Your Guide to Winterfest 2023
Nestled among the snow-capped hilltops and glacier fed waters, Lake Chelan is the perfect place to experience Washington’s Winter Wonderland. It’s that special time of year again, Lake Chelan Winterfest! The first weekend kicks off in Chelan on January 13th with the second weekend to follow in Manson on January 20th. We’re planned so many fun activities and events both for the young and the young at heart and we’re excited to share them with you!
kids fun zone
It is our top priority that you can bring your kids to Winterfest to enjoy a weekend full of fun. From apple bin rides to our famous ice slide, we guarantee your children will delight in all the wintry entertainment. The first weekend in Chelan brings indoor kids activities hosted by the Historic Downtown Chelan Association, as well as live ice sculptures sure to entertain! The second weekend in Manson continues with face painting, a kids ice cave, and even meeting Elsa and Olaf! And last but not least, don’t forget to participate in the Find Tsilly Scavenger Hunt. Tsilly (pronounced ‘chill-ee’) is our tricky Lake Chelan “monster” who visits many local businesses throughout the Lake Chelan community. Those who spot him can even win prizes!
Family-Friendly Events
Lake Chelan Winterfest has more than just fun for kids– we’ve put together activities that are fun for the whole family. Jam out to live music on the Wapato Point Resort Stage all weekend long, enjoy the live ice carving throughout town, and be sure not to miss the street market! The highlight of each Winterfest weekend is the Polar Bear Plunge and fireworks. Take a splash in the January waters of Lake Chelan and then warm up by the fire built out of old Christmas trees. This is a bucket list item you’ll want to experience!
Wine, Bubbles, and Bloodys… oh my!
Don’t worry 21+ Winterfesters, we’ve got a full itinerary of activities you’ll get to experience as well. The Ice Bar sponsored by North Cascades Bank, is around both weekends, with Bloody Marys from the Bloody Good Co. featured Saturdays 12pm-2pm. You will not want to miss the Winterfest Wine Walk this year either. What more could you want than wine tasting in snowy downtown Chelan? This quintessential Winterfest experience gives you a chance to taste the award-winning wine being produced in the Lake Chelan Valley, featuring some of the newest wineries in the valley! Stroll through the downtown boutiques as you chat with the winemakers and team while tasting their select choice of wines. Cap the weekend off with our Sunday Bubble Brunch. Sip on a showcase of bubbles produced in the Lake Chelan Valley, savor a catered brunch from Even Keel Roadhouse, and learn a little about the sparkling wine produced here in Lake Chelan.
Don’t Forget Your Winterfest Button!
Last but not least, don’t forget to buy your Winterfest button for 2023. These buttons are your all-access pass to enjoying Winterfest! With your button, breeze on through to all the Kids Activities, access to the Ice Bar (not including drink tickets), and dozens of incredible offers at shops and wineries all around the lake! Check out the complete Winterfest schedule for more details. We look forward to seeing you in our small-town winter wonderland soon!