New York State is putting winter travel front and center. A new I LOVE NY announcement highlights events across all 11 vacation regions, from Olympic celebrations in Lake Placid to holiday villages in Rochester.
I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi says, “Winter in New York State is where excitement meets relaxation. Every region offers something extraordinary, from world‑class ski destinations and luxurious new hotels to charming small towns and unique seasonal events that warm the soul.”
For travelers, winter means more than snow sports. This season brings pride weekends, solstice strolls, fire‑and‑ice festivals, and centennial celebrations, each showcasing New York’s mix of tradition and creativity.
Here are nine winter event highlights across New York State, each offering a festive way to celebrate the season.
1. Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend
The Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend brings community, winter sports, and inclusion to Lake Placid from February 27 to March 1. The three‑day celebration opens with a gala in the village, followed by ski and skate adventures at Whiteface Mountain and the Olympic Oval.
Guests can join energetic après‑ski parties and explore immersive exhibits at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, all set against one of New York’s most iconic winter backdrops.
2. Catskills Pride Ski Weekend
TheCatskills Pride Ski Weekend returns January 31–February 1to Belleayre Mountain. Guests take part in group lessons and guided runs before joining the colorful “Pride Glide” down the slopes.
Evenings bring après‑ski gatherings and themed parties, while local dining adds the Catskills’ flavor to the celebration.
3. International Biathlon Union Cup
The International Biathlon Union Cupdebuts at Lake Placid’s Mt. Van Hovenberg for two weekends in 2026. Races run February 26–March 1with sprint, pursuit, and individual events.
Competition picks up again March 4–8with sprint, pursuit, and mixed relays. It’s the only IBU Cup stop outside Europe in the 2025–26 season.
4. Lake Placid Winter Olympic Celebration
The Lake Placid Winter Olympic Celebration runs February 5–22. Enjoy nightly illuminations and a live medal tracker as you celebrate the games. The opening ceremony features a parade of athletes and a countdown to the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Explore exhibits, interactive displays, and athlete showcases at the Olympic Museum. Visitors can also join themed skating nights, try the Team USA jersey experience, and meet Olympians at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval.
5. Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll
The Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll takes place December 21from 4–8 p.m. in the Village of Catskill. Main and Bridge Streets close to traffic, creating a pedestrian‑only route with twinkling lights, holiday shops, and local dining.
Live music and warm refreshments set the tone for community gatherings on the year’s longest night.
6. Fire & Ice Winter Festival
On February 21–22, Downtown Canandaigua hosts the 10th annual Fire & Ice Winter Festival. Highlights include professional ice carving and speed carving contests, fire shows, snow sculpting, and dog sled demonstrations.
Visitors can also enjoy winter animal encounters, fire‑building competitions, the Annual Chefs’ Challenge, and the Comfort in a Cup beverage trail.
7. ROC Holiday Village
The ROC Holiday Villageruns December 5–28in downtown Rochester. Free outdoor ice skating, artisan vendors, and fire pits create a festive setting.
Families can explore the Winter Igloo Village, join story‑time and crafts, hear live music, and visit Santa’s Workshop. The Lodge Bar and food trucks round out the experience with seasonal drinks and comfort fare.
8. LEGOLAND New York Holiday Bricktacular
LEGOLAND New York Holiday Bricktacular runs November 28–January 3 in the Hudson Valley. Highlights include dazzling lights, festive shows, and exclusive holiday builds across five themed zones.
On December 6, the Tree Lighting Ceremony unveils a 35‑foot LEGO tree built from more than 364,000 bricks, with special guests from LEGO Masters Season 5. Families can enjoy meet‑and‑greets with LEGO Santa, seasonal treats, synthetic Glice skating, and holiday‑themed shows.
9. Radio City Rockettes Centennial Spectacular
The Radio City Rockettes Centennial Spectacularmarks the troupe’s 100th anniversary in 2025. The show’s milestone edition runs November 6–January 5at Radio City Music Hall.
Special activations, archival displays, exclusive merchandise, and a refreshed show highlight this year’s commemoration as the Rockettes continue their holiday tradition in New York City.
Across the state, communities mark the season with festivals, shows, and outdoor traditions. From city streets to mountain towns, New York offers many ways to enjoy winter together.
