*Featured Photo by Kacey O'Brien.
The “most wonderful time of the year” is even more so in the Lake George Area. Regardless of the presence of snow, the sidewalks and streets are abundantly decorated, strings of lights are brilliantly shining, and the spirits seem to be that much merrier.
The centerpiece of the holidays for many, however, are the holiday events. And boy does the Lake George Area have those in spades.
Visitors and locals alike revel in the joyous atmosphere, creating lasting memories amidst the winter wonderland. And why wouldn’t they? From festivals to concerts to full-on light shows, there’s a plethora of reasons to celebrate and reign in good cheer.
So whether you’re new to the area, or perhaps are looking to find that sense of whimsy and wonder, check out this expansive collection of holiday events happening locally.
North Country Festival of Trees
Location: The Queensbury Hotel
Date(s): November 28th – November 30th
Time:
Friday November 28th: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday November 29th: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Breakfast with Santa: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM; Kickin' Country Dance Party with Kevin Richards: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Sunday November 30th: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Breakfast with Santa: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Get ready for the iconic Queensbury Hotel to transform into a winter wonderland during the 34th annual North Country Festival of Trees.
Shoppers will find a wide range of unique handmade items—all made by local artisans—available for purchase, including beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gingerbread houses, hats, and more!
Outside of a weekend of holiday shopping, as well as children’s activities—including Breakfast with Santa— there’s a variety of local performers ready to entertain the cheerful crowds.
*To learn more, check out our Festival of Trees event page.
**A small contribution fee is required for certain activities. All proceeds benefit the Prospect Center—an affiliate of the Center for Disability Services.
Breakfast with Santa
Location: Fort William Henry Hotel
Date(s): November 29th, December 13th, and December 20th
Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Treat your children to a magical morning at the Fort William Henry Hotel, where they can meet the one and only Santa Claus!
Families are welcome to join Santa for a festive breakfast and cookie decorating experience that will certainly be a treasured memory for years afterwards. Santa himself will arrive at 8:00 AM on all three dates.
*To learn more, check out our Breakfast with Santa event page.
**Carriage rides around the Village will also be available for $5 per person.
Lite Up the Village
Location: Beach Road—Lake George, NY; 12845
Date(s): November 29th
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
If you’re looking for lights, you won’t find a greater spectacle than the Village of Lake George’s annual Lite Up the Village event.
Over 7,000 lights kick off the holiday season with the Parade of Holiday Lights taking center stage throughout Canada Street, immediately accompanied by a spectacular fireworks show over the lake.
The afternoon and evening are jam-packed with things to do, including musical performances, a family-friendly block party, an ugly sweater contest, and more! Don’t miss out on this completely free opportunity, and be sure to bask in the full glow of the Village after dark.
*To learn more, check out our Lite Up the Village event page.
**This event takes place rain, snow, or shine.
Christmas with Fibber McGee & Molly
Location: Tannery Pond Center
Date(s): November 29th and November 30th
Time:
Saturday November 29th: 7:00 PM
Sunday November 30th: 2:00 PM
Head to the Tannery Pond Center for a live performance of the classic 1940s radio program, "The Fibber McGee and Molly Show."
Travel back in time and relive the golden age of radio, when families huddled together to listen to their favorite programs. Several episodes will be reenacted while audience members get to react to cue cards.
The talented voice actors of Gem Radio Theatre will be holding two shows—an evening performance on Saturday, November 29th, followed by a matinee showing on Sunday, November 30th.
*To learn more, check out our Fibber McGee & Molly event page.
Kenny & Dolly: Christmas and Hits
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): November 30th
Time: 3:00 PM
Kick off the holidays with the greatest hits from Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton—played by Alan Turner and Laurie Lynn—for a one-night musical spectacle at the Charles R. Wood Theater.
Featuring a full band—complete with Nashville musicians—this performance combines a festive mix of holiday favorites, alongside classics from Kenny and Dolly, such as "The Gambler," "9 to 5," and more.
Grab your tickets for this show that's fun for the whole family.
*To learn more, check out our Kenny & Dolly event page.
Lake Luzerne Holiday Celebration
Location: Benjamin C. Butler Pavilion Park
Date(s): November 30th
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Come one, come all to Benjamin C. Butler Pavilion Park for the annual Lake Luzerne Holiday Celebration. This small town is stocked full of holiday ambiance.
Gather around for the traditional memory tree lighting ceremony, complete with festive Christmas blessings and a Hanukah celebration. Then, stick around for hot chocolate, coffee, and sweets for the whole family. Santa Claus will even make a guest appearance to take photos with the kids.
*To learn more, check out our Lake Luzerne Holiday Celebration event page.
Memory Tree Lighting
Location: Panther Mountain Inn
Date(s): December 2nd
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Travel to the small village of Chestertown for their honorary tree lighting festivities, held near the center of town.
Each bulb illuminated on the tree signifies a donation in memory of a loved one, which is open to the public. These lights are a great way to remember those close to us, and to honor the impact they’ve left on their friends and family.
Afterwards, attendees are encouraged to keep the spirits of the season shining brightly with music played by a DJ, horse and carriage rides, free hot cocoa, and more!
*To learn more, check out our Memory Tree Lighting event page.
Adirondack Holiday Festival
Location: Glens Falls City Park (December 5th); The Hyde Collection (December 6th)
Date(s): December 5th and December 6th
Time: Detailed Schedule on Event Website
Take part in the holiday happenings at the Adirondack Holiday Festival in beautiful downtown Glens Falls.
Kick off the event on Friday with the wonderful lighting of the community tree, a community-style block party on Glen Street, and visits from Santa Claus. Then throughout the rest of the evening, make sure to check out a wide selection of local shops offering various Adirondack-themed goods and items, all of which will make perfect holiday gifts.
The celebration continues on Saturday, with a whole day dedicated to family fun at The Hyde Collection. Complete with free craft sessions, a showing of the classic Grinch movie, and another appearance from Santa.
*To learn more, check out our Adirondack Holiday Festival event page.
Candy Cane Lane
Location: SUNY Adirondack—640 Bay Rd. Queensbury, NY; 12804
Date(s): December 5th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Experience this one-of-a-kind holiday event, all from the comforts of your vehicle! The Town of Queensbury presents Candy Cane Lane at SUNY Adirondack.
This drive-thru festival features passing-by decorations, a stop for dropping off letters to Santa, local vendors, and various food and goodie giveaways throughout.
No need to leave your car. Traffic signs and cones will guide you on your way.
*To learn more, check out our Candy Cane Lane event page.
Merry on the Mountain
Location: West Mountain
Date(s): December 5th
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Head on over to West Mountain for their second annual Merry on the Mountain Holiday event!
A wonderful event for all ages, activities include West Mountain's own tree lighting ceremony, cookie and ornament decorating stations, selfies with Santa, a s'mores bar and bonfire, and more! Guests can also pre-purchase wishing bows, write personal messages, and then hang them on the tree during the tree lighting ceremony.
Mingle and jingle at the mountain for a perfect December evening.
*To learn more, check out our Merry on the Mountain event page.
Lights on Johnsburg
Location: Tannery Pond Center (December 5th); Main Street - North Creek (December 6th)
Date(s): December 5th and December 6th
Time:
Friday December 5th: Tree Lighting Ceremony - 5:30 PM
Saturday December 6th: Holiday Parade – 12:00 PM
For over 40 years, the town of Johnsburg has lit up their town with lights, music, and laughter, and you’re invited to be a part of their tradition.
Businesses in town are decorated with lights and bows for the entire month of December, including the North Creek Station and the Riverfront Park. The community then gathers together to partake in several holiday classics, including a community tree lighting, a Christmas parade, and more.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM on December 5th at the Tannery Pond Center; meanwhile, the holiday parade will begin at 12:00 PM on December 6th on Main Street in North Creek.
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the holidays, the town of Johnsburg has a little bit of everything.
*To learn more, check out our Lights on Johnsburg event page.
Reindeer Run 5K
Location: SUNY Adirondack—640 Bay Rd. Queensbury, NY; 12804
Date(s): December 6th
Time: 9:30 AM
Gear up for a merry sprint during the Adirondack Runners Reindeer Run 5K!
Starting and finishing at SUNY Adirondack, this race invites participants from all over—some even decked in holiday costumes—to run alongside rolling hills and curving paths. Awards are then presented to position winners in various age and gender groups.
The race packet pickup will be on race day, from 8:00 AM to 9:10 AM, at the College Student Center, with the race starting at 9:30 AM.
*To learn more, check out our Reindeer Run 5K event page.
**Online Registration is open until December 4th.
Together at Christmas: A Holiday Princess Show
Location: Holiday Inn Resort Lake George
Date(s): December 6th
Time: 2:30 PM and 4:15 PM
Join the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George for an interactive holiday performance—complete with guest appearances by four princesses.
The "Snow Sisters"—joined by Snow White and Sleeping Beauty—will sing and dance with the children in the audience, share stories, and even hand out autographs after the show.
Children are welcome to dress up and let their imaginations run wild for this magical show. Two showtimes will be available at 2:30 PM and at 4:15 PM.
*To learn more, check out our Holiday Princess event page.
Flannel Fest at The Barrel
Location: The Barrel
Date(s): December 6th
Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready for a jolly ol’ time at The Barrel’s 4th annual Flannel Fest!
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a collection of family-friendly activities at this warm and cozy pub, including kids crafts and games, bounce houses, open curling, a coffee and hot cocoa station, and various samplings.
Then, later in the evening, witness the lighting of their tree and sing along to some Christmas carols. There’s even live music continuing inside the restaurant from 7:00 PM onwards.
*To learn more, check out our Flannel Fest event page.
Christmas in Warrensburgh
Location: Main Street—Warrensburg, NY; 12885
Date(s): December 6th and December 7th
Time: TBD
One of the longest-running holiday celebrations in the area, Christmas in Warrensburgh, returns for its 37th year.
This town-wide holiday haven is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Discover a winter wonderland filled with all sorts of sights, sounds, and smells. From the Festival of Lights to the gingerbread house and artisan demonstrations, there's so much to experience! Don't forget to watch the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday night.
Make sure to also attend the Indoor Holiday Market and Artisan Fair on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Find great, affordable gifts by supporting local farms, craft beverage producers, and artisans.
*To learn more, check out our Christmas in Warrensburgh event page.
A Holiday Celebration - Presented by the North Country Singers
Location: Tannery Pond Center
Date(s): December 6th and December 7th
Time:
Saturday December 6th: 7:00 PM
Sunday December 7th: 2:00 PM
The North Country Singers are proud to present their annual holiday concert, hosted at the Tannery Pond Center in North Creek.
An ensemble of instruments and performers hit the stage. Directed by Denise Conti, with special guests in the JCS Stage Band and The Schroon Lake Community Band, the North Country Singers will be sure to spread the holiday spirit.
These are always full concerts, so make sure you reserve your seats!
*To learn more, check out our North Country Singers event page.
Glens Falls Symphony: Holiday Pops 2025 - Celtic Holiday
Location: Hudson Falls High School Auditorium—80 E Labarge St. Hudson Falls, NY; 12839
Date(s): December 7th
Time: 4:00 PM
Join the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra for their yearly holiday performance, this year at the Hudson Falls High School Auditorium.
Celebrate the joyful sounds of the season with local students, as they take part as choral singers in an evening of family holiday favorites. This year, the students are joined by world-renowned fiddler Liz Knowles, whose work has made its way on Broadway—as well as other venues across the country—with her merging of traditional Irish fiddle music and classical violin.
This captivating program will bring joy and awe to all corners of the concert hall.
Important Update: Tickets for this event are SOLD OUT as of December 2, 2025.
*To learn more, check out our Holiday Pops event page.
**Please Note: Due to renovations at the Glens Falls High School, the concert will be held at Hudson Falls High School this year.
LARAC Winter Arts Festival
Location: The Queensbury Hotel
Date(s): December 7th
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Still working on your holiday shopping? You may just find the perfect present at the LARAC Winter Arts Festival, located at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.
This juried art show hosts over 50 regional artisans and their handmade crafts, such as pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, culinary items, and much more. All of these items will make fantastic gifts for that special someone in your life.
*To learn more, check out our LARAC Winter Arts Festival event page.
Holiday Open House
Location: The Queensbury Hotel
Date(s): December 13th
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Come and experience the iconic Queensbury Hotel, decked to the fullest in festive holiday cheer!
At the Queensbury's Holiday Open House, children—and their families—can partake in a wide assortment of crafts and activities, including a meeting with Santa, a tour of a life-sized gingerbread house, and even a bounce house in the Queen's Ballroom. Cookies and other refreshments are also available for everyone.
This event is FREE for everyone, so come and see this hotel's magnificent displays and decorations.
*To learn more, check out our Holiday Open House event page.
The Chapman Museum's Holiday Open House
Location: Chapman Museum
Date(s): December 13th
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Come and celebrate the holidays with a day of free admission to the Chapman Museum in Glens Falls.
Filled with festive crafts, local history, holiday displays, and refreshments all day, the whole family is welcome to attend this merry event.
Santa will also be stopping by the DeLong House parlor from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for some fun photo ops with the children. And don't miss the special storytime reading of Tad Hills's "Mistletoe: A Christmas Story" at 11:30 AM.
*To learn more, check out our Chapman Holiday Open House event page.
The McKrells Christmas
Location: Tannery Pond Center
Date(s): December 14th
Time: 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Ring in Christmas with the McKrells and their Celtic-inspired bluegrass music in concert for one final season.
A tradition in Upstate NY for 30 years, the McKrells—featuring Kevin McKrell, Brian Melick, Arlin Greene, and Frank Orsini—have been entertaining generations of audiences through their music. Now, in one final hurrah, they're ready to hit the stage with their holiday-themed classics, including their interpretation of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
Joined by Jonathan Greene and Chuck Kish of the 'Hot Club of Saratoga,' this will be a show for the ages. Showtimes will be at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Tannery Pond Center.
Important Update: Tickets for the 3:00 PM showing are SOLD OUT as of December 2, 2025.
*To learn more, check out our McKrells event page.
Anthony Nunziata: “Christmas & Italy”
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): December 17th
Time: 7:00 PM
Back by popular demand, one of America’s biggest voices and most sought-after entertainers, Anthony Nunziata, returns to the Charles R. Wood Theater.
In his latest concert tour, Nunziata will serenade the audience with timeless classics from Italian, Broadway, Jazz, and Holiday repertoires, including soul-stirring renditions of "O Holy Night," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "The Christmas Song," "O Sole Mio," "Somewhere," "I Found A Home," and "The Greatest Wish." Nunziata will also be singing select original songs from his award-winning “Together for Christmas” album.
Purchase tickets for this 'can’t miss' performance by going online today!
*To learn more, check out our Anthony Nunziata event page.
Suite Moves: The Nutcracker Reimagined!
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): December 21st
Time: 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Get ready for a new spin on a timeless classic.
The story of the Nutcracker has been told for generations, but this show at the Charles R. Wood Theater presents a modern interpretation, complete with tap dancing, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, and hip hop. Presented by The Body Barre, Suite Moves is a family-fun reimagining of the familiar tale that stays true to the spirit of the original.
Showtimes will be at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, so make sure you grab your tickets for one of these times—or perhaps both.
*To learn more, check out our Suite Moves event page.
*Originally published on Nov. 7, 2024. Last updated for 2025 Events on Oct. 31, 2025.