Is McCall Winter Carnival Worth It? 2026 Guide + Best Days to Go
Sharlie is definitely one of the highlights of the MARDI GRAS.
If you’re wondering “Is the Winter Carnival in McCall worth it?” The short answer is yes, especially if you love winter town vibes: big snow sculptures all over town, a packed event schedule, and that classic Payette Lake backdrop that makes McCall feel like a postcard in February.
The key is planning your timing. McCall Winter Carnival draws a lot of visitors, and the experience can feel totally different depending on whether you go for the big weekend events or pick a quieter day to focus on sculptures and downtown exploring.
What is the McCall Winter Carnival?
McCall Winter Carnival runs January 30 – February 8, 2026, with featured events starting on “Carnival Eve” (Jan 29).
It’s best known for the snow sculptures, large-scale creations built throughout the city that are typically finished in time for judging and remain up during Carnival (weather permitting).
The Best parts: why people say it’s worth it
1) The snow sculptures are genuinely impressive. Even if you don’t go to a single scheduled event, the sculptures alone make it worth the drive. They’re placed around town, so you can turn it into a “walk + hot cocoa + sculpture tour” kind of day.
2) Big “signature” moments: fireworks + Mardi Gras parade. If you’ve never seen McCall when the parade crowds fill downtown, it’s a classic Idaho bucket-list moment. (Prime fireworks viewing an be seen from our Lake House!)
3) It’s easy to make it a full weekend. The official event info highlights live music, local art, and a vendor court overlooking Payette Lake, so you can build a full itinerary without needing to “figure out what to do.”
When it might not feel worth it
McCall Winter Carnival may not be your favorite if:
You dislike crowds/traffic and only plan to come on the parade Saturday
You’re expecting a quiet, cozy getaway without lines
You don’t want to be outside much (this is an outdoor-forward event)
If that’s you, go midweek during the Carnival dates and focus on sculptures + dining + a calm downtown stroll.
Best time to go (based on your vibe)
If you want the “full Carnival” experience: Come for Fireworks weekend or Parade weekend.
If you want “worth it” without the chaos:
Go Sunday–Thursday during Carnival dates and do:
Sculpture tour
One scheduled event (like Sharlie Midweek Scavenger Hunt, Feb 2–5)
Dinner + dessert downtown
Quick tips to make your tip feel 10/10
Check the official event schedule before you drive up, because times and details can change year to year.
Plan layers + traction-friendly shoes (you’ll be walking a lot if you’re doing sculptures).
If you’re coming for parade day, arrive early. It starts at noon and downtown fills up fast.
Event Schedule
**Event details can change due to weather or logistics, always double check the official Winter Carnival schedule the day you go.
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Carnival Eve
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: Main Stage
What to expect: Kickoff night with live music + beer garden + select vendors.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Children’s Torchlight Parade
Time: 5:30–7:00 PM (line up begins at 5:30; walk begins at 6:30)
Where: Starts at McCall Community Church (901 1st St., McCall) and walks to Depot Park Plaza for the bonfire lighting
Good to know: Parents/guardians need to complete a release form for each participating child.
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Winter Carnival Fireworks
Time: ~7:00 PM
Where: Fireworks launched at Brown Park over Payette Lake
Tip: Bundle up—this is one of the biggest crowd nights.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Winter Carnival Grand Bingo (21+)
Time: 5:00–10:00 PM
Cost: $55 (ticket required; purchased in advance)
Where: Northfork Lodge at the McCall RV Resort (200 Scott St., McCall)
What’s included: Dinner + 10 rounds of bingo + prizes + daubers (per event listing).
Monday–Thursday, February 2–5, 2026
Find Sharlie Midweek Scavenger Hunt (family-friendly)
Dates: Feb 2–Feb 5
How it works: Pick up a “passport” at Barn Owl Books, find Sharlie in participating shops, collect stamps/prizes, then enter the raffle at the Chamber office (605 N. 3rd St.).
Extra note: Raffle winner is drawn Feb 8, 2026.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Winter Carnival Mardi Gras Parade
Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
Where: Downtown McCall
Good to know: Parade entry deadline listed as January 19 (and shuttle info “coming soon” per the listing).
The Takeaway
Whether you’re coming for the jaw-dropping snow sculptures or you’re the “hot cocoa + small-town stroll” type, McCall Winter Carnival is one of those Idaho winter weekends that feels like a core memory. From Carnival Eve energy to fireworks over Payette Lake and the Mardi Gras Parade downtown, there’s always something happening and the mountain-lake backdrop makes even a simple walk through town feel magical.
If you’re planning to come for the big weekend events, don’t forget you can make it way more enjoyable by staying close (and not fighting the long drive both ways). Book one of our cozy McCall vacation rentals so you can settle in, explore at your own pace, and soak up the winter vibes before heading out for the next day’s festivities.
So bundle up, check our McCall Area Guide, charge your phone for photo ops, and get ready to do winter in Idaho the best way ~ McCall-style. ❄️🎆