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Things to Do for New Year's in Lake George: Enjoy the Festivities

The best things to do for New Year's in Lake George include fireworks over the lake, cruises, and the annual Polar Plunge!

fireworks cruise at night in winter
Photo Credit: Luke Dow Photography

Watch the Fireworks Over the Lake

Start the year off with a bang by watching the New Year's Eve fireworks over Lake George. Be sure to arrive before the fireworks begin at midnight!

food, drinks, and party hats for new year's at the queensbury hotel

Eat Out & Celebrate

Celebrate the end of the year with family and friends by dining out. There are a wide range of restaurants and bars that are open year-round in Lake George, and while some usually host New Year's Eve parties, others feature a more relaxing atmosphere.

Find restaurants open for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day >>

live music on the left, hotel room with fireplace on right

Make It an Overnight Celebration

There's no better night to make it an overnight! Numerous lodging options are open year-round and are located in or right outside Lake George, from resort hotels to cozy cabins.

Many hotels like The Queensbury Hotel or Fort William Henry have New Year's Eve celebrations and entertainment happening on site, and then it's a short walk to your room!

Celebrate the New Year on the Lake 

adirondac cruise ship on water

Frostbite Cruise

Begin the New Year off right with a spectacular cruise with Lake George Waterfront Cruises. The company's annual Frostbite Cruise will take place on New Year's Day, and passengers can choose between a 12:00pm or a 2:30pm departure time. Each ticket includes a 1.5-hour cruise, drink tickets, food, and live music from Funk Evolution.

Find more New Year's events >>

new years polar plunge in lake george

Brave the New Year's Day Polar Plunge

One of Lake George Village's New Year's Day traditions is the Polar Plunge. Each year, hundreds of polar plungers visit Lake George and charge into the frigid lake, and many spectators gather around to cheer them on.

If you're willing to take the plunge, then be sure to register! However, if the event is not for you, you can still watch the Polar Plunge take place and then celebrate the New Year at the post-plunge party at Duffy's Tavern.

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woman in hat poses in front water
Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.