McCall Winter Carnival

The McCall Winter Carnival is a beloved decades-old celebration that transforms the mountain town of McCall into a winter playground for ten days each winter. Teams carve elaborate, often massive snow sculptures throughout downtown, and the schedule brims with a Mardi Gras parade, fireworks over Payette Lake, the Monster Dog Sled Pull, a vendor and food court, live entertainment and family activities. Strolling the snow-sculpture displays and much of the festival is free, while certain events and competitions may have fees. Set on the shore of a frozen lake in the Idaho mountains, it is a bucket-list winter outing. Dress in serious cold-weather gear, book lodging well ahead since the town fills up, and check the schedule for parade and fireworks timing.