We believe that winter is something to embrace, not just endure! That’s why for 40 years, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee has hosted a February free-admission Lakeside Winter Celebration at the brisk and bracing Great Lake Ontario shoreline!
On the Saturday of each Lakeside Winter Celebration weekend, families can enjoy ice and snow sculpture demonstrations and an open snow sculpture contest; horse-drawn sleigh rides around the park; food and beverage vendors; merchandise and arts/crafts vendors; live music in a heated tent; a Chilly Chili Challenge (that you can enter as a chili chef or participate in as a judging taster); skating in the Park’s cool synthetic ice rink; local wine and craft beer tasting; and fireworks over the Genesee River!
What’s more, attendees can enjoy specials in restaurants and pubs around the Charlotte Neighborhood.
And at high noon on the Sunday of every Lakeside Winter Celebration is the zany and inspiring Polar Plunge. during which hundreds upon hundreds of creative, charitable and hardy souls run into (and quickly out of!) the Lake to raise funds for Special Olympics New York.
Check out this gallery from the 2025 Lakeside Winter Celebration:
Big thanks to Lakeside Winter Celebration sponsors:
