Welcome to the annual

Winter Carnival in McCall, Idaho

January 27, 2012 - February 5, 2012

View on Mobile SiteView on
mobile site

. . . 
This event is happening now!
share this:
Check availability
Have a question about the Carnival? Check Availability? Suggestions for travellers? Ask!
Page menu:
Follow us for a chance to win a $40 travel credit every month!
InIdaho on Facebook InIdaho on Twitter
Idaho travel tips, deals & more
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.
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
Grab this page
 on your mobile:
QR code
»learn about this code
About the McCall Winter Festival
 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.
Customer discussions
about the Winter Carnival:
Hunter is pondering a holiday starting 2/3/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Elena is reserving a getaway starting 02/03/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Martin is about to book an escape starting 02/04/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Najeeb is booking a few days off 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 reserving a long weekend starting 01/28/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Donna is day dreaming about a vacation starting 02/01/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Rob is thinking about a much needed break starting 02/03/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Heather is day dreaming about a holiday starting 01/28/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Jamie is about to book a long weekend starting 01/28/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Casey is booking an escape starting 02/04/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Mark is about to book a vacation starting 01/27/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Tawnya is thinking about a holiday starting 02/03/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Alan is requesting a trip 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 pondering a vacation 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 day dreaming about a getaway starting 01/27/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Bonnie is pondering an escape starting 01/27/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
Holly is day dreaming about a few days off starting 01/27/2012:
McCall Winter Carnival
top of page
Lodging and Deals for Winter Carnival
InIdaho.com 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
We'll help you find the perfect place if you make your reservations early, or find you last second availability if you decided to join the fun last minute.
Popular lodging packages & 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)
top of page
Schedule of Events
Please notes that events are subject to change without notice.

Friday,  1/27/2012

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 Faire and Chocolate - YUM Holiday Inn Hunt Lodge Map
12:00 PM-9:00 PM Snow Tubing - Special Hours Activity Barn Map
12:00 PM-12:30 PM Sculpture Awards Placed All Around Town
5:00 PM-10:00 PM Vendor Court Open E. Lake Street Map
5:00 PM-10:00 PM Beer Garden Open E. Lake Street Map
5:00 PM-9:30 PM Main Stage Music E. Lake Street Map
6:15 PM-6:30 PM Children's Torchlight Parade Lineup Congregational Church Map
6:30 PM-7:00 PM Children's Torchlight Parade Downtown McCall Map
6:30 PM-7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies Depot Park Map
7:00 PM-7:30 PM Fireworks over Payette Lake Legacy Park Map
7:30 PM-9:30 PM Hockey -BSU vs Idaho Manchester Ice Centre Map
7:30 PM-9:30 PM Theater: Maybe Baby, It's You! Alpine Play House Map
8:00 PM-10:00 PM Comedy Night (21 & older) Pancake House Map
9:00 PM-11:59 PM Optimist Teen Dance (13-20yrs) High School Map

Saturday,  1/28/2012

Time Event Location
8:00 AM-11:00 AM All U Can Eat Pancake Breakfast. McCall Senior Center Map
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 Map
10:00 AM-9:00 PM Snow Tubing Activity Barn Map
10:00 AM-10:00 PM Vendor Court Open Depot Park Map
10:00 AM-9:00 PM Beer Garden open Depot Park Map
10:30 AM-11:30 AM Mardi Gras Parade Lineup High School Map
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
12:00 PM-1:30 PM Mardi Gras Parade Downtown McCall Map
1:00 PM-4:00 PM Warm Up With Hot Chocolate McCall Senior Center Map
2:00 PM-5:00 PM Flashpoint Snowbike Races McCall Golf Course Map
2:00 PM-7:00 PM Main Stage Music Depot Park Map
3:00 PM-5:00 PM Polar Plunge Alpine Village Map
5:00 PM-8:00 PM Live Lobster Feed McCall Golf Course Map
6:00 PM-7:30 PM McCall Starz on Ice Manchester Ice Centre Map
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Theater: Maybe Baby, It's you Alpine Village Map
9:00 PM-10:30 PM Hockey: BSU vs Idaho Manchester Ice Centre Map
9:00 PM-12:00 AM Optimist Teen Dance (15-20 years old) E. Lake Street Map

Sunday,  1/29/2012

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 Map
10:00 AM-5:00 PM Vendor Court Open Depot Park Map
10:00 AM-5:00 PM Beer Garden open Depot Park Map
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Snow Castle Adventure Brundage Mountain Resort
10:00 AM-6:00 PM Snow Tubing Activity Barn Map
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Monster Dog Pull Alpine Village Map
2:00 PM-3:00 PM McCall Starz on Ice Manchester Ice Centre Map
6:00 PM-9:00 PM McCall Curling Leage Manchester Ice Centre Map
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Theater: Maybe Baby It's You Alpine Play House Map

Monday,  1/30/2012

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 Map

Tuesday,  1/31/2012

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 Map
4:00 PM-7:00 PM Snow Tubing - Special Hours Activity Barn Map
5:15 PM-6:30 PM Dinner and Music McCall Senior Center Map
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,  2/1/2012

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 Map
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
12:00 PM-1:30 PM Soup & Sandwiches McCall Senior Center Map
4:00 PM-7:00 PM Snow Tubing Activity Barn Map
5:30 PM-10:00 PM Grand Bingo (games start at 7pm) Northfork Lodge Map
6:30 PM-9:00 PM Wine Dinner Featuring Dunham & Sinclair Estates Ruperts in Hotel McCall
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Theater: Maybe Baby, It's You Alpine Play House Map

Thursday,  2/2/2012

Time Event Location
8:00 AM-5:00 PM View State Snow Sculpting Championships Depot Park Map
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Sculpture Viewing All Around Town
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
4:00 PM-7:00 PM Snow Tubing Activity Barn Map
5:00 PM-8:00 PM M/D Chocolate & Spirits Tasting Shore Lodge Map
5:15 PM-6:30 PM Dinner and Music McCall Senior Center Map
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Theater: Maybe Baby, It's You Alpine Play House Map
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Beard, Hairy, & Sexy Leg Competition Yacht Club Downtown Map

Friday,  2/3/2012

Time Event Location
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Sculpture Viewing All Around Town
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
11:00 AM-10:00 PM Vendor Court Open Depot Park Map
12:00 PM-9:00 PM Snow Tubing - Special Hours Activity Barn Map
2:00 PM-5:00 PM Charity Snowball Fight Alpine Village Map
3:00 PM-10:00 PM Beer Garden open Depot Park Map
5:00 PM-9:00 PM Outdoor Ice Disco Alpine Village Map
6:00 PM-9:30 PM Main Stage Music Depot Park Map
6:00 PM-11:00 PM Talvi Festival McCall Golf Course Map
7:00 PM-10:00 PM Hockey: Junior Steelheads vs. Valencia Flyers Manchester Ice Centre Map
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Theater: Maybe Baby, It's Your Alpine Play House Map
9:00 PM-12:00 AM Optimist Teen Dance (13-20 yrs) High School Map

Saturday,  2/4/2012

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 Map
10:00 AM-10:00 PM Beer Garden open Depot Park Map
10:00 AM-9:00 PM Snow Tubing Activity Barn Map
10:00 AM-3:00 PM Snowmobile Fun Run Bear Creek Lodge
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
12:00 PM-9:00 PM Barley Brothers Winter Ale Festival Alpine Village Map
1:30 PM-9:00 PM Main Stage Music Depot Park Map
1:30 PM-9:00 PM Live Bull Riding Competition Bull Riding Event Map
2:30 PM-6:00 PM Family Bingo - all ages Holiday Inn Hunt Lodge Map
6:00 PM-9:00 PM Snowdon Wine Tasting & Art Auction McCall Golf Course Map
6:30 PM-7:00 PM Closing Ceremonies Depot Park Map
7:00 PM-7:30 PM Fireworks Over Payette Lake Legacy Park Map
7:00 PM-9:30 PM Hockey: Jr. Steelheads vs. Valencia Flyers Manchester Ice Centre Map
7:00 PM-11:00 PM Monte Carlo Casino Night (21 years+) Northfork Lodge Map
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Theater: Maybe Baby, It's You Alpine Play House Map
9:00 PM-12:00 AM Optimist Teen Dance (15-20 years) High School Map

Sunday,  2/5/2012

Time Event Location
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
12:00 PM-1:30 PM Hockey: Jr. Steelheads vs. Valencia Flyers Manchester Ice Centre Map
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Sculpture Viewing All Around Town
10:00 AM-3:00 PM Vendor Court Open Depot Park Map
10:00 AM-3:00 PM Beer Garden Open Depot Park Map
10:00 AM-6:00 PM Snow Tubing Activity Barn Map
11:00 AM-4:00 PM Snowshoe Golf McCall Golf Course Map
top of page
Snow Sculptures Map
Use the pull-down menu below to select a particular venue and click on the map icon for additional location information.  Winner!=Prize Winning Sculpture
Map & GPS locations are approximate and subject to change
top of page
Winter Carnival Venue Map
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
top of page
Community Questions and Answers about the McCall Winter Carnival
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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)
top of page
Why should you make your reservations with us?
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.
"Staff was very professional, answered all questions when I called and said if I needed more assistance just call back and they would take care of it."
Dan and Deb from ,  reviewed our service on 1/30/2012.
Dan and Deb's overall Rating of InIdaho.com was a 5.00 out of 5.00  → View more reviews
Thanks for purchasing locally!
top of page
McCall Links
McCall City Page
Explore lodging
Vacation Rental Homes
Hotels/Motels
Condominiums
View All
Area Activities
Activity Barn Snow Tubing Brundage Mountain Resort
Tamarack Resort
Ice Skating
View All Activities
About McCall, Idaho 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.
← Return to Winter Carnival page
©1997-2012 InIdaho.com, Inc. The InIdaho.com Logo and the "Sunflake"  symbol are ® trademarks.
Contact Us |  About InIdaho | Terms of Use  |  Privacy Policy | Trip Insurance is recommended!
InIdaho.com is based in Idaho and our service is provided by Real Idahoans
1-800-84-IDAHO (800-844-3246) | Local:  208-634-4787 | Fax: 208-634-1268

Please note:  Prices, packages, amenities are subject to change at any time.  Please call to confirm.