*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 29th – December 1st
Time: Festivities begin at 8:30 or 9:00 AM each day
Get ready for the iconic Queensbury Hotel to transform into a winter wonderland during the 33rd 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 fee is required for Photos with Santa and Line Dancing. All proceeds benefit the Prospect Center at the Center for Disability Services.
Breakfast with Santa
Location: Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center
Date(s): November 30th, December 14th, and December 21st
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 for sure be a treasured memory for years afterwards. Santa himself will arrive at 8:00 AM on all 3 dates.
*To learn more, check out our Breakfast with Santa event page.
Lite Up the Village
Location: Shepard Park
Date(s): November 30th
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 5,000 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 in the village, including musical performances, carriage rides, bounce houses, an ugly sweater contest, and more! Don’t miss out on this completely free opportunity.
*To learn more, check out our Lite Up the Village event page.
**This event takes place rain, snow, or shine.
Sherlock Holmes’ “The Night Before Christmas”
Location: Tannery Pond Center
Date(s): November 30th and December 1st
Time:
November 30th: 7:00 PM
December 1st: 2:00 PM
Head to the Tannery Pond Center for a live performance of a classic Christmas tale with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
This 1880’s-centered story provides mystery, suspense, comedy, and, of course, a few Christmas carols along the way. The talented voice actors of Gem Radio Theatre will be holding two shows – an evening performance on Saturday, November 30th, followed by a matinee showing on Sunday, December 1st.
*To learn more, check out our Sherlock Holmes event page.
Billy Gilman: Christmas & Hits
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): December 1st
Time: 3:00 PM
Enjoy the sounds of the season with Billy Gilman, alongside his collection of greatest hits, for a one-night musical spectacle at the Charles R. Wood Theater.
With his debut album - headlined by hit single “One Voice”- going certified double platinum, Billy Gilman earned himself a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest singer ever to reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts.
Accompanied by other achievements such as Grammy and CMA nominations, as well as being a finalist on hit competition series “The Voice,” Gilman is now set to hit the stage at this historic downtown Glens Falls theater for a show you won’t forget.
*To learn more, check out our Billy Gilman event page.
Lake Luzerne Holiday Celebration
Location: Benjamin C. Butler Pavilion Park
Date(s): December 1st
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: Center of Chestertown
Date(s): December 3rd
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
Date(s): December 6th – December 8th
Time: Detailed Schedule on Event Website
Take part in the holiday happenings occurring all weekend long at the Adirondack Holiday Festival in beautiful downtown Glens Falls.
Kick off the event on Friday with a joyous parade, the wonderful lighting of the community tree, and visits from Santa Claus (don’t forget to write a letter for his mailbox!). Then throughout the weekend, make sure to check out a wide selection of local vendors offering various Adirondack-themed goods and items, all of which will make perfect holiday gifts.
This merry festival is fun for all ages, so the whole family is encouraged to attend and help portray why holidays in the Adirondacks are so charming.
*To learn more, check out our Adirondack Holiday Festival event page.
Candy Cane Lane
Location: SUNY Adirondack Visual Arts Gallery
Date(s): December 6th
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 6th
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Head on over to West Mountain for their very first 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
Date(s): December 6th - December 7th
Time:
December 6th: 5:30 PM
December 7th: 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, 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.
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 5K
Location: SUNY Adirondack
Date(s): December 7th
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Gear up for a merry sprint during the Adirondack Runners Reindeer 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.
*To learn more, check out our Reindeer 5K event page.
**Online Registration is open until December 5th.
Flannel Fest
Location: The Barrel
Date(s): December 7th
Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready for a jolly ol’ time at The Barrel’s 3rd 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
Date(s): December 7th and December 8th
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
One of the longest-running holiday celebrations in the area, Christmas in Warrensburgh, returns for its 36th year.
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, and so much more!
Make sure to also attend the Indoor Holiday Market and Artisan Fair on Saturday, December 7th, 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.
**Full 2024 schedule coming soon.
North Country Singers Holiday Celebration
Location: Tannery Pond Center
Date(s): December 7th and December 8th
Time:
December 7th: 7:00 PM
December 8th: 2:00 PM
The North Country Singers are proud to present their annual holiday concert, hosted at the Tannery Pond Center.
An ensemble of instruments and performers hit the stage, delivering beloved classics to invoke 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.
**To reserve seating, please call (518)-251-2505.
Glens Falls Symphony: Holiday Pops
Location: Glens Falls High School Auditorium
Date(s): December 8th
Time: 4:00 PM
Join the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra for their yearly holiday performance at the Glens Falls High School Auditorium.
Featuring special selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” local students and performers take part as dancers and choral singers in an evening of family holiday favorites. This captivating program will bring joy and awe to all corners of the concert hall.
*To learn more, check out our Holiday Pops event page.
LARAC Winter Arts Festival
Location: The Queensbury Hotel
Date(s): December 8th
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.
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.
Anthony Nunziata: “My Italian Christmas”
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): December 8th
Time: 3:00 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, Funiculi Funicula, 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.
A ‘Classic’ Christmas with Lee & Friends
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): December 22nd
Time: 3:00 PM
An over-the-top Christmas television special live on stage!
David Maiocco as Liberace brings his award-winning, famously flamboyant character to host a festive holiday gathering. With a crew of special guests, including Courtney Shayne, Rob Kelley, Laura Roth, Judy Garland, and Brenda Lee, as well as more silly surprises in store, this special will be everything you could ask for.
*To learn more, check out our Lee and Friends event page.