Experience the Magic of Lake Chelan Winterfest 2025
Experience the Magic of Lake Chelan Winterfest 2025
By Jennifer Coleman | Photos Courtesy of Lake Chelan Winterfest
There’s something about the combination of fire and ice that’s magnetic. Gathering around a fire on a snowy winter night keeps the dark at bay and warms both body and soul. Lake Chelan Winterfest has mastered that magical combo of fire and ice, welcoming the New Year with a two-weekend-long celebration that encompasses the town of Chelan, nearby Manson, and the many wineries along the shores of Lake Chelan. 2025 Lake Chelan Winterfest takes place January 17-26, 2025, and promises to be a party that brings light and levity to winter’s darkest days.
This year’s Winterfest brings back favorite traditions and introduces new surprises, including spectacular ice sculptures, dazzling fireworks, and lively music performances. The festive energy of Winterfest brings visitors out, bundled up and ready to enjoy themselves while sampling the best of the Lake Chelan region throughout both weekends.
Mike Steele, Executive Director, shared his enthusiasm: “Winterfest captures the magic of winter in the Lake Chelan Valley with its unique blend of adventure, artistry, and community spirit. We’re excited to once again bring an economic boost to our local businesses during a usually slower time of year.”
Tickets and VIP packages are available now, with special options tailored for families, couples, and groups. Early booking is highly recommended, as accommodations fill up quickly during the Winterfest weekends.
Highlights of Winterfest 2025
Highlights of Winterfest 2025
Highlights of Winterfest 2025
Ice Weekend in Chelan: January 17-19
· The Famous Ice Bar: Experience the thrill of sipping craft beverages at a bar made entirely of ice, complete with fire pits and live music to set the vibe.
· Ice Sculptures & Carvings: Stroll through the town and marvel at stunning ice masterpieces crafted live by expert sculptors.
· Fireworks, Beach Bonfire & Polar Bear Plunge: Brave the cold with a plunge into Lake Chelan, then warm up by Washington’s largest beach bonfire made from local Christmas trees. Cap the evening with a mesmerizing fireworks display over Don Morse Park.
· Wine Walk: Enjoy 10 tastings, a commemorative glass, and a Winterfest Button as you explore boutiques, meet winemakers, and savor local wines and ciders.
· Build-A-Snowman Stroll: A new activity for 2025! Collect snowman pieces around town and assemble your frosty friend at the end of the route.
Fire Weekend in Manson: January 24-26
· Fire Bar: Warm up with friends over adult beverages and great music at the Winterfest Fire Bar in downtown Manson.
· Flames of Intention: Participate in this meaningful ceremony by the fire, setting your intentions for the year ahead.
· Live Music: Enjoy live performances that will keep the energy high throughout the weekend.
· Vendor Market: Explore a variety of local vendors offering unique crafts and treats.
· Fireworks Show: End the weekend with a dazzling fireworks display over Manson Bay.
· Bubble Brunch: The perfect way to wrap up both weekends of Winterfest. Enjoy unlimited bubbles, a catered brunch by Apple Cup Cafe, and learn about the sparkling wine produced in Lake Chelan at the brand-new Cider Press in Manson.
· Find Tsilly Scavenger Hunt: Join the fun in this annual hunt for Tsilly in supporting businesses, with a grand prize for one lucky participant.
Winterfest unofficially lasts all winter long in Chelan. There’s skiing and tubing at Echo Valley, a small ski hill with a rope tow, ski rentals and concessions. Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area has 25 miles of groomed trails for single track skiers, skate skiers and snow shoeing. Some local wineries even host sledding parties. A winter visit to Chelan is also a good way to beat summer crowds and high season summer prices. And Lake Chelan is stunning when it’s decorated with snow. “Wintertime in Lake Chelan is just spectacular,” said Steele.
Winterfest tickets and All-Weekend Passes are available now at lakechelanwinterfest.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic winter celebration…winter is calling—and Winterfest is the perfect answer!
Discover a Washington Original! Only in Lake Chelan will you ?nd four seasons of wine, over 300 days of sunshine, stunning natural beauty and adventures that you can tune to your own tastes. 50.5 miles of crystal clear, glacier-fed lake, surrounded by vineyards, mountains and small-town charm promise an array of activities year-round. For more information on visiting Lake Chelan, check out www.lakechelan.com