earlier than heading dwelling.

Where to Stay and Eat

Chelan makes it straightforward to show Winterfest right into a full weekend getaway. Visitors can select from lakeside resorts, boutique inns, and family-friendly trip leases, lots of that are highlighted on Lake Chelan’s accommodations page. Staying near downtown means that you can park your automotive and stroll to most Ice Weekend actions, with lodging close to the lake additionally providing peaceable morning views earlier than the festivities start.

When it involves meals, Chelan’s dining scene shines in winter. Warm up with wood-fired pizza, cozy pub fare, or a glass of native wine paired with seasonal small plates. One of our favourite dinners was on the elegant Tsillan Cellars, the meals and heat ambiance was unforgettable. In Chelan, many tasting rooms and eating places provide Winterfest specials, making it straightforward to sip and snack your method by the weekend.

And the Fire Is Still to Come

Ice Weekend could also be wrapped, however Winterfest is way from completed. Next up is Fire Weekend in Manson, taking place January 23–25. This upcoming weekend is a fiery celebration that brings its personal type of winter magic. Festivalgoers can sit up for glowing bonfires, extra reside music, wine and cider occasions, and the signature Fire Bar, which turns the lakeshore right into a heat, radiant gathering place.

If Ice Weekend is all sparkle and frost, Fire Weekend is its brilliant, crackling counterpart. Together, these two celebrations make Winterfest considered one of Washington’s most magical winter traditions!

Carolyn Sellar is a contract author for Seattle Refined, specializing within the meals & beverage scene and community-focused occasions. Follow more of her work here.