Practically another year has passed, leaving us with cherished memories and exciting events to conclude the year. Yes, the Lake George Area is ready to welcome the calendar change with a collection of parties and celebrations that give it their all.
Each new year brings forth new hopes, new resolutions, and new beginnings. Looking back at all the excitement from the previous 365 days draws inspiration in both tourists and locals alike. So what better way to “put your best foot forward” than with some grand finales or some stupendous starts?
So, get ready to open up those planners and ring in the new year with these New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events in the Lake George Area.
‘Noon’ Year’s Eve Celebration
Location: World Awareness Children’s Museum
Date(s): December 31st
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who says New Year’s Eve can’t be fun and educational?
Spend the day learning about New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world at this kid-friendly event at the World Awareness Children’s Museum.
On top of various crafts and activities, there will be a ceremonial ball drop at noon. This program is free with admission, but donations to the museum are always greatly appreciated.
First Night of Funny
Location: Charles R. Wood Theater
Date(s): December 31st
Time: 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
It's a barrel of laughs and rib-splitting humor at the Charles R. Wood Theater!
The First Night of Funny event will showcase four professional comedians, each with their own unique character and sense of humor. Their goal is to create the most amount of laughter from the audience, so make sure you bring your funny bone. The last night of the year is set to be a hilarious one.
Two separate showtimes are available this year—at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM—so go online and reserve your tickets today!
NYE Dinner & Comedy Show
Location: The Park Theater
Date(s): December 31st
Time: 6:00 PM
Get ready for a wonderful night filled with great food and equally great laughs.
The Park Theater is ready to ring in the new year with a performance from renowned comedian, Casey James Salengo, recognized from appearances on "Comedy Central Presents," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and HBO's "Pause with Sam Jay." He will be joined by special guest, Courtney Maginnis—known for performing at comedy festivals across the country—and together, these two will be delivering chuckles and chortles all night long at this historic venue.
Before the performance, though, guests will be treated to a 3-course prix-fixe menu handpicked by Park Street Hospitality's head chef, Matthew J. Delos. Hope you come hungry!
The doors will open at 6:00 PM with cocktail hours, followed by dinner at 7:00 PM, and the show will start at 8:00 PM.
*To learn more, check out our Dinner and Comedy event page.
New Year’s Eve at the Q
Location: The Queensbury Hotel
Date(s): December 31st
Time:
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Party: 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Great food, great friends, and great music. It’s all right here at The Queensbury Hotel.
Begin your evening with a mouthwatering meal at Park 26, serving an 'a la carte' menu along with some featured nightly specials. Then, get ready for a ballroom bash you won’t forget, with live music from 11-piece band, Soul Session. There’s also a 3-hour open bar, light snacks, and a photo booth for you to enjoy with friends as you prepare for the ball drop at midnight.
If you want to keep the party going even longer, The Queensbury is preparing an overnight package with the party admission that include an overnight stay right at the hotel! Check out The Queensbury Hotel’s website for more information.
*To learn more, check out our New Year’s Eve at The Q event page.
**Must be 21 years or older for this event.
New Year’s Eve at TR's Restaurant and Lounge
Location: TR's Restaurant & Lounge (Holiday Inn Resort Lake George)
Date(s): December 31st
Time: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Join the friendly folks at TR's Restaurant & Lounge, located at the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George, for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration.
The festivities begin with a delectable chef-crafted buffet—including an expansive salad bar, prime rib carving station, entrees, and more. Then at 7:00 PM, you can enjoy live entertainment and music from Luny Tunz Entertainment, before a ceremonial ball drop at midnight.
Make your reservations by contacting the Holiday Inn Resort at (518) 668-5781 today, and get ready to welcome 2026 the right way.
New Year’s Eve with Savage Pianos
Location: Fort William Henry Hotel
Date(s): December 31st
Time: 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
It’s a party at the fort, and you’re invited!
Bring your best singing voice and your dancing shoes as Savage Pianos, known for their high energy and craftsmanship, hits the Carriage House. These dynamic personalities also take song requests, so see if they can't bring out some crowd favorites. This is one party you won’t want to miss.
Festivities will also include a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
New Year’s Eve Party at The Barrel
Location: The Barrel
Date(s): December 31st and January 1st
Time:
Wednesday December 31st: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday January 1st: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Welcome the new year in style at The Barrel in Bolton Landing!
This lively restaurant features multiple time slots with live music on December 31st—both from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM—as well as various dining specials and small bites throughout the day. Then, head back to The Barrel on January 1st and enjoy an early brunch or later lunch, as well as more live music from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
These two days will be filled with plenty of laughs, dancing, and even meals—a perfect way to start 2026. You can also extend your stay with lodging specials courtesy of the Lodges at Blue Water Manor.
*To learn more, check out our New Year's Eve at The Barrel event page.
Frostbite Dockside Party
Location: Lake George Waterfront Cruises
Date(s): January 1st
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Begin the first day of the new year with Lake George Waterfront Cruises' Frostbite Dockside Party.
Take in the beauty of a Southern Adirondacks winter from the Dockside Tent in their nearby parking lot. Attendees can enjoy warming comfort food, drinks, and live music from local bands, Mischief and The Refrigerators. Then at 5:30 PM, stay tuned for a lively fireworks show to cap off the evening.
Book your tickets and make sure you dress warm!
Important Note: For any event details or updates, please contact Lake George Waterfront Cruises at (518) 668-4644.
*To learn more, check out our Frostbite Dockside Party event page.
Polar Plunge - First Day in Lake George
Location: Shepard Park
Date(s): January 1st
Time: 1:00 PM
Celebrate with a beloved tradition of the Lake George Area—the iconic Polar Plunge!
A New Year's staple since 1973, waves of 400 people bravely plunge into the chilly waters of Lake George.
The first wave will be running in at 1:00 PM. Sign-ups start on New Year's Eve from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and again on New Year's Day at 10:30 AM at Duffy's Tavern. And don't forget to get changed into warm layers and hit the afterparty at Duffy's from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
*To learn more, check out our Polar Plunge event page.
The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
Location: Harding Mazzotti Arena
Date(s): January 1st
Time: 2:00 PM
A brand new year begins with a significant cultural milestone.
The Harlem Globetrotters are heading to the Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls as part of their 100th anniversary tour. For a whole century, the Globetrotters have entertained millions across the globe with their ball skills, trick shots, and comedic routines—while also having opened the door for African Americans in professional basketball leagues.
With their feats spanning across multiple generations, no matter how young or old you are, these athletes will be sure to dazzle you with their electrifying performances.
*To learn more, check out our Harlem Globetrotters event page.
*Originally published on Nov. 12, 2024. Last updated for 2025-2026 Events on Nov. 12, 2025.