Our Top Five Favorites for Winterfest

It’s our favorite time of the season; Winterfest! The Lake Chelan Valley is the perfect place to celebrate winter with a picturesque backdrop of snow-covered mountains, lake views, and small-town charm. As Winterfest approaches, we’ve highlighted a few of our very favorite activities to plan for while you attend the festival!

Apple Bin Train Rides

Toot Toot! Take a tour of downtown Chelan with the little ones in your life when you catch an Apple Bin Train! Apples have had a long-standing history of importance here in Lake Chelan, so it’s only fitting that you take a ride in one during our biggest event of the year!

Vendor’s Alley

Located between The Landing and Campbell’s Resort on E Woodin Ave downtown Chelan is Vendor’s Alley. This is a family-friendly one-stop-shop for local Chelan favorites, filled with booths from local businesses!

Finding Tsilly

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 enter to win a Grand Prize! Visit the local businesses to see where Tsilly might be hiding!

Ice Sculptures

Intricate sculptures in a Wine, Food, and Fun theme will be placed throughout the Lake Chelan Valley during Winterfest. Also, catch a live ice sculpture carving on Saturday, January 15, sponsored by the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce.

Polar Bear Plunge and Fireworks

One of the most iconic events during Winterfest is its annual Polar Bear Plunge! Designed for only the bravest of participates, the Polar Bear Plunge entails jumping into the icy cold waters of Lake Chelan at Don Morse Park. But, don’t worry; there will be an enormous bonfire on the beach to keep you warm after! The plunge and bonfire begin at 6pm and are immediately followed by a spectacular firework show at 6:30pm!

The Lighting of the Flaming Ice Tower

You can’t miss the enigmatic lighting of the flaming ice tower sponsored by Mountain View Lodge on January 22. Watch as the sharp contrast of the hot flame makes its way up the transparent ice sculpture downtown Manson after the fireworks!

While we’ve highlighted only a few of our favorite things to do in the valley during Winterfest, there are countless other activities taking place two weekends in a row! Don’t forget to purchase a Winterfest Button to gain entrance and discounts at participating businesses.