The annual Lake Chelan Winterfest is a 9-day event featuring various outdoor attractions and a spectacular fireworks display. This much beloved winter festival will take place from January 14-23, 2022.
Start off the new year with an abundance of fun-filled winter activities amid a backdrop of beautiful snow-capped hilltops and the captivating night sky.
Event highlights
Ice Sculptures
Every year, hobbyists and seasoned sculptors create stunning ice sculptures for display throughout the Lake Chelan Valley. Ranging from ice-carved thrones to fire towers made of ice and more intricate designs, these works of art are truly stunning.
Event organizers will then select the best sculptures, with visitors having the chance to vote on who they think should win the competition.
Beer and wine tasting
Dozens of breweries and wineries flank both sides of the picturesque Lake Chelan Valley. Lake Chelan Winterfest is the perfect avenue for these establishments to showcase their finest drinks.
While residents can enjoy these award-winning refreshments all year round, the festival is a great opportunity to showcase rare beers and wines that residents and visitors have yet to discover.
Special discounts from restaurants and shops
To really make the most of the festival, visitors and residents can order >special winterfest-themed buttons that are for sale online for $5. You can pick them up at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce on 216 East, Woodin Avenue.
These buttons grant you special discounts from select establishments participating in the Lake Chelan Winterfest, such as:
- Even Keel Roadhouse ($5 off on all pizzas and $1 off on all beverages)
- Siren Song Winery and Restaurant (Buy one get one dessert and/or 15% off on wine bottles)
- POSH Boutique (20% off on clothing, scarves, hats, and gloves)
- Lake Chelan Sports (20% discount on a purchase of $100 or more)
Polar Bear Splash
Visitors can test their mettle in the Polar Bear Splash by taking a short dip into the ice-cold waters of Lake Chelan. There’s often a good amount of competitive spirit with participants seeing who can stay submerged in the water for the longest period of time. If you do try, do keep safe.
Bonfire, live music, and fireworks show
Towards the end of the winterfest, there’ll be a large beach bonfire held by the lake. It’s a spectacular sight and locals and visitors look forward to this huge bonfire every year.
Live music can be heard throughout the valley throughout the duration of festivities as well. Lastly, fireworks launch from Don Morse Park and Downtown Manson to signal the start and end of the entire event.
Reminders before attending Lake Chelan Winterfest
- Most of the festivities will be held outdoors. Temperatures usually range from the low 20s to mid 30s so be sure to come in your most comfortable winter attire.
- If you and the family are participating in the Polar Bear Splash, avoid staying too long in the water. To prevent hypothermia, it’s highly recommended that you shouldn’t spend more than three minutes in ice-cold waters.
- In case you lose track of some of your belongings while attending the festival, you can visit the lost and found section at the Chamber of Commerce
Discover more of Lake Chelan, Washington
There’s more in store for you in Lake Chelan beyond winter festivities. With knowledgeable Realtors by your side, you can explore your real estate options in this breathtaking community. You can contact our team at Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties to learn more. Call 509.682.7777 or email Info(at)cbchelan(dotted)com.