Welcome to the annual
Winter Carnival Festival in McCall, Idaho
January 25, 2013 - February 3, 2013
253 days till the festival!
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Event Summary:
The McCall, Idaho Winter Carnival offers snow sculpture viewing, fireworks, parades, and a true carnival atmosphere over two weekends. The festival is always held the last weekend of January through the first weekend in February.
The McCall, Idaho Winter Carnival offers snow sculpture viewing, fireworks, parades, and a true carnival atmosphere over two weekends. The festival is always held the last weekend of January through the first weekend in February.
Location:
All around McCall, Idaho!
McCall is a popular Idaho resort town located 100 miles north of Boise. It is famous for winter activities including skiing and snowmobiling and summer activities including Payette Lake, hiking, fishing, rafting and more.
Lat: 44.910906
Long: -116.10308
More about McCall
All around McCall, Idaho!
McCall is a popular Idaho resort town located 100 miles north of Boise. It is famous for winter activities including skiing and snowmobiling and summer activities including Payette Lake, hiking, fishing, rafting and more.
Lat: 44.910906
Long: -116.10308
More about McCall
Are you going to the Carnival?
Tell your
Facebook friends on the event page here!
Lodging for this event sells out early. Call us at 1-800-844-3246 for availability at all hotels, cabins, vacation rentals and condos in McCall, New Meadows, Cascade and beyond.
For over 45 years visitors have enjoyed the spectacular snow sculptures doting the streets through out the community. They come in all shapes, sizes and themes from small to tall (over 20 feet!). At InIdaho, we love Winter Carnival because of all of the energy created by the thousands of people who come to McCall to celebrate in the middle of winter. The food vendors, parade, sculptures, events and opening and closing fireworks truly make this one of America's great festivals.
In the beginning of this local tradition, residents constructed the sculptures in front of their homes. Gradually, the sculptures moved downtown where local businesses carry on the spirit of fun and festival. Snow sculpturing has developed into an event that receives national recognition, with our teams going forward to compete in international events!
In addition to enjoying over many entrants around town, visitors take part in a two full weeks worth of activities. Most businesses, including the Activity Barn Snow Tubing Hill have extended hours. Winter Carnival in McCall is also a great time to ski Brundage since many of the visitors aren't here to ski and the mountain remains quiet despite the town being full.
We look forward to helping you plan your trip (the earlier the better), and if you are last minute give us a call because InIdaho will always know where to find the last room available.
Lodging for this event sells out early. Call us at 1-800-844-3246 for availability at all hotels, cabins, vacation rentals and condos in McCall, New Meadows, Cascade and beyond.
For over 45 years visitors have enjoyed the spectacular snow sculptures doting the streets through out the community. They come in all shapes, sizes and themes from small to tall (over 20 feet!). At InIdaho, we love Winter Carnival because of all of the energy created by the thousands of people who come to McCall to celebrate in the middle of winter. The food vendors, parade, sculptures, events and opening and closing fireworks truly make this one of America's great festivals.
In the beginning of this local tradition, residents constructed the sculptures in front of their homes. Gradually, the sculptures moved downtown where local businesses carry on the spirit of fun and festival. Snow sculpturing has developed into an event that receives national recognition, with our teams going forward to compete in international events!
In addition to enjoying over many entrants around town, visitors take part in a two full weeks worth of activities. Most businesses, including the Activity Barn Snow Tubing Hill have extended hours. Winter Carnival in McCall is also a great time to ski Brundage since many of the visitors aren't here to ski and the mountain remains quiet despite the town being full.
We look forward to helping you plan your trip (the earlier the better), and if you are last minute give us a call because InIdaho will always know where to find the last room available.
Customer discussions
about the Winter Carnival:
about the Winter Carnival:
- Sam is thinking about a long weekend starting 02/28/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Hunter is pondering an escape starting 2/3/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Elena is booking an escape starting 02/03/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Martin is pondering a holiday starting 02/04/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Najeeb is thinking about a long weekend starting :
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Mary's question about McCall Winter Carnival was answered by Mike @ InIdaho:
- Q: Who won the sculpture prize? view answer
- Vonda is requesting a much needed break starting 01/28/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Donna is securing a few days off starting 02/01/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Rob is requesting a long weekend starting 02/03/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Heather is reserving a trip starting 01/28/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Jamie is day dreaming about an escape starting 01/28/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Casey is booking a much needed break starting 02/04/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Mark is securing a long weekend starting 01/27/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Tawnya is about to book a getaway starting 02/03/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Alan is securing a much needed break starting 01/27/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Lorena's question about McCall Winter Carnival was answered by Tamara @ InIdaho:
- Q: I see there is a hockey game on Friday, January 27th. What is the ticket price? Can they be purchased at the door? view answer
- Nicole is securing a long weekend starting 01/27/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Kelly's question about McCall Winter Carnival was answered by Mike @ InIdaho:
- Q: How much snow do you have now? view answer
- Francis is thinking about a vacation starting 01/27/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
- Bonnie is requesting a holiday starting 01/27/2012:
- McCall Winter Carnival
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InIdaho.com is the
official reservation service for the Winter Carnival Organizer
(the McCall Chamber of Commerce).
Part of the proceeds from your reservation made through InIdaho.com go to
support the Chamber's efforts. Through InIdaho.com you can make reservations for McCall area hotels, motels, vacation cabin and condominium rentals and more. This free service is truly "One-Call McCall". Reservations 1-800-844-3246
Popular lodging packages & Specials
Activity Barn Snow Tubing
Ski and Stay Packages
All McCall Specials
Activity Barn Snow Tubing
Ski and Stay Packages
All McCall Specials
Explore Lodging
McCall
New Meadows (10 miles north)
Donnelly/Tamarack (11 miles south)
Cascade (27 miles south)
Riggins (40 miles north)
McCall
New Meadows (10 miles north)
Donnelly/Tamarack (11 miles south)
Cascade (27 miles south)
Riggins (40 miles north)
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Please note that events are subject to change without notice.
Friday, 1/25/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-11:30 AM | Local Sculpture Judging | All Around Town |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 12:00 PM-6:00 PM | Craft Fair and Chocolate - YUM | Holiday Inn Hunt Lodge |
| 12:00 PM-9:00 PM | Snow Tubing - Special Hours | Activity Barn |
| 12:00 PM-12:30 PM | Sculpture Awards Placed | All Around Town |
| 5:00 PM-10:00 PM | Vendor Court Open | E. Lake Street |
| 5:00 PM-10:00 PM | Beer Garden Open | E. Lake Street |
| 5:00 PM-9:30 PM | Main Stage Music | E. Lake Street |
| 6:15 PM-6:30 PM | Children's Torchlight Parade Lineup | Congregational Church |
| 6:30 PM-7:00 PM | Children's Torchlight Parade | Downtown McCall |
| 6:30 PM-7:00 PM | Opening Ceremonies | Depot Park |
| 7:00 PM-7:30 PM | Fireworks over Payette Lake | Legacy Park |
| 7:30 PM-9:30 PM | Hockey -BSU vs Idaho | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 7:30 PM-9:30 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Play House |
| 8:00 PM-10:00 PM | Comedy Night (21 & older) | Pancake House |
| 9:00 PM-11:59 PM | Optimist Teen Dance (13-20yrs) | High School |
Saturday, 1/26/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-11:00 AM | All U Can Eat Pancake Breakfast. | McCall Senior Center |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | Craft Faire and Chocolate - YUM | Holiday Inn Hunt Lodge |
| 10:00 AM-9:00 PM | Snow Tubing | Activity Barn |
| 10:00 AM-10:00 PM | Vendor Court Open | Depot Park |
| 10:00 AM-9:00 PM | Beer Garden open | Depot Park |
| 10:30 AM-11:30 AM | Mardi Gras Parade Lineup | High School |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 12:00 PM-1:30 PM | Mardi Gras Parade | Downtown McCall |
| 1:00 PM-4:00 PM | Warm Up With Hot Chocolate | McCall Senior Center |
| 2:00 PM-5:00 PM | Flashpoint Snowbike Races | McCall Golf Course |
| 2:00 PM-7:00 PM | Main Stage Music | Depot Park |
| 3:00 PM-5:00 PM | Polar Plunge | Alpine Village |
| 5:00 PM-8:00 PM | Live Lobster Feed | McCall Golf Course |
| 6:00 PM-7:30 PM | McCall Starz on Ice | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Village |
| 9:00 PM-10:30 PM | Hockey: BSU vs Idaho | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 9:00 PM-12:00 AM | Optimist Teen Dance (15-20 years old) | E. Lake Street |
Sunday, 1/27/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 10:00 AM-4:00 PM | Craft Faire and Chocolate - YUM | Holiday Inn Hunt Lodge |
| 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Vendor Court Open | Depot Park |
| 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Beer Garden open | Depot Park |
| 10:00 AM-12:00 PM | Snow Castle Adventure | Brundage Mountain Resort |
| 10:00 AM-6:00 PM | Snow Tubing | Activity Barn |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | Monster Dog Pull | Alpine Village |
| 2:00 PM-3:00 PM | McCall Starz on Ice | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 6:00 PM-9:00 PM | McCall Curling Leage | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Play House |
Monday, 1/28/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 4:00 PM-7:00 PM | Snow Tubing - Special Hours | Activity Barn |
Tuesday, 1/29/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | State Snow Sculpting Championships | Depot Park |
| 4:00 PM-7:00 PM | Snow Tubing - Special Hours | Activity Barn |
| 5:15 PM-6:30 PM | Dinner and Music | McCall Senior Center |
| 6:00 PM-9:00 PM | Wine Dinner Featuring Cinder | Ruperts in Hotel McCall |
| 6:00 PM-9:00 PM | Party Bingo (21 years+) | Foresters Club |
Wednesday, 1/30/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | View State Snow Sculpting Championships | Depot Park |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 12:00 PM-1:30 PM | Soup & Sandwiches | McCall Senior Center |
| 4:00 PM-7:00 PM | Snow Tubing | Activity Barn |
| 5:30 PM-10:00 PM | Grand Bingo (games start at 7pm) | Northfork Lodge |
| 6:30 PM-9:00 PM | Wine Dinner Featuring Dunham & Sinclair Estates | Ruperts in Hotel McCall |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Play House |
Thursday, 1/31/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | View State Snow Sculpting Championships | Depot Park |
| 4:00 PM-7:00 PM | Snow Tubing | Activity Barn |
| 5:00 PM-8:00 PM | M/D Chocolate & Spirits Tasting | Shore Lodge |
| 5:15 PM-6:30 PM | Dinner and Music | McCall Senior Center |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Play House |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Beard, Hairy, & Sexy Leg Competition | Yacht Club Downtown |
Friday, 2/1/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 11:00 AM-10:00 PM | Vendor Court Open | Depot Park |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 12:00 PM-9:00 PM | Snow Tubing - Special Hours | Activity Barn |
| 2:00 PM-5:00 PM | Charity Snowball Fight | Alpine Village |
| 3:00 PM-10:00 PM | Beer Garden open | Depot Park |
| 5:00 PM-9:00 PM | Outdoor Ice Disco | Alpine Village |
| 6:00 PM-9:30 PM | Main Stage Music | Depot Park |
| 6:00 PM-11:00 PM | Talvi Festival | McCall Golf Course |
| 7:00 PM-10:00 PM | Hockey: Junior Steelheads vs. Valencia Flyers | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Play House |
| 9:00 PM-12:00 AM | Optimist Teen Dance (13-20 yrs) | High School |
Saturday, 2/2/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 9:30 AM-4:30 PM | Brundage Mountain Diva Day | Brundage Mountain Resort |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 10:00 AM-10:00 PM | Vendor Court Open | Depot Park |
| 10:00 AM-10:00 PM | Beer Garden open | Depot Park |
| 10:00 AM-9:00 PM | Snow Tubing | Activity Barn |
| 10:00 AM-3:00 PM | Snowmobile Fun Run | Bear Creek Lodge |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 12:00 PM-9:00 PM | Barley Brothers Winter Ale Festival | Alpine Village |
| 1:30 PM-9:00 PM | Main Stage Music | Depot Park |
| 1:30 PM-9:00 PM | Live Bull Riding Competition | Bull Riding Event |
| 2:30 PM-6:00 PM | Family Bingo - all ages | Holiday Inn Hunt Lodge |
| 6:00 PM-9:00 PM | Snowdon Wine Tasting & Art Auction | McCall Golf Course |
| 6:30 PM-7:00 PM | Closing Ceremonies | Depot Park |
| 7:00 PM-7:30 PM | Fireworks Over Payette Lake | Legacy Park |
| 7:00 PM-9:30 PM | Hockey: Jr. Steelheads vs. Valencia Flyers | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 7:00 PM-11:00 PM | Monte Carlo Casino Night (21 years+) | Northfork Lodge |
| 7:30 PM-9:00 PM | Theater: TBA | Alpine Play House |
| 9:00 PM-12:00 AM | Optimist Teen Dance (15-20 years) | High School |
| 10:00 AM-3:00 PM | Vendor Court Open | Depot Park |
Sunday, 2/3/2013
| Time | Event | Location |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
| 12:00 PM-1:30 PM | Hockey: Jr. Steelheads vs. Valencia Flyers | Manchester Ice Centre |
| 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sculpture Viewing | All Around Town |
| 10:00 AM-6:00 PM | Snow Tubing | Activity Barn |
| 10:00 AM-3:00 PM | Beer Garden Open | Depot Park |
| 11:00 AM-4:00 PM | Snowshoe Golf | McCall Golf Course |
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Use the pull-down menu below to select a particular venue and click on the map icon for additional location information.
=Prize
Winning SculptureMap & GPS locations are approximate and subject to change
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Winter Carnival events are held all over McCall. Use the pull-down menu below to select a particular venue and click on the map icon for additional location information.
Map & GPS locations are approximate and subject to change
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InIdaho.com welcomes questions about this event to help you plan your trip to the Carnival in McCall.
From Mary 1/29/2012 2:20:40 PM
Question: Who won the sculpture prize?
Question: Who won the sculpture prize?
Answer: @Mary: Grand Prize went to McCall Mountain Accents for their "Jurassic Park" sculpture. You can view all winners on our Sculpture Map located on our Winter Carnival page. www.inidaho.com/wintercarnival
(Mike @ InIdaho 1/29/2012 6:09:14 PM)
From Lorena 1/20/2012 11:51:51 AM
Question: I see there is a hockey game on Friday, January 27th. What is the ticket price? Can they be purchased at the door?
Question: I see there is a hockey game on Friday, January 27th. What is the ticket price? Can they be purchased at the door?
Answer: @Lorena: BSU is playing Idaho on January 27th at 7:30pm. The doors open at 7:00pm. You can buy tickets at the door for $12.00 general admission.
(Tamara @ InIdaho 1/20/2012 12:27:19 PM)
From Kelly 1/18/2012 9:47:00 AM
Question: How much snow do you have now?
Question: How much snow do you have now?
Answer: @Kelly: McCall received a lot of snow overnight and it is still dumping (19 inches at Brundage in last 24 hours)! This means that we will have snow sculptures as well as other types of sculptures from the community!
(Mike @ InIdaho 1/18/2012 9:52:16 AM)
From Judy 1/4/2012 12:48:13 PM
Question: Is Winter Carnival happening this year with the current snow?
Question: Is Winter Carnival happening this year with the current snow?
Answer: @Judy: The show must go on! We hope to have plenty of snow in time for the festival, but even if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate the Winter Carnival will go on. Fireworks, parade, bingo, casino night, dances, beer gardens, music and on and on. Come on up and support this community event. Will be fun!
(Mike @ InIdaho 1/4/2012 12:50:21 PM)
From Anoop 12/16/2011 6:33:47 AM
Question: What is the vendor booth price?
Question: What is the vendor booth price?
Answer: @Anoop: For the McCall Winter Carnival booth space you can contact the McCall Chamber of Commerce. We will e mail you their contact information. If you need help with lodging please let us know.
(Tamara @ InIdaho 12/16/2011 9:15:28 AM)
From Bill 12/12/2011 12:11:35 PM
Question: I didn't know there are fireworks at opening ceremony. Is that Thursday or Friday night?
Question: I didn't know there are fireworks at opening ceremony. Is that Thursday or Friday night?
Answer: @Bill: The Fireworks will be at 7pm on Friday night (1/27/2012) and again on Saturday of the next week for closing ceremonies (2/4/2012)
(Mike @ InIdaho 12/12/2011 12:17:05 PM)
From Nancy 12/4/2011 3:37:07 PM
Question: Are the fireworks over the lake?
Question: Are the fireworks over the lake?
Answer: @Nancy: Both opening and closing ceremonies shoot the fireworks over Payette Lake.
(Mike @ InIdaho 12/4/2011 3:49:52 PM)
From Steve 12/3/2011 4:39:56 PM
Question: Are there any places to stay left?
Question: Are there any places to stay left?
Answer: @Steve: Hi Steve, we still have availability including hotels, condos and cabins. Please contact us either by phone (800-844-3246) or by submitting a quote request form so we know the dates, number of people and what type of lodging you would prefer.
(Mike @ InIdaho 12/3/2011 4:42:27 PM)
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We are a free reservation service for the State of Idaho with over 1,300 places to stay & things to do. Just let us know what you are looking for and we'll find the best options for your trip!
- Our service is 100% free with no hidden booking fees.
- Book any of McCall's lodging options including hotels and professionally managed (no "by owner" here!) Cabins, condos and other vacation rentals with one-call. Over 250 choices in McCall alone!
- Our lodging customers can purchase discounted activities including Brundage & Tamarack ski tickets, Activity Barn Tubing Passes, and Ice skating tickets.
- We truly are "One-Call McCall" ™
- Toll-free: 1-800-84-IDAHO (1-800-844-3246)
- We live in McCall. We can answer your questions and make recommendations on where to stay and things to do.
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Evelyn from Mercer Island, WA reviewed our service on 4/23/2012.
Evelyn's overall Rating of InIdaho.com was a 5.00 out of 5.00 → View more reviews
Evelyn from Mercer Island, WA reviewed our service on 4/23/2012.
Evelyn's overall Rating of InIdaho.com was a 5.00 out of 5.00 → View more reviews
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McCall Links
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Area Activities
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McCall is a small resort community nestled on the shore of beautiful Payette Lake and is known as one of Idaho's most popular resorts. McCall was founded as a timber town and has grown into a popular year round destination. Located 100 miles north of Boise, McCall is just a two-hour drive along the Payette River Scenic Byway from its gateway city. McCall is home to Brundage Mountain, Ponderosa State Park, the U.S. Forest Service Smokejumper Base, and the annual Winter Carnival. McCall offers something for everyone throughout the year.
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