Festival of Lights coming to Lake George this holiday season

While the global pandemic has put a damper on many holiday celebrations this year, a new one is coming to Lake Geroge. The Lake George Festival Commons in Charles R. Wood Park will glow with holiday lights and music each weekend Nov. 28 through Dec. 20. The event, organized by Letizia Mastrantoni of Events To a T, is a community effort with local businesses and organizations contributing their uniquely designed holiday-themed light displays.

“With all that has been going on, the last thing I wanted to have to come to terms with was the chance that the holidays might not be the same,” says Mastrantoni. “I truly wanted to create an event that is safe, family-friendly, accessible and fun! While I couldn’t find the right location for a drive-thru event, I have been wanting to take advantage of the beautiful event space at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George for quite some time, and this seemed like the best opportunity.”

Tickets for the Holiday Festival of Lights must be purchased online in advance. Ticket buyers will be asked to select a 40-minute time slot between 4 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, and proceeds will benefit Operation Santa Claus, the WAIT House and 11th Hour Rescue. Many dates are already sold out.

To maintain social distancing on the 2-acre grounds, each time slot will be limited to 50 people. After 40 minutes, the next group will be ushered in. Masks are required.

This is a walk-thru event and the Commons are handicap accessible. Ticket-holders may park on Westbrook Road or Beach Road. Additional parking will be available in the Biscotti Brothers parking lot (across from the park on Canada Street) courtesy of John Carr of the Adirondack Pub and Brewery.

“I have been blown away by the outpouring of interest and the generosity of our community in supporting this event,” says Mastrantoni, “So far we have over 22 displays that will go up.   Some are very elaborate and engaging and all are sure to put a smile on your face!” Mastrantoni says she had to submit a “very thorough” safety plan with Warren County to get approval and is thankful for the support of Mayor Blais, the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.

Music will be both live and recorded. Vendors will be selling food and beverages. Attendees can expect hot cocoa, coffee, fried dough, kettle corn, doughnuts and other festival foods. To purchase tickets, visit the Holiday Festival of Lights Eventbrite page.

Mastrantoni’s Lake George roots are strong. Her family owns the Lake George Olive Oil Company and Mezzaluna restaurant. She launched Events To a T in 2017, which specializes in weddings, parties and corporate functions. This is not her first time organizing a Lake George holiday event. Mastrantoni was the force behind the 2014 Lake George Village Christmas Walk, which encouraged last-minute holiday shopping in Lake George.

Participating Businesses and organizations include: TCT Federal Credit Union, Ledgeview RV Park, Lake George Steamboat Company, Greater Glens Falls Transit, Entertainment One Rentals, Roaring Brook Ranch, Glamp ADK, Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli LLP, Fort William Henry, AccentsbyKK, Boathouse Restaurant/Lodges at Cresthaven, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, TD Bank, Lake George Mermaids, Village of Lake George, High Peaks Hospice, Adirondack Cotton Company, Northern Living, Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Double H Ranch, Holiday Inn Resort.