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2025 Lakeside Winter Celebration

Social graphic for the 2025 Lakeside Winter Celebration.

Event Details

The Lakeside Winter Celebration is an annual event at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, New York, now in its 39th year. This winter tradition offers an exciting lineup of activities for all ages and showcases the beauty and vibrancy of Rochester during the colder months.

Spanning two days, the celebration features a Saturday with ice and snow sculpture demonstrations, a snow sculpture contest, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live music, a Chilly Chili Challenge, skating on a synthetic ice skating rink, children’s winter-themed activities, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Genesee River at 6:15 p.m. Attendees can enjoy delicious food, hot beverages, and a variety of vendor offerings while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Sunday’s focus is the Polar Plunge (12 p.m. start), where daring participants dive into the icy waters of Lake Ontario to support Special Olympics New York. Whether participating in the plunge yourself or watching the participants rush into the lake in their creative costumes, the Polar Plunge is always an inspiring and entertaining experience!

With free admission and something for everyone, the Lakeside Winter Celebration is the perfect way to embrace the season and connect with the Rochester community.

Event highlights

Saturday, February 1 (12 - 4 p.m.)

  • Ice and snow sculpture demonstrations
  • Open snow sculpture contest (Note: contestants can arrive as early as 9 a.m. to register and begin their creations; judging is at 2 p.m.) 
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides
  • Chilly Chili Challenge
  • Live music
  • Food and beverage vendors
  • Synthetic ice skating rink
    (Bring your skates and glide on the county-operated rink!)
  • Children's activities
  • Fireworks at 6:15 p.m. 

Learn more: 39th annual Lakeside Winter Celebration

Sunday, February 2 (12 - 2 p.m.)

Polar Plunge

  • Join or cheer on participants as they brave the icy waters of Lake Ontario to raise funds for Special Olympics New York. The plunge begins at 12 p.m.

Learn more: Polar Plunge

Amateur snow sculpture contest

  • Open to everyone! Kids, teens, adults, families, organizations, school groups, etc.
  • Free entry but registration is required between 9-11 a.m. inside the festival tent at Ontario Beach Park — look for the sign and the big pro sand sculpture! 
  • Contest starts at 9 a.m. Build a sculpture of your own design. 
  • Sculptures must be completed by 2 p.m. 
  • Winners will be notified by email. 
  • Gift Card Prizes: 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $25
 

Admission: Free

Contact

Additional information

  • Chilly Chili Challenge Participation: If you're interested in entering as a chili chef, please contact Jaime Gardner at jme.lyn.g@hotmail.com.
     
  • If you/your group are interested in entering the open Snow Sculpture Contest, you can arrive as early as 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 to register and begin sculpting! 
     
  • Vendor Opportunities: For art, craft, or merchandise vending, or to become a sponsoring commercial exhibitor, please contact Jaime Gardner at jme.lyn.g@hotmail.com.