Lake George Holiday events you don’t want to miss

The Northwest winds have stripped the trees bare, and a light dusting of snow now covers the ground. Balsam wreaths and twinkling lights have replaced the pumpkins and cornstalks of autumn. The daylight hours shorten as we head towards the winter solstice, but the gloom is cast off with holiday celebrations full of music, lights and delectable treats.  Here is our list of Lake George holiday events to put the happy in your holidays and merry in your Christmas.

Lite up the Village

Nov. 26, Shepard Park, Village of Lake George

The Village of Lake George’s 19th Annual tree lighting ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. in Shepard Park with a holiday sing-along led by Bobby Dick. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. to throw the switch controlling thousands of LED lights strung throughout the park. Fireworks over the lake, visits with Santa and a holiday music concert by the Lake George Community Band at the Lake George firehouse follows.

Shop Small Saturday

In 2010, American Express launched the Shop Small Saturday program to encourage consumers to spend their holiday shopping dollars at local small businesses. The Saturday following the shopping frenzy of Black Friday has become a day to support community businesses and find unique gifts without fear of being mauled by mobs of bargain-hunters.

Adirondack Winery Friends and Family Weekend

The winery tasting room on Canada Street is offering 10 percent off wine and accessories Nov. 25 – 27. Stop in over the weekend for a free sample of mulled wine. The weekend kicks off the Adirondack Winery’s support of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Holiday Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped gift suitable for a boy or girl ages 6 – 18 and enjoy a free wine tasting. The toy drive continues through Dec. 11.

Warrensburg Shop Local Saturday

Businesses throughout Warrensburg are offering special discounts and chances to win prizes at the fourth annual Shop Local Saturday. Stop in at any business displaying a shop local sign to get a free tote bag, coupon book and raffle ticket. Bring your raffle tickets to the Chamber of Commerce office on Main Street (across from Tops supermarket) by 5 p.m. to be entered into drawings for more than two dozen gift cards.

Annual Cookie Walk

Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Church of St. Sacrement, 4879 Lakeshore Drive, Bolton Landing
Cookie and Christmas items sale. White Elephant, crafts and gifts.
Christmas Cantata at 7 p.m. free admission

Christmas in Warrensburg – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

Dec. 3 & 4
The Warrensburg Town Hall becomes Toyland Saturday, Dec. 3, with Santa, live reindeer, gingerbread house decorating and other activities for children. Live music performed by the Warrensburg Elementary School chorus and High School band.  Saturday there will be indoor holiday market at the Senior Center on Main Street and a craft show at the Elementary School on James Street Sunday. The weekend includes horse-drawn carriage rides and pony rides. Join area Girl Scouts and the Elementary School band at the bandstand for caroling and lighting of the town tree Saturday evening.

 Lake George Community Band Holiday Concert

Sunday, Dec. 18, Lake George High School, 3 p.m.
The 70-piece Lake George Community Band presents a program of festive music under the direction of Michael Craner. Admission is free.

Breakfast with Santa

Sunday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 18, 8:30 – 11 a.m. 
Courtyard Marriott Lake George, 365 Canada Street

Photos with Santa, ornament crafting and Pin the Nose on Rudolph while enjoying a full breakfast at Lake George’s newest hotel. To purchase tickets, call (518)685-3400. Adults – $21.95, children – $11.95, ages 5 and younger are free. Bring a toiletry to benefit Lake George Region Women in Need.

New Year’s Day Polar Plunge

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Shepard Park Beach, 1 p.m.

Wash away 2016 with a dip in Lake George. This annual event attracts more than 1,000 plungers each year. Registration begins New Year’s Eve at Duffy’s Tavern. The first wave of plungers goes in at 1 p.m. followed by waves each half hour. Registration is free, but plungers may donate $10 to get an official Polar Plunge long-sleeved t-shirt. Proceeds benefit local charities.