Planning to attend McCall's Winter Carnival? Here's what you need to know
The McCall Winter Carnival, happening February 21–23, 2025, is a cherished Idaho tradition rooted in the 1924 Payette Lake Winter Games. This year’s theme, “Carnival in Paradise,” promises a weekend filled with stunning ice sculptures, festive parades, live music, and fireworks over Payette Lake. Popular events include the Mardi Gras Parade, Children’s Torchlight Parade, Snowshoe Golf, and the McPAWS Monster Dog Sled Pull. Local artists and businesses enhance the experience with intricate snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout town. For event schedules and details, visit the official McCall Winter Carnival website.
The History
McCall’s Winter Carnival traces its roots back to 1924 when the town hosted the Payette Lakes Sports Carnival to liven up the winter season. Early events included dog races, ski jumping, horse skijoring, and even a tug-of-war with a box of oranges as the prize. With limited lodging available, visitors stayed in local homes or sleeper trains stationed in town. Over time, the event evolved, shifting dates and expanding into a 10-day celebration in the 1990s with a Mardi Gras-themed parade to boost tourism. Now, a century later, the McCall Chamber is testing a new format, condensing the festival into a single weekend to better balance tradition with community capacity. The 2025 Winter Carnival, scheduled for February 21–23, will continue to showcase McCall’s vibrant winter culture, with future dates to be announced in March 2025.
Volunteer Information
Community members can support Winter Carnival 2025 by volunteering. The Winter Carnival Committee will host volunteer meetings on January 29th and February 12th to coordinate efforts, review roles, and answer questions. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to attend. The meetings will take place at the Salmon River Brewery Courtyard from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, offering an opportunity for volunteers to contribute to this beloved community tradition.
• Winter Carnival Volunteer Meeting #1: January 29th from 5PM-6:30PM @ Salmon River Brewery Courtyard
• Winter Carnival Volunteer Meeting #2: February 12th from 6PM-7PM @ Salmon River Brewery Courtyard
Event Schedule
Vendor Row:
Dates & Hours:
February 21st & 22nd: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
February 23rd: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:
E. Lake St., across from Legacy Park and The Ludwig Terrace
Children’s Torchlight Parade:
Date & Time:
February 21st, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location:
Start: McCall Community Church
End: Ponderosa Center Ludwig Terrace
Event Details:
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Hot chocolate, snacks, and glowsticks at McCall Community Church
6:30 – 6:45 PM: Lineup outside McCall Community Church
7:00 PM: Parade with McCall Firefighters down Lake Street to the Ponderosa Center Ludwig Terrace for the Winter Carnival bonfire lighting
Parent Reminder: A general release form must be filled out for each child participating.
Mardi Gras Parade:
Date & Time:
Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Location:
Downtown McCall (3rd St. & E. Lake St.)
Event Details:
Celebrate the Annual Winter Carnival Mardi Gras Parade
Grab beads, mittens, and hats for a festive experience
Join the fun and enjoy the lively parade atmosphere in the heart of McCall!
Winter Carnival Fireworks Show
Date & Time:
Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Location:
Legacy Park, Payette Lake, Downtown McCall
Event Details:
Fireworks begin at dusk
Best viewing spots are along the lakefront
Bundle up and enjoy a spectacular show over Payette Lake!
Winter Carnival Grand Bingo
Date & Time:
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Bingo Games: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:
200 Scott St. McCall ID, 83638
Cost:
$35 minimum donation for 10 games
Event Highlights:
Food & Beverages (Starting at 5 PM):
Provided by Delish Catering & McCall Weddings
Asian Wild Rice Bowls with harvest veggies, chicken, and sauce options ($20, tax included)
Beverages available for purchase
Prizes & Fun:
Amazing prizes, a grand cash prize, and festive Mardi Gras swag
Wear your best Mardi Gras spirit gear—prize awarded for best costume!
RSVP Required:
This event will SELL OUT —payment due upon RSVP
Contact McCall Area Chamber at info@mccallchamber.org or call 208-634-7631 to reserve your spot!
For a full schedule of events and live music including dates, times, and locations, visit the official McCall Winter Carnival Events Page.
Ice Sculpture Competition
Every year, local businesses transform blocks of ice and snow into stunning sculptures for the Winter Carnival. Bundle up with mittens and hot chocolate and explore McCall to discover towering castles, pyramids, mythical creatures, and other incredible creations!
Entry form & Competition: Submit your information to create an ice sculpture and compete in the event. Sign Up Here
2024 Ice Sculpture Competition Winners
Professional Category:
🥇 First Place: Café 3 Three 4 & John Schulz – $2,000 prize
🥈 Second Place: Tamarack Resort – $1,500 prize
🥉 Third Place: Razzle Dazzle + Gravity Sports + McCall Taekwondo – $1,000 prize
Amateur Category:
🥇 First Place: Beside the Mill – $2,000 prize
🥈 Second Place: Krahn’s Home Furnishings – $1,500 prize
🥉 Third Place: Stacey Cakes – $1,000 prize
Special Awards:
🎨 Color Outside the Lines: Third Street Inn – $500 prize
🏆 People’s Choice: Stacey Cakes – $500 prize
Congratulations to all the artists who brought these incredible ice sculptures to life! ❄️👏
Enter the Raffle!
Visit McCall announced the 2025 raffle—featuring FOUR incredible getaway prizes! This year, winners will have a chance to enjoy a seasonal escape, with a unique trip for each time of year.
2025 Raffle Getaway Packages
🌨 Winter in Cascade – 2-night stay at Hotel NoBo, sled ride, guided ice fishing, snowmobile rental, swim passes, movie tickets, and dinner.
☀️ Summer in Donnelly – 2-night stay at Tamarack Resort, festival passes, ziplining, axe throwing, golf, rafting credit, and dinner.
🌸 Spring in New Meadows – 2-night stay at Heartland Inn, Brundage day passes, golf, hot springs soak, and dining.
🍂 Fall in McCall – 1-night stay at Shore Lodge, ATV rental, Brewfest tickets, ice skating, hot springs soak, golf simulator, and dinner.
Tickets: $10 – Available at the McCall Area Chamber, local events, and Vendor Court during Winter Carnival!
Where to Buy:
McCall Area Chamber
Various events around town leading up to Winter Carnival
Vendor Court during the Carnival
Don’t miss your chance to win a dream getaway—grab your tickets today! 🎟️❄️
The winner will be drawn on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m—you do not need to be present to win. Good luck!
