Welcome to the annual

Winter Carnival Festival in McCall, Idaho

January 28, 2022 - February 6, 2022

. . . 
This year's event is over. See you next year!
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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.
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

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About the McCall Winter Festival
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.

2022 is McCall's 56th anniversary of visitors enjoying 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:
Raymond is about to book a few days off starting 01/22/2022:
McCall Winter Carnival
Darrell's question about McCall Winter Carnival was answered by Tamara @ InIdaho:
Q: What are the dates of the 2020 Winter Festival view answer
Jeff is requesting a trip starting 01/25/2019:
McCall Winter Carnival
Richard is securing a much needed break starting :
McCall Winter Carnival
Desiree is reserving a few days off starting 02/01/2019:
McCall Winter Carnival
Vaibhav is securing a few days off starting 02/28/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Rebecca is reserving an escape starting 01/25/2019:
McCall Winter Carnival
Esther is booking a vacation starting 02/03/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Marcie is reserving a few days off starting 02/02/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Merri is thinking about a holiday starting 01/26/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Vikram is securing a trip starting :
McCall Winter Carnival
tosha is thinking about an escape starting 01/26/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Brad is booking a few days off starting 01/28/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Marilyn is pondering a long weekend starting 01/26/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Jill is pondering an escape starting 02/02/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
Rosa is about to book a getaway starting :
McCall Winter Carnival
Kathryn is pondering a few days off starting :
McCall Winter Carnival
Rebecca is reserving a trip starting :
McCall Winter Carnival
Larissa is about to book a getaway starting :
McCall Winter Carnival
David and Tracy is reserving a much needed break starting 01/26/2018:
McCall Winter Carnival
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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.
Explore Lodging
McCall
New Meadows (10 miles north)
Donnelly/Tamarack (11 miles south)
Cascade (27 miles south)
Riggins (40 miles north)
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2022 Schedule of Events
Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

Please Visit the Official Winter Carnival Schedule at the following website:
https://visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival/event-schedule/
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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 Darrell 10/5/2019 8:31:46 AM
Question: What are the dates of the 2020 Winter Festival
Answer: @Darrell: The McCall, Id Winter Carnival for 2020 will start on 1.24.2020 and end on 2.2.2020.
(Tamara @ InIdaho 10/5/2019 10:15:56 AM)
From Matt 8/15/2017 4:51:16 PM
Question: The McCall winter festival dates currently posted seem a little odd. We would like to make reservations but the dates don't look right. Is there anyway to confirm the dates of the Winter Carnival?
Answer: @Matt: McCall's 2018 Winter Carnival starts the last weekend in January, 1/26/2018, and runs thru 2/4/2018.
(Erin @ InIdaho 8/15/2017 4:51:55 PM)
From Kristine 1/17/2017 11:45:03 PM
Question: What is the theme for ice sculpture this year 2017?
Answer: @Kristine: It is "1 Valley, 100 Years"
(Mike @ InIdaho 1/18/2017 6:44:18 AM)
From Rondi 1/30/2016 12:49:41 PM
Question: What are the dates for the 2017 McCall Winter Carnival?
Answer: @Rondi: McCall Winter Carnival is always the last weekend of January and first weekend of February.
(Tamara @ InIdaho 1/30/2016 12:58:17 PM)
From Cari 2/9/2015 1:59:16 PM
Question: What are the dates for the 2016 ice carnival?
Answer: @Cari: McCall Winter Carnival for 2016 will be Jan 29 - Feb 7, 2016
(Tamara @ InIdaho 2/9/2015 2:03:25 PM)
From Amy 2/5/2015 12:03:55 PM
Question: Does the snowshoe golf include snowshoes?
Answer: @Amy: Snowshoes are not included. If you don't have your own you can rent at most of the sporting good shops in McCall.
(Mike @ InIdaho 2/5/2015 12:16:04 PM)
From Mimi 1/6/2015 9:33:55 AM
Question: which events have cost associated with them?
Answer: @Mimi: Almost all events are free. Some of the events that have a charge are the hockey games, comedy night and bingo. Some of the bars may also charge a cover charge for events.
(Mike @ InIdaho 1/6/2015 9:41:51 AM)
From Marilyn 1/24/2014 10:56:10 AM
Question: Are dogs welcome at the carnival?
Answer: You can bring you pet on a leash as you walk around town to view the Carnival.
(Tamara @ InIdaho 1/24/2014 10:57:41 AM)
From Kelley 11/22/2013 11:25:05 PM
Question: I have never been to the festival and will be bringing a 2 1/2 year old with me this year. What is the best day for him?
Answer: @Kelley: On Saturday of the first weekend there is a parade at noon so this is the most popular day of the carnival. However, the first Friday and the second Saturday there are fireworks that are amazing over the lake.
(Mike @ InIdaho 11/23/2013 8:04:58 AM)
From Ineta 9/2/2013 10:10:29 PM
Question: When is the Festival in 2015?
Answer: @Ineta: The Winter Carnival always begins the last full weekend in January. In 2015, it will be held Jan 30-Feb 8, 2015.
(Erin @ InIdaho 9/3/2013 8:58:38 AM)
From Blessy 5/23/2012 7:39:50 AM
Question: 1.What is the vendor booth price? 2.Deadline date for applying to be a vendor for the Winter Carnival Festival in McCall, Idaho January 25, 2013 - February 3, 2013 3.admission price?
Answer: @Blessy: Prices and deadlines have not been set for the 2013 Winter Carnival. Generally you must have all forms including a central district health approval (if applicable) 14 days prior to the event. There is no admission fee at most events including the vendor food/craft location. Please give the Chamber of Commerce a call for prices.
(Mike @ InIdaho 5/23/2012 7:53:36 AM)
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)
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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.
Thanks for purchasing locally!
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McCall Links
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Area Activities
Activity Barn Snow Tubing Brundage Mountain Resort
Tamarack Resort
Ice Skating
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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. InIdaho.com is based in McCall. We love it here!
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