’Tis the Season …. for snowy days, cozy nights by the fire and a slew of fun festivals that remind us that we can still get outside in the winter. From the stunning Chinese Lunar New Year Parade & Festival to the classic Lake George Winter Carnival, the entire state is full of fun events for the whole family. So, whether your Amtrak getaway starts out at the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York City, or you are coming from Buffalo or the Finger Lakes, you can find fun throughout the empire state.
New York City
February 24
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station (NYP): 2.8 miles
One iconic New York City winter event not to be missed is the colorful Lunar New Year Parade and Festival held in Manhattan’s Chinatown. In 2024—the Year of the Wood Dragon—Chinese New Year’s celebrations start on February 10 and continue until February 28.
The holiday parade, which is being held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Mott and Canal streets, heads to East Broadway towards the Manhattan Bridge and ends next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Visitors can enjoy the dancers with multicolored costumes and giant dragons which march with the rhythm of cymbals and drums. More than 200 restaurants offer up their best cuisine.
Croton-on-Hudson
February 3
Distance from the Croton-Harmon Station (CRT): 0.6 miles
For a truly unique celebration, check out the 20th Annual Hudson River EagleFest. The all-day program, held at Croton Point Park on February 3 from 9 am —4:00 pm, will include thrilling live bird shows spotlighting birds of prey, bird walks where you can view eagles through spotting scopes, heated tents filled with educational displays and exhibits, crafts and games for children, food trucks, and more!
In January and February the bald eagles migrate north for nesting in mid-March. The open waters of the lower Hudson River are a great spot to see our national bird—and other birds— in flight!
Through March 3, 2024
Distance from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Station (FED): 18 miles
Lake George is, without a doubt, one of New York’s most popular getaway destinations. With its close proximity to the Adirondack Mountains, water parks, Six Flags Great Escape and plenty of other exciting summer activities, it’s no surprise that so many of us venture there in the warmer weather.
But Lake George is also hopping in the winter. This year, the all-new Winter Realms will offer that magic that Ice Castles captured in the last two years, but it will be more weather resilience. Delight in the radiance of the Northern Lights as you and your family take in this immersive winter wonderland, specifically designed to evoke the wonder and magic of the season. The attraction will take place at Charles R. Wood Park, in the same place that Ice Castles was housed. It will also be close to the new Lake George Winter’s Dream, an all-new winter experience at the Fort William Henry Historic Fortress that combines lights, sounds, and music. Visitors should allow between 45 and 90 minutes to walk through this attraction.
Pricing: Off Peak: $17 adults; $14 for children 4 to 11.
Peak: $20 adults; $15 for children 4 to 11.
Kids under 4 are free. Buy tickets here.
Distance from Saratoga Springs Station (SAR): Approximately 1.5 miles from various Downtown Saratoga Springs locations
The cold weather of the winter season calls for warm soup and chowder. The 25th Annual Saratoga ChowderFest, hosted by Discover Saratoga, is the perfect way to support local businesses and treat yourself to delicious meals this winter.
This Saratoga classic will take place Saturday, February 10, 2024, and will run all day from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saratoga Chowderfest is a soup and chowder lover’s dream with plenty of hearty options to consume throughout the day. Unlike the other events on this list, this festival is held at various locations. Look forward to savoring 4 oz. servings of the finest chowders from more than 80 different restaurants and caterers for just $2 each. Enjoy some live music downtown, check out fun kids’ activities, and shop for collectible shirts and hats.
Chowder lovers, get your soup spoons, or small spoons. It’s time to get your chowder on!
Through March 3, 2024
Distance from Fort Edward-Glens Falls (FED): 18 miles
If you need more convincing to visit Lake George this winter, the Lake George Winter Carnival is back for its 62nd year in 2024. The carnival runs every weekend in February and is a fan favorite with locals.
Throughout the duration of the carnival, there are plenty of tournaments, cook-offs, games and activities for families to enjoy. Visitors can expect s’mores and hot chocolate on the beach every Saturday night of February. Kids can participate in children’s activities, go for a pony ride, and sip hot chocolate. And that’s just a sample; there’s so much fun for everyone. Be sure to stick around later for a wonderful fireworks display. I accidentally saw it in person while visiting the area and it was gorgeous! In addition to these great activities, you can attend a Make Your Own ice cream sundae each Sunday.
So, whether you decide to come one weekend in February and experience both the Ice Castles and the Winter Carnival, or just the Carnival, there are plenty of winter festivities to help enjoy the beauty of winter and the cold weather.
February 2-4
Distance from the Syracuse Station (SYR): TK MILES
The Syracuse Winter Fair returns to the Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds for three days this February. Food and rides typically enjoyed during the summer will be available and there will also be live entertainment.
This year, the winter fair is partnering with Legend Athletics to bring special panels and ‘meet and greets’ with former Syracuse athletes, like former basketball player John Wallace and football player Robert Drummond.
Other highlights include an Irish dance competition, the Six Nations Native American dancers and African drumming from the Adanfo African Ensemble.
Advanced tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. At the door tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under are free.
Parking for the fair is free.
