Enjoy These 2024 Holiday Events & Fun Christmas Activities in Saratoga County
'Tis the Season for Parades, Family Traditions, and More
Get ready to celebrate the season with an array of holiday events and Christmas activities in Saratoga County! From festive family outings to fun traditions like the Victorian Streetwalk, this area is a destination for holiday season excitement.
Kick-Start Your Holiday Gift Shopping Spree
You may feel ready to relax after a hearty Thanksgiving dinner, but you also don’t want to leave your holiday gift shopping to the last minute. Take advantage of the holiday season’s best deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
On Black Friday (November 29, 2024), shops in downtown Saratoga and around the region will open their doors bright and early and offer incredible savings on products and potential holiday gifts.
If you’re looking for even more deals after Black Friday, then consider making the most of Small Business Saturday. This shopping holiday is a celebration of local and small businesses.
Visit Saratoga County stores and boutiques for great discounts, or browse tons of vendors in one place at the Holiday Craft Marketplace, which will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center on November 30, 2024.
All Aboard! Holiday Cheer Awaits with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway's Festive Train Rides
Step into the magic of the holiday season with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway’s two enchanting train ride experiences—the Candy Cane Express and the Christmas Tree Limited.
The Candy Cane Express is a 60-minute, family-friendly ride through the Southern Adirondacks, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa. Cozy up in the heated lounge or venture to the open-air car to enjoy the brisk breeze with your warm drink. This ride is available on select dates in November and December 2024.
"Candy Cane Express was a great time," said one visitor. "We had the Kayadeross private car. The whole staff was amazing! A family memory that will last a lifetime!"
Or, for a unique holiday adventure, hop aboard the Christmas Tree Limited and pick up a pre-purchased Christmas tree at Kings Station. On this two-hour ride, hot cocoa, Christmas music, and holiday decor will make the trip unforgettable for the kids.
6’-8’ and 8’-10’ trees are available, and you must make a selection during checkout. Book early, as spaces and tree options are limited! The Christmas Tree Limited will be held on November 29 and 30, 2024.
Illuminate Your Night at Tree Lightings & Holiday Celebrations
No matter where you go in Saratoga County, you can find holiday celebrations and family-friendly festivities. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events!
Victorian Streetwalk
Each year, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association presents the Victorian Streetwalk, a holiday celebration in downtown Saratoga.
Now in its 38th year, the popular event will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, and feature a mix of free entertainment and activities.
Bring the family and enjoy the community's traditional tree lighting ceremony and more holiday season fun. It's also the perfect time to explore the city, check out all the beautiful Christmas trees and decor, and support small businesses as you shop for gifts.
Wilton Tree Lighting
Join the Town of Wilton as they host their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gavin Park on December 6, 2024. Highlights include the tree lighting, hot cocoa and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Santa's Playland at Quick Response
Quick Response in Round Lake invites families and friends to experience the holiday magic at their drive-through attraction, Santa’s Playland! From November 27, 2024 - January 6, 2025, enjoy a dazzling display of animated holiday lights synchronized to cheerful music—all from the warmth and comfort of your car.
Open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 5:00pm-11:00pm, this free event promises a memorable outing for all ages.
Enter a World of Twinkling Lights at the Saratoga Festival of Trees
Visit the Saratoga Springs City Center and explore a Christmas wonderland of decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces available for viewing and purchase.
The Saratoga Festival of Trees is a beloved tradition that supports the Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, and it will be held on December 4-8, 2024.
Who Doesn’t Enjoy a Traditional Holiday Parade?
Nothing says the holidays like an old-fashioned Christmas parade through town. In Saratoga County, there are two parades you won’t want to miss happening in South Glens Falls and Ballston Spa.
South Glens Falls Fire Company Holiday Parade
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 24, 2024), the South Glens Falls Holiday Parade will travel down Route 9 through the South Glens Falls community.
Marchers, floats, costumed characters, bands, and Santa Claus will take part in this village holiday tradition. Non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys will also be accepted for donation.
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
During the first Friday of December, the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will present the annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
Head to Milton Avenue on Friday, December 6, 2024, and watch as the street comes live with colorful floats, fire trucks, and community groups. Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on an Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Company truck and light the Christmas tree in Wiswall Park.
Cheer On the Holiday Train as It Rolls Through Saratoga County
The CPKC Holiday Train is rolling back into town on November 25, 2024! Catch this vibrant, festively decorated train as it makes stops in Mechanicville and Saratoga Springs, bringing holiday cheer with free live performances by the James Barker Band and Cherel.
Although the event is free, attendees can help spread the joy by contributing a monetary donation or heart-healthy items to support those in need in our local community.
Pick Out the Perfect Christmas Tree
Christmas time is here, and one of the season's best activities is choosing the perfect tree for your home.
For many families, it's tradition to visit a local Christmas tree farm and find a fragrant and fresh tree. There are multiple Christmas tree farms in Saratoga County offering a great selection of trees for the holidays, from Fraser Fir to Balsam and Blue Spruce.
Experience the Magic of the 2025 Saratoga New Year's Eve
Formerly known as First Night Saratoga, Saratoga's New Year Eve is recognized as the state’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration outside of New York City. The event will feature a free outdoor concert and fireworks display, live music at various venues, a 5K road run on New Year's Day, and more.
Excited for the holidays? Plan your trip to Saratoga County today!
This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.
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