The Side Lake Winter Festival is back! This family-favorite event kicks off the Four Seasons of Fun event calendar. Grab your boots and snow pants and head to the Side Lake Community Center on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM for an afternoon full of winter fun.
Activities include:
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Horse-drawn sleigh rides
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Igloo dance party
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Sled dog meet & greet
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Ice skating
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Sledding
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Snowshoeing
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Outdoor games
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Arts & crafts
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Snacks and treats
Bring the whole family and celebrate winter at one of Side Lake’s most fun seasonal events! ❄️
Follow the Side Lake Events FaceBook Page for more information and keep yourself informed on the 4 Seasons of Fun!
Fun Facts about Winter Festivals:
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❄️ Winter festivals date back hundreds of years and were often held to celebrate longer days and brighter seasons ahead.
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🔥 Many winter festivals include fire, lights, or lanterns to symbolize warmth and community during the coldest months.
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🐕 Sled dogs can run up to 100 miles a day during long-distance races—and they love the cold more than humans do!
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⛸️ Ice skating has been around for over 1,000 years and originally used sharpened animal bones as blades.
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🛷 Sledding is one of the oldest winter pastimes and requires no special skills—just gravity and a good hill.
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🎶 Winter festivals often feature dance parties and music because moving helps keep everyone warm.
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🧣 Layering clothing actually helps your body stay warmer by trapping heat between layers—fashion and function!
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🎨 Cold weather inspires creativity, which is why many winter festivals include crafts and hands-on activities.
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☕ Warm snacks and treats taste better in winter because your body craves extra energy in the cold.
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🌨️ Snow reflects light, making winter festivals feel brighter—even on cloudy days.
Say Warm out there with these friendly tips: #Sidelakewinterfestival
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Layer, layer, layer: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and a wind-blocking outer layer
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Cover exposed skin: hat, neck gaiter or scarf, and insulated gloves or mittens
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Warm feet matter: wool socks and insulated, waterproof boots
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Use hand and toe warmers inside gloves and boots
Keep Moving
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Light movement like walking, stretching, or games helps keep blood flowing
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Avoid standing still too long—take short movement breaks
Warm From the Inside
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Sip on hot drinks like coffee, tea, cocoa, or broth
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Eat warm, hearty snacks—soups, chili, or high-energy foods
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Stay hydrated (yes, even in the cold!)
Block the Elements
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Stand near windbreaks (buildings, tents, snowbanks)
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Face away from the wind whenever possible
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Use blankets or stadium seats for insulation if sitting
Take Warm-Up Breaks
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Duck inside heated spaces when you can
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Warm up hands, feet, and face regularly—don’t “tough it out”
Plan Ahead
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Check the forecast and dress for colder than expected
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Bring extra layers for kids or guests
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Set a time limit outdoors and rotate inside activities if possible
