Lake George Holiday Bucket List: Start New Traditions This Year
Make memories with the family, try new activities, and attend special events this year with our top six suggestions for a Lake George holiday bucket lit!
1) Check Out the New Lights at the Lake & Skating Rink
New for the 2024/2025 season, visitors and locals alike can take part in the new Lights at the Lake, happening from November 30 through March 2. From 4pm to 9pm, Thursday through Sunday, you can walk through Charles R. Wood Park experiencing a wide array of holiday lights.
In addition, there will be a new synthetic skating rink situated close by on Beach Road, plus more lights in Shepard Park! And don't miss out on the kickoff to the holiday season, Lite Up the Village.
2) Experience a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
The Caldwell Carriage Company is the primary company that offers horse-drawn sleigh rides and wagon rides around Lake George Village on a first come, first served basis. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates and hours.
For a more exclusive, and maybe romantic sleigh ride, plan to head to Chestertown where Circle B Ranch offers private group rides, semi-private sleigh rides, and group sleigh rides. They make it easy to book through their website.
3) Choose & Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
If you’re local to Lake George, consider cutting your own Christmas tree this year for an extra memorable experience. River Bend Christmas Tree Farm in Lake Luzerne is a top favorite for their gorgeous selection of trees and welcoming staff.
Their Google reviews offer up praises like, “These guys do it right!” “This is an awesome farm!” And many talk about how they return here year after year with the family.
Regardless of where you go, just make sure to check that they offer cut your own (as compared to pre-cut), if that's what you have your heart set on.
See cut-your-own tree farms around Lake George and Glens Falls >>
4) Grab a Festive Cocktail at a Cozy Bar
The Lake George area has many cozy bars where you can pick up a drink with Christmas-y vibes. Check out The Log Jam Restaurant, which typically offers cocktails at this time of year like Pomegranate Sangria, Gingerbread Eggnog, and a Candy Cane Margarita. The Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge at the Fort William Henry Hotel is another great choice - and they always have festive decor around Christmastime.
And, don’t discount Adirondack Winery. They not only always have festive seasonal drinks available, but they often host events like a Boozy Holiday Book Fair, a holiday festival, and themed trivia nights or Christmas Music Bingo at their Queensbury location.
5) Attend a Breakfast With Santa or Holiday Craft Event
Got kids? They’ll love Breakfast With Santa at Fort William Henry which takes place a few times each season. The Queensbury Hotel typically offers a Breakfast With Santa at their North Country Festival of Trees event. For a truly unique Santa experience, check out the Santa Cruises on the Adirondac, offered by Lake George Waterfront Cruises!
If Santa isn’t your thing, get in on a holiday craft event. Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing does a series of Make Your Own Holiday Wreath each year from late November through early December. The Caldwell-Lake George Library often has Painting With Patrice events that are likely to have a holiday slant this time of year, and you can find more crafty happenings in the events calendar.
6) Shop at a Holiday Artisan Market or Special Event
Keep checking the events calendar for shopping opportunities like the Holiday Open House at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. The Shirt Factory not only has several floors of unique businesses in their unique building, but they bring in additional vendors for special events like the open house.
Glenwood Manor Antiques in Queensbury hosts a Christmas Open House Each year, you can find handmade items for sale at the aforementioned North Country Festival of Trees event, and there are others if you watch the events calendar and keep an eye on Facebook for more!
Continue with winter fun once the holidays are over >>
