Lake George holiday lights will still “lite up,” but parade and party are canceled

Thousands of LED lights will illuminate the Village of Lake George this holiday season, but the kick-off party has been canceled. The annual celebration held in Shepard Park has become one of the biggest events on the Lake George calendar. The Lite Up the Village festivities attracts thousands each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving for live music, fireworks and a parade of fire trucks and other fire-eating apparatus draped with strands of colored lights.

A countdown by the crowd and flick of a switch would bring to life the color and glow of the Lake George holiday lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus would meet with dozens of children in a packed firehouse while the Lake George Community Band performs “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World.”

This year, the lights will go on without a crowd in attendance. “We sincerely regret having to cancel such a great family event,” says Village Mayor Robert Blais in a press statement, but says they are acting “out of concern for the well-being and safety of our guests.”

The Village of Lake George Parks and Streets Departments will set up the colorful light displays through Shepard Park and by the Visitors Center at the intersection of Canada Street and Beach Road. Visitors may enjoy the displays with their bubble of family and friends each night throughout the holiday season.

The Village, the Town of Lake George, local businesses and organizations have safely welcomed thousands of visitors over the summer and fall seasons by following state and federal public health guidelines, which limits the size of gatherings. COVID-19 was kept in check by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Safety Pledge and “Don’t make us ask, wear a mask” campaigns combined with the work of a Village safety officer who helped businesses comply with guidelines.