Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

by | Jan 11, 2023 | Events, Winter

Winterfest 2023 firework display in Lake Chelan

If you’re looking for an exciting way to kick off the New Year, then come join us in beautiful Lake Chelan for Winterfest 2023!

That’s right, Lake Chelan Winterfest 2023 is back again for another magical winter season full of fun events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. This unique and vibrant winter celebration will be held from January 13 – 22, 2023 , offering nine days of festivities that include such events like the beloved ice bar, sledding, live music, the polar bear plunge, and so much more.

Be sure to reserve your stay at Mountain View Lodge and Resort today so you don’t miss a minute of this winter celebration. So grab your coat and get ready to bundle up because here’s a sneak peek at this year’s Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan.

Mountain View Lodge’s Flaming Ice Tower

Winterfest 2023 flaming ice tower display in Lake Chelan

The flaming ice tower is quite the spectacle to be witnessed. We’re so excited and honored to be sponsoring it again this year and for everyone to enjoy it in Downtown Manson during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan.

Visit Downtown Manson between January 13 – 22, 2023 where you’ll be able to experience the creation of the flaming ice tower as chunks of ice are carved out to make large ice bricks, which are then used to build the ice tower. The fun doesn’t stop there! You’ll also be able to witness these talented ice sculptures carve out engravings into the ice bricks as well, including our Mountain View Lodge and Resort logo!

Men carving out blocks of ice for Winterfest 2023

But that’s not all! Head out to Downtown Manson on January 22, 2023, where the flaming ice tower will come to life with a spectacle of flames as it melts the ice tower right before your eyes.

Ice Sculptures

Ice sculpture for Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

Are you looking for a magical and breathtaking sightseeing experience around Washington’s winter wonderland? Look no further than the fascinating ice sculptures located around Lake Chelan Valley!

Person carving out ice with a chainsaw during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

Starting January 13, 2023, witness the talented men and women at work as they turn an ordinary block of ice into a masterpiece. Then simply take a stroll through Downtown Chelan and Manson to witness the ice sculptures.

Mystery Mitten Walk

Mystery Mitten Walk during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

It seems like every year around this time, mittens tend to go missing around Lake Chelan. We are calling on you once again for your help to solve the mystery behind the mysterious missing mittens. 

Be sure to visit the Manson Visitor Center with your kids on January 21, 2023, from 12pm – 4pm and start your investigation by picking up a Mystery Mitten Walk map, one mitten, and a bag. 

The Manson Visitor center is located right on the main street, across from the Lodge, as you come into town!  You can’t miss it!  You can get your face painted there, and a photo with Elsa and Olaf, too.

Anyway, follow your treasure map to each business in the order that they’re listed, collect treats at each location, and solve the mystery of the missing mitten at the final location — The Lodge!

Happy hunting!

Ice Bar

Side view of the ice bar during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

Everyone enjoyed it so much last year, it’s coming back this year. That’s right, the beloved ice bar is back for another Winterfest year to make things that much cooler during your night on the town.

Two women sitting at the ice bar during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

Enjoy the stunning lights illuminating the brilliant craftsmanship of the ice bar as you experience the live music, events, and all the activities during Winterfest 2023 in lake Chelan.

Ice Slide

Children sliding down a slide made of ice during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

Grab your inner tube and hold on tight because this is one Winterfest activity you won’t want to miss! With its steep inclines, light-up path, and an icy breeze rushing past your face as you make your way down, it has all of the elements of a perfect winter activity. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind sled adventure!

Polar Bear Plunge

Polar bear Plunge during Winterfest 2023 in Lake Chelan

Why not take a unique plunge into the chilly waters of Lake Chelan and welcome 2023 with a splash during the Viki Downey Polar Bear Plunge?

Every year at the end of Winterfest, everyone will say farewell to this beloved celebration of winter by running into the waters of Lake Chelan and swimming around, well, like a polar bear does. In addition, it is a very important fundraiser for the Manson Community and the entire Lake Chelan Valley.  Did you know that the Manson Parks Department gives FREE swimming lessons to kids and adults all summer long?  They do!  And everyone’s welcome at BOTH the Plunge and the swim lessons.

Fire pit during the Polar Bear Plunge at Winterfest 2023

Afterward, everyone hangs out around the firepit and warms up before enjoying the remainder of Winterfest. So be sure to have your swim trunks and join us on January 22 at 1pm down at Manson Bay Park for a good old polar bear plunge in Lake Chelan.  

Fireworks Displays

fireworks display in Lake Chelan during Winterfest 2023

No celebration is complete without a magical firework display! Luckily, there are two of them that you have to look forward to during Winterfest 2023!

Join in all the fun as the sky lights up with vibrant colors on January 14th at Don Morse Park in Chelan at 6:30pm.

The second firework display will be in Manson on January 21 at Manson Bay Park at 6:30pm.

We’ll see you there!

Cool Out at The Lodge

Winterfest sign in Lake Chelan

There’s so much to look forward to during your next winter stay in Lake Chelan. Now that you know about all the amazing things you’re going to do when you visit, all that’s left to do now is to reserve your stay with us at The Lodge!

We love hosting new and returning travelers and making their stay in lake Chelan a truly magical experience.

Be sure to take a look at the deals and specials we currently have going on and check us out on Facebook and Instagram. We’re always posting about all the amazing things happening around Lake Chelan all year long!