How To Spend the Winter Holidays in Lake George, NY
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If you’re looking for a picturesque holiday escape that blends natural beauty, small-town charm, and a touch of seasonal magic, Lake George, NY, should top your list! From shimmering lake views and festive lights to cozy shops and outdoor adventures, Lake George brings the holiday season to life. Here’s a guide to spending the holidays in this Adirondack gem, complete with ideas for fun events, dining, shopping, and seasonal activities.
1. Enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights
Lake George Village transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland during the holiday season, thanks to the spectacular Holiday Festival of Lights. This annual event, beginning after Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s, turns the town into a glowing display of holiday lights. Stroll through Shepard Park and other lit-up areas to enjoy creative light displays, holiday music, and festive décor that really captures the season.
Don't forget to bring your camera—this is the place for memorable family photos, with the lake and mountains as your backdrop. Warm up afterward with some hot cocoa from local spots like Café Vero or Adirondack Winery’s Tasting Room for a special holiday treat.
2. Skate and Ski: Winter Adventures Await
Nothing says winter fun quite like ice skating or hitting the slopes! Gurney Lane Recreation Area and Crandall Park in Glens Falls offer well-maintained outdoor skating rinks, where you can rent skates or bring your own to glide across the ice surrounded by snowy mountain views.
For those looking to ski, West Mountain in Queensbury is just a short drive away. It’s perfect for families and beginners and offers day and night skiing. If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of cross-country skiing at places like Gore Mountain Nordic Center and Lake George Recreation Center.
3. Shop for Local Holiday Gifts
Lake George’s downtown area is filled with cozy shops and boutiques that offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Swing by Lake George Olive Oil Co. for gourmet oils and vinegars, or Adirondack Winery for locally made wines. If you’re looking for something classic, check out The Indian Tepee Gift Shop for unique Lake George keepsakes. Many shops feature holiday-themed items, from ornaments to candles, that capture the Adirondack spirit.
For extra holiday cheer, plan your shopping trip around the Holiday Market on Canada Street—usually held in early December. You’ll find a variety of handmade goods, crafts, and delicious food items that make for thoughtful gifts (or treats for yourself!).
4. Cozy Up at Holiday-Friendly Restaurants
The Lake George area offers many cozy dining spots where you can enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by holiday charm. Head to The Log Jam Restaurant for rustic, lodge-style dining with a festive atmosphere. Their hearty comfort food, like prime rib and lobster mac 'n' cheese, is perfect for a winter night.
Another great option is The Inn at Erlowest. This beautiful mansion overlooking the lake turns into a winter wonderland and features a menu filled with seasonal specialties. For a unique experience, try the Adirondack Brewery, where you can sip on local craft beers like the always-popular “Bobcat Blonde Ale” while enjoying hearty dishes by the fire.
5. Meet Santa and Go on a Holiday Sleigh Ride
During December weekends, Lake George Village offers holiday events that are especially magical for kids. Look out for Santa sightings around town, and don't miss the chance to snap a photo of him at the Adirondack Holiday Festival in nearby Glens Falls.
For a nostalgic holiday activity, take a scenic sleigh ride through the Adirondacks. Some local farms and resorts offer winter sleigh rides, which make for a fun family outing or romantic evening under the stars. Circle B Ranch in Chestertown is a great place to book a ride, offering cozy, horse-drawn sleighs that glide through the snow-covered woods.
6. Celebrate New Year’s with a Winter Gala or Fireworks Show
Wrap up your holiday season by celebrating New Year’s in Lake George style! Many local resorts and restaurants host special New Year’s Eve galas, offering gourmet food, live music, and champagne toasts at midnight. The Sagamore Resort on Bolton Landing is known for its New Year’s Eve parties, where you can dance the night away surrounded by stunning lake and mountain views.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly celebration, don’t miss the New Year’s fireworks show over the lake. There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than watching the fireworks reflect off the ice-capped water, with the Adirondack Mountains creating a stunning silhouette.
7. Soak in the Peace of Winter at a Cozy Cabin or Resort
One of the best parts of spending the holidays in Lake George is the cozy lodging options, from charming cabins to luxurious resorts. Rent a cabin for a peaceful retreat in the woods, where you can enjoy a crackling fire and the serene winter landscape. For those who prefer a hotel, The Sagamore Resort offers a magical winter experience with lake views, gourmet dining, and spa services.
Many of the area’s resorts and hotels offer holiday packages that include perks like festive dinners, spa treatments, or special seasonal activities. So, whether you want a rustic cabin feel or upscale lakeside retreat, Lake George has something to offer.
8. Warm Up with Adirondack-Inspired Crafts
Another favorite Lake George holiday tradition is crafting! The Adirondack Folk School in nearby Lake Luzerne offers seasonal workshops on Adirondack crafts, where you can make your own gifts or holiday decorations. Popular classes include basket weaving, rustic furniture building, and holiday wreath-making. It’s a fun, hands-on way to connect with the area’s unique arts and crafts traditions while creating lasting memories.
9. Explore More with Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
The Adirondacks are famous for scenic hikes, and winter is no exception! Try snowshoeing or winter hiking along trails like Shelving Rock Falls or Prospect Mountain for unforgettable views of snow-capped peaks and glistening lake vistas. Be sure to check trail conditions and gear up appropriately—many local shops rent snowshoes, which are ideal for traversing snowy paths.
Wrap-Up: Make This Holiday Season One to Remember at Lake George
The holiday season at Lake George offers a mix of tradition, adventure, and heartwarming charm. Whether you’re watching twinkling lights in the village, ice skating under the stars, or enjoying a sleigh ride through the woods, there’s no shortage of magical experiences to make your winter visit unforgettable. So pack your coziest sweaters, grab some hot cocoa, and come see why Lake George is the perfect destination to celebrate the holidays Adirondack-style.
