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Inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games of 1924, McCall’s Winter Carnival celebrates its 56th year of fireworks, live music and dozens of dazzling sculptures! After missing last year’s event due to COVID-19, the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce is proudly making an effort this year to ‘Return to our Roots’ and celebrate our community, our winter culture and our traditions.

Drawing upwards of 60,000 people, this year’s Winter Carnival kicks off in downtown McCall on Friday, January 28th with the Children’s Torchlight Parade, live music on the Mainstage and opening fireworks over Payette Lake. Grab your camera and check out the snow sculptures on Saturday followed by some hard hitting hockey as the Boise State Broncos face off with the Oregon Ducks at the Manchester Ice and Event Center Saturday night. 

Festivities extend into the following week with plenty of events to enjoy throughout McCall. Take advantage of uncrowded ski slopes and sculpture viewing during the days or check out the start of the 150-mile Idaho Sled Dog Challenge. Many evening events have been put on hold this year due to COVID-19 but the bars and restaurants throughout McCall look forward to welcoming you for happy hour and food specials!

Downtown heats up again for the closing weekend’s events. Legacy Park is full of tasty food vendors and a steady stream of live music will be featured on the Mainstage in Depot Park. The festival closes with a final fireworks farewell over the lake on Saturday evening.  

Check out the McCall Chamber of Commerce for a full Winter Carnival Event Schedule.

(Photo credit: McCall Area Chamber of Commerce)