The traditional New York winter may be cold, but visitors and locals sure are mighty! Every year, guests bundle up with hats, scarves, mittens, and down jackets before braving the tundra for the popular Chautauqua County events. While there are a plethora of winter activities to experience, our team here at Spencer Hotel and Spa particularly enjoys the Mayville Ice Castle Festival, Fire and Ice Celebration, and WinterFest.
Mayville Ice Castle Festival
Annual February Event
Located along the coast of Chautauqua Lake in Western New York, the Mayville Ice Castle Festival booms with excitement. Children and adults alike enjoy the polar bear swim event, ice skating on the lake, horse-drawn sleigh rides, chili cook-off, snowmobile rides, and more! However, the main attraction at the festival is the larger-than-life ice castle. Each ice brick is made by cutting frozen blocks of ice from Chautauqua Lake. The blocks are then crane lifted onto land for the construction to begin. Every year, the size and structure of the ice castle change a little bit. However, the very first Mayville ice castle’s tallest point was 25 feet tall. That’s even taller than a giraffe!
Fire and Ice Celebration
Annual February Event
The Fire and Ice Celebration is one of the top Chautauqua Lake things to do. Over 20,000 pounds of ice are carved, pecked, and shaved into dream-like sculptures. The ice sculptors have even made martini luges and bars from ice blocks! After watching the ice sculpting show, head inside to warm up with a hot plate of comfort food. Don’t get too cozy, because the Fire and Ice Celebration finishes the evening with Chautauqua concerts, fireworks, games, and more.
Winterfest
Annual January Event
For another fun-filled day full of winteresque activities, check out WinterFest! Located in Bemus Point, New York, WinterFest takes place right off of the trail near Beavers Point Golf Club. Visitors may enter Winterfest by snowmobiling or driving into the event. Expect to see musical performances, several vendors, and exciting displays. All proceeds from WinterFest are donated to various snowmobile clubs in Chautauqua County, which keep our local 400 miles of trails looking fresh.
Spencer Hotel and Spa
Winter in New York is the most beautiful time of the year—which is why guests go to great lengths to vacation at The Spencer Hotel and Spa. Our cozy, year-round hotel is located near the countless things to do on Chautauqua Lake, including Mayville Ice Castle Festival, Fire and Ice Celebration, and Winterfest. Each year, our team eagerly awaits the arrival of these popular winter Chautauqua events. We hope you’ll join us this year, we’re confident you will have an unforgettable time! Check out our luxurious suites and rooms and book your winter getaway today!