Family-Friendly Events at Cazenovia Winter Fest 2026

When winter rolls into Central New York, Cazenovia comes alive with a weekend of cool activities that kids and adults adore. From hot cocoa strolls to snowshoe adventures and interactive downtown fun, here’s how to plan a Winter Fest that the whole family will remember.

Cocoa Crawl — Warm Treats & Winter Smiles

Kick off your family’s Winter Fest adventure with the Cocoa Crawl, happening Saturday during the festival weekend. Kids (and grown-ups!) can sip complimentary hot cocoa from participating downtown shops while exploring local businesses and discovering pop-up treats, demos, and festive shop activities along the way.

✔️ Perfect for little feet who need breaks from the cold and lots of tasty motivation!

Family Dance — Boogie Indoors and Stay Cozy

For pure fun with a community vibe, don’t miss the Winter Fest Family Dance hosted by the Cazenovia Community Preschool on Saturday afternoon. This event invites kids and their adults to dance, move, and enjoy music together in a warm, welcoming space — a great way to let kids “shake off” cabin fever and make new friends. For more information https://facebook.com/events/s/winter-fest-family-dance/1744748029524196/

✔️ Great for all ages and especially fun for younger kids who love music and movement.

Pancake Breakfast — A Warm, Delicious Start

Families can fuel up with pancakes, sausage, and coffee at the Winter Fest Pancake Breakfast held at the American Legion on Saturday morning. It’s a relaxed and budget-friendly way to start your day before heading out into the snow. Children especially enjoy the community atmosphere and tasty plates — plus, there are raffle tickets for fun prizes.

Outdoor Adventures — Snowshoeing & More

If your crew loves outdoor fun, there’s plenty of activity to choose from:

❄️ Lantern-Lit Snowshoe Hike

Gather the family for a magical lantern-lit snowshoe hike through winter trails on Saturday evening. Snowshoes are available to borrow (including kid-size pairs), so everyone from kids to adults can enjoy exploring snowy paths together. This event combines gentle exercise with a glowing lantern experience that children find enchanting.

✔️ Bonus: If there isn’t enough snow, the group still goes out for a winter hike — so there’s always outdoor time!

Scavenger Hunt & Story Stroll — Downtown Fun All Weekend

Throughout the weekend, families can participate in a Main St. Story Stroll — a self-guided adventure where kids follow a winter story trail through downtown shop windows, solving riddles and earning prizes along the way. It’s a fun way to mix literacy, movement, and exploration into your Winter Fest day.

Plus, a Team Scavenger Hunt lets kids and parents snap fun photos around town based on prompts like “having fun in the snow,” giving families a chance to create lasting memories together.

Ice Skating on the Burton Street Rink

Weather permitting, the Burton Street Rink opens for public ice skating throughout the weekend. Bring your skates (or borrow a pair) and slide around the ice as a family — a classic winter tradition that keeps kids active and joyful.

S’mores & Bonfires — Cozy Up Together

After a day of exploring and playing, wind down with bonfires and complimentary s’mores at a downtown location. It’s a relaxed way for kids to enjoy a treat by the fire while parents sip warm beverages and soak in the festival vibes.

💡 Family Fest Tips

• Layer up! Winter Fest fun is mostly outdoors, so bundle up with hats, gloves, waterproof boots, and cozy layers.

• Plan breaks: Make time for indoor warm-up stops like the dance or library events between outdoor adventures.

• Check conditions: Some outdoor activities depend on weather and snow, so check the Winter Fest schedule and trail updates before heading out.

Whether you’re sipping cocoa, finding hidden clues downtown, or venturing out on a lantern-lit trail, Cazenovia’s Winter Fest has something for every member of the family. With a mix of free, interactive, and heart-warming events, it’s the perfect weekend celebration of winter’s charm.