Wednesday, November 24
Acoustic Blues Open Mic and Jam
Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St. Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.
Featuring Donna Marie Tritico with “Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy.” Every fourth Wednesday Caffè Lena and The Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society team up for a great evening of acoustic blues performed by amateur and off-duty professional blues players from around the Capital District. Whether you come to listen or play, you’ll be treated to some great performances! All ages and playing levels are welcome. Sign-up at 6:30 p.m., featured artist at 7 p.m., Open mic and Jam at 7:30 p.m. Admission $5.
Clayfest
Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s Schacht Gallery, 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville
CLAYFEST, a national invitational exhibition celebrating the holiday season with a compilation of incredible functional pots and decorative works by 22 established clay artists from across the country. The exhibition runs through December 31. The work will also open online in our SHOP at 5 p.m. on November 20. Details for the exhibition can be found online at www.saratogaclayarts.org.
Thursday, November 25
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Christopher Dailey Foundation 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot
Christopher Dailey Foundation’s annual Turkey Trot, which traditionally takes place on Thanksgiving morning, will have both live and virtual participation options this year. Take part in the in-person race in downtown Saratoga Springs on Thanksgiving Day, or complete a virtual 5K from anywhere between Friday, November 19 and Sunday, November 28. Learn more and register here: christopherdaileyfoundation.com/turkeytrot.htm
Ballston Spa 27th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal
Union Fire Company, 319 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 12 – 3 p.m.
Take outs and deliveries available. There is no cost for the meal, and all are welcome. Donations can be made by check, payable to Ballston spa thanksgiving Meal and mailed to Union fire Company #2, PO Box 145, Ballston Spa, NY 12020-0145. Attn: Sean Mulvaney. There will also be volunteer opportunities to help on thanksgiving eve as well as Thanksgiving Day. Please contact Jodi Mulvaney, 518-937-8647 with any questions.
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Rte 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m.
Drive through our magical Holiday Lights Spectacular. From November 25 - January 3 you can drive through our magical Holiday Lights Spectacular. Santa will be visiting regularly. Capital Region Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots donations will be accepted throughout the event. The Marine Corps Reserve will be on site December 17 & 18. If you wish to donate, please bring new unwrapped toys. Admission is free.
Friday, November 26
HOPE’s Black Caturday Sale
Hope Adoption Center, Wilton Mall, 3065 NY 50, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Shop to help the animals, Friday and Saturday. Come support Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist by shopping at our Black Caturday Sale! We will have: Dog coats, collars, dog toys, cat items, pet supplies, gift items, holiday gift wrap/bags, artwork, jewelry and more! All proceeds collected from this sale will go towards HOPE and the animals, while they wait to find their forever homes.
Holiday Lighted Nights
Washington County Fair, 392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich
Holiday Lighted Nights is the start of a new holiday tradition! This drive-thru experience will be fun for the whole family as you enjoy over a mile and a half of holiday magic. Take in the giant light displays that will feature holiday favorites, as well as community-created displays by Washington County Fair Junior Beef, Greenwich FFA, Washington County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Boy Scouts, and the Middle Falls Fire Department, all while listening along to holiday music provided by the Breeze 103.9. Order your tickets ahead of time to pre-order snacks to be picked up upon arrival. Tickets are $25 per car and can be purchased online ahead of time or at the gate. Don’t forget to visit the Fair Store for this year’s commemorative ornament as well as new winter items! November 26, 27, 28, December 2, 3, 4, 5, and daily December 9–23.
Saturday, November 27
Small Business Saturday
Various Local Businesses | All day
Shop local and support your local small businesses. This is an opportunity to support local small businesses as you do your holiday shopping. It’s a great way to support small businesses in your community and find unique gifts for everyone on your list, all while enjoying the best in personalized customer service. When everyone makes a small effort, together we can make a big impact.
Holiday Craft Marketplace
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Holiday Craft Marketplace will benefit Saratoga Center for the Family for the 46th year. Shop over 100 local crafters. Local crafters and artisans will be showcasing their homemade items, from beautiful woodwork to handmade jewelry, from scented candles to holiday cards & decor! Bring your shopping bags and be ready to fill them with unique gifts for your loved ones or yourself! Masks required.
21st Annual Artisan Market
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa | Various times.
The market will feature only handcrafted products created by local artisans. Everything from natural soaps and lotions to unique ornaments and jewelry to delicious syrups and edibles. A unique shopping experience and a variety of items that makes holiday shopping simple, plus each item sold supports both the Saratoga County History Center and local artisans. November 27 – December 24. Hours as follows: Thursdays, Noon – 5 p.m., Fridays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Face coverings are required during your visit. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Ham Dinner Drive Thru
South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Ham with scalloped potatoes, vegetable, navy bean soup, and pineapple-upside down cake for dessert. Adults $12. Pre-orders are recommended, delivery is available. 518-793-1152.
Lake George’s Festival of Lights
Shepard’s Park, Lake George | Takes place along Canada St in Lake George from Nov. 27 – Dec. 31
Get in the holiday spirit by enjoying decorated storefronts on Canada St and a huge light display in Shepard’s Park in Lake George. There is no cost to enjoy the lights. The festival also features several standout events which are ticketed: Royal Snow Sisters Holiday Princess Show, Ha-Ha-Holiday Comedy Show, a Holiday Artisan Market, and live family-friendly music. Advance tickets are required. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventstoat.net.
Sunday, November 28
Indoor Craft and Garage Sale
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary will hold their monthly sale for holiday shopping. Admission is free. Over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore, and lunch. Household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, jewelry, vendors, pet supplies, food, body lotions, and more. Snow or rain, the sales go on. Come browse, visit, eat, or just get out of the house with a friend. All proceeds go to our local charities. An 8’ table and chairs $15; call Linda at 518- 289-5470 for information or to sign up. Masks should be worn by everyone unvaccinated.
Monday, November 29
Nature on the Move Walk
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Registration is required at least one business day in advance. Space is limited. Our outdoor programs are weather-dependent and may be cancelled during bad weather. For more information or to register for a program, visit www.wiltonpreserve.org, call 518-450-0321 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Wednesday, December 1
2021 Festival of Trees
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties invites the local community to mark their calendars for the 26th annual holiday event fundraiser –Wednesday, December 1 through Sunday, December 5. The Festival will showcase beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other holiday items for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the programs of Catholic Charities in the tri-county region.
Old Saratoga Seniors Meeting
Town Hall, 35 Spring St., Schuylerville | Noon
It will be a sandwich luncheon. Please bring a dish to share. Money for Xmas luncheon is due. We are taking a bus to this luncheon. Also sign up for trip in May 2022. Guests are welcome. Looking forward to seeing everyone. For more information, contact Pat at 518-338-2329.
Stuffed Shells Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pickup only. Menu: stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2, $25 (cash only). To place an order call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 518-584-2585.
Poetry Reading
Caffe’ Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.
Poetry reading by Jan Tramantano. An open mic poetry reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org.
Thursday, December 2
Artisan’s Market
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa
The market will feature only handcrafted products created by local artisans. Everything from natural soaps to unique ornaments and jewelry to delicious syrups and edibles. Thursdays, Noon – 5 p.m., Fridays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays, and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Face coverings required. Hand sanitizer will be available. The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to preserving local history, educating the public, and serving Saratoga County communities. All money raised by the Artisan’s Market will fund SCHC public programming and collection maintenance, ensuring that future generations will be able to learn about and enjoy our amazing, historic region.
Saratoga Tree Lighting and Victorian Streetwalk
Downtown Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.
Kick off the Victorian Streetwalk Weekend in Saratoga Springs with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 2, at 6 p.m. There will be a short, one-hour ceremony. For updates, visit: www.facebook.com/downtownsaratogasprings.
