The County's Coolest Tradition: Homer Winterfest
The Homer Winterfest is a family-friendly weekend chock full of events, kid's activities, entertainment, dining, shopping and more!
It’s that time of year again! The snow is falling, the holiday hustle is behind us, and Winterfest is back in Homer for another year of family-friendly fun, community spirit, and all-around winter magic. This year’s festival runs from January 24th to 26th, 2025, and it’s jam-packed with more than 30 events to keep you busy from Friday to Sunday.
If you’ve never experienced Homer’s Winterfest, it’s about time you put it on your travel radar. Here are 20 fantastic reasons to make the trip:
1. Liam Larson’s "Songs of the Shaker" Performance Kick off Winterfest by heading over to the Phillips Free Library for an all-ages performance by local guitarist and storyteller Liam Larson. His "Songs of the Shaker" will have you clapping, singing, and feeling the spirit of the season. It’s the perfect way to dive into the festivities—don’t miss it on Friday at 5 pm!
2. Friday Night Bonfire – What better way to get cozy on a winter evening than by gathering around a giant bonfire? Stroll behind the fire station on Friday evening and join the Homer Fire Department as they light up the night with a warming fire. The bonfire starts at 6:30 pm, and it’s the perfect spot to chat with friends, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the chill of winter.
3. Fireworks Light Up the Sky As the bonfire burns down, keep your eyes on the sky! At 6:50 pm on Friday, the spectacular American Fireworks display will light up the night from Carroway Hill. Trust me, you’ll want a front-row seat for this dazzling show!
4. Ice, Ice Baby Prepare to be amazed by the intricate, frozen works of art that will transform Homer into a winter wonderland. You can catch live ice carving demonstrations by Ice Farm on Saturday at 11:30 am near the Fire Station. Watching these artists turn blocks of ice into sculptures is an absolute must!
5. Snow Sculptures Homer isn’t just about ice—it’s also about snow! As you walk through the village, keep your eyes peeled for stunning snow sculptures created by local artists. These will be popping up all over town from January 20th through the 26th, with a map of the winning sculptures available homerwinterfest.org. Even if it’s a “green” Winterfest this year (who says snow is a must?), creativity is still flowing in full force!
6. Fish Fry Dinner A Winterfest tradition—indulge in a delicious fish fry dinner at the Homer Elks Lodge from 5:30-7 pm on Friday. Proceeds benefit the Elks Lodge, so not only will you get a fantastic meal, but you’ll be supporting a great cause. Afterward, shake a leg to some hot tunes in the lounge from 7:30-9 pm.
7. The Community Arts Challenge Grand Opening Local talent takes center stage at the Center for the Arts of Homer, where you can explore visual art and enjoy live performances from over 80 local artists. Whether you're into music, dance, poetry, or drama, you’ll find something that speaks to you. The Grand Opening starts Friday at 6 pm.
8. Pancake Breakfast – Stack 'Em Up Start your Saturday off right with a hearty pancake breakfast! The Homer Fire Department Hose Company #2 will be serving up delicious flapjacks from 8-11 am at the Paul Hill Community Building. It's a great way to fuel up before all the Winterfest adventures ahead!
9. Antiques Sale & Artisan Sale Get your shop on at the Homer Intermediate & Junior High School, where you can browse a collection of antiques and handmade goods from local artisans. Whether you're hunting for a vintage treasure or a one-of-a-kind craft, you'll find something special. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks or treat yourself to something sweet from Sinfully Sweet!
10. Fun & Games for the Kids Winterfest isn’t just for adults—there’s plenty of fun for the little ones too! Head over to Homer Elementary School on Saturday for face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, and more kid-friendly winter games. Plus, look out for some interactive experiences, including Dan the Snake Man, Mike the Cartoon Magician, and the unique Kiss the Calf Fundraiser! Doors open at 9 am, so there’s plenty of time to dive into all the fun.
11. Ice Dancing If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding across an ice rink, then you won’t want to miss the Cortland Figure Skating Club’s demo on Saturday from 1-3 pm at Vernum Park. Watch the pros show off their moves, or better yet, try it for yourself! The rink will be open throughout the festival, free of charge. Just remember to bring your own ice skates!
12. No Shoe Like a Snowshoe Ever wanted to give snowshoeing a try? Well, now’s your chance! On Saturday at 11:30 am at the Bandstand, Lime Hollow Nature Center will host a free snowshoeing demo. After you learn the ropes, strap on a pair and take a scenic stroll around Homer’s wintery landscape. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
13. Take the Reins: Human Dog Sled Race The Human Dog Sled Competition is one of Homer’s quirkiest and most anticipated events. Picture this: groups of 4-5 people pulling sleds with one lucky rider through the Homer Village Green. Sounds wild, right? It sure is—and it’s an absolute blast to watch (or join in on)! The races start at 11 am on Saturday, with multiple age categories and cash prizes. Got a sled and some willing participants? Then get ready to race!
14. Wine Time: A Taste of Central New York If you’re a wine enthusiast, the wine-tasting event at the Homer American Legion from 1-4 pm on Saturday is where you’ll want to be. Sample some of the finest regional wines, spirts and cheeses, courtesy of local craft beverage makers and Anderson’s Farm Market. Find a wine you love? You can even take a bottle home to remember your time at Winterfest!
15. Just Wing It: Wingfest Nothing says “festival” like a good wing-eating contest—and Homer Winter Wingfest has just that! Head to the Homer Elks Lodge from 4-8 pm to indulge in a mountain of wings, cheer on local celebrities as they battle it out in the Wing Eating Contest (3:30pm), and enjoy brews from some of the area’s best craft breweries. You won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure!
16. Happy as a Clamfest Clams, anyone? If you’re a fan of seafood, the annual Winter Clamfest is a must. This popular event kicks off at 1 pm at the Homer Elks Lodge. But be warned—tickets sell out fast! They’re only available through pre-sale, so be sure to grab yours early by calling (607) 749-4200. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the fresh clams!
17. Hungry? Why Wait... After a day of pancakes, chili, wings, and clams, you might still be craving more. Luckily, Homer has plenty of great places to satisfy your appetite. Dasher’s Corner Pub and The Exchange offer mouthwatering steaks, seafood, burgers, and more, while The Exchange Bakery and Sinfully Sweet are perfect for a post-festival sugar fix. Treat yourself—you deserve it!
18. Take a Piece of Homer Home Winterfest isn’t just about events; it’s also about supporting local businesses. Between all the festival fun, take a stroll through historic downtown Homer’s charming shops. Pick up an “I Vacationed in Homer” t-shirt at Homer Men & Boys, or find the perfect trinket for your home at Ash Decor, Willow Lane Farmhouse, or The Point. Be sure to stop by Bev & Co. for unique women’s clothing and jewelry, or hunt for a hidden gem at Gail’s Antiques or Olde Homer House.
19. Big Kid Comedy Show If you’re looking for a night of adult laughs, the Homer Teachers' Association has you covered. The 607 Comedy Troupe will take the stage at the Center for the Arts at 7 pm for an adults-only comedy show. Grab a sitter, leave the kiddos at home, and get ready for a night of belly laughs and hysterical moments! Click here for tickets.
20. Big Finish- Breakfast at the Homer Elks Lodge After a weekend of non-stop fun, Winterfest wraps up with a hearty breakfast at the Homer Elks Lodge from 8-11 am on Sunday. Fill up on pancakes, eggs, and all the classic breakfast staples before heading out to check out the final round of ice and snow sculptures. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Homer until next year.
Conclusion: Homer’s Winterfest Has It All! These are just a few of the amazing events happening during Homer Winterfest, but trust me, there’s even more to explore throughout the weekend! To make sure you don’t miss a thing, brochures with the full schedule and a handy map are available at local businesses throughout the village.
Want to plan ahead or get more details on any event? Be sure to visit the official Winterfest website at www.homerwinterfest.org. The site has everything you need to know—from detailed schedules and event descriptions to photos from past festivals and info on how you can participate in some of the fun activities.
Whether you're here for the food, the competitions, the art, or just the sheer fun of it all, Homer’s Winterfest has something for everyone. From figure skating to snowshoeing, wings to clams, and quirky events you won’t find anywhere else, this weekend getaway is sure to be one for the books. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable winter weekend in Homer!
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