Friday, December 5
Saratoga Festival of Trees
Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Don’t miss this awe-inspiring holiday festival in Saratoga, running through Sunday, December 7, 2014. The Saratoga Springs Festival of Trees is a fun-filled event and craft fair that is great for kids and adults alike, putting the spirit of Christmas in everyone’s heart. Walk amid over 250 beautifully twinkling trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other holiday items on display for visitors to purchase or simply admire. Santa himself will also be stopping by from time to time for pictures.
Annual Holiday Parade
Downtown Ballston Spa, 6:30 p.m.
The parade has become a small town-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. Before and after the parade, there will be carolers and musicians on the street corners and many village shops, restaurants and museums will be open with music, demonstrations and displays as part of First Friday, which also falls on this festive evening. Churches and community organizations will have activities during the weekend as well.
Saratoga Springs History Museum Holiday Gala
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 6:30 – 11 p.m.
The History Museum, Saratoga Springs’ only organization devoted exclusively to all aspects of preserving the history of the Spa City, is hosting this annual holiday fundraiser, featuring great music, great food and great shopping. All proceeds will support the museum’s ongoing educational projects, materials and events. Tickets are $65.00 in advance, $55.00 for museum members, $55.00 for those 40 and under, and $70.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by calling (518) 584-6920 or online at www.saratogahistory.org.
Saturday, December 6
Breakfast with Santa
St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson St, Ballston Spa, 8 – 11 a.m.
Children and their families will enjoy activities, live performances and a chance to chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost for the breakfast is $5 per person and reservations are not necessary. Family activities at the breakfast include a craft table, a reading corner with a free book for each child and face painting. Proceeds will go to support community events, village beautification and a portion to the youth programs at St. Mary’s Parish. We will also be collecting non-perishable items for the local food pantries.
Holiday Sale
Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Pearl and Burgoyne Streets in Schuylerville, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
New and gently used Christmas items will be available, including decorations and collectables. There will also be a raffle, a bake sale, and much more at bargain prices. For more information call the church office at (518) 695-3479, 9 a.m. to noon Monday – Friday.
New York State Approved Defensive Driving Class
First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs,
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35.00. Bring a friend and the fee is $30.00 each. Registration is required. Call Ray Frankoski at (518) 286-3788.
Christmas Cookie and Candy Sale
Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Let us do the baking. Call the church at (518) 399-4831 for additional information.
Festival of Trees and
Craft Fair
Schuylerville Town Hall, Routes 4 and 29, Schuylerville, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and trees, crafts and unique gifts available for purchase. At 4:30 St. Nicholas will arrive in the village of Schuylerville and parade south down Broadway to the Village Park to meet the children.
Holiday Market
Olde Flax Mill Gallery Shoppe, 88 Broad St., Schuylerville, 10 a.m. –
4 p.m.
The annual marketplace is the ideal place to find unique, affordable, one-of-a-kind crafted works for Christmas, hostess and New Year’s gifts. Watch skilled artisans work their fine crafts. Three weekends beginning December 6. For more information call (518) 695-5534.
11th Annual Center Craft Show
Saratoga Arts Council Center, 320 Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Center Crafts show is a juried fine arts and fine crafts featuring a unique selection of more than 15 invited artists exhibiting handmade Gift-able Works of Art for this annual holiday showcase. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. In the spirit of Holiday giving, donations of non-perishable food will be collected for the local food pantry.
Christmas Party for Relatives of Veterans and American Legion Post 70 Members
American Legion, 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 4 – 6 p.m.
Ages 12 and under are invited to attend. Join us for pizza, desserts, crafts & gifts from Santa. Reservations required. Include name of Veteran and name and age of child(ren) who will be in attendance. For more information call (518) 587-0236.
North Country Festival
of Trees
Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls, 5 – 9 p.m.
The festive holiday event is a benefit for Prospect Center, a division of the Center for Disability Services. Hundreds of exquisitely decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, fireplace mantle decorations, stockings and gingerbread houses. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $3 for children 12 years of age and under. For more information, visit prospectcenter.com; cfdsny.org; or contact Tina Kelly at (518) 832-6124.
Sunday, December 7
A Community Christmas Music Festival
Old Saratoga Reformed Church, corner of Pearl and Burgoyne Streets, Schuylerville, 3 p.m.
Featured will be area choirs, and a combined choir under the direction of Christopher Tucker, other local musicians, an orchestra, and audience carol singing. A free will offering will be taken, benefitting the Caring and Sharing Program of Schuylerville Central School. Refreshments will follow the concert. The church is handicapped accessible. All are welcome. For more information call (518) 695-3479.
Monday, December 8
BSPA Annual Holiday Mixer
The Brickyard Tavern, 70 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy light fare buffet and cash bar, door prizes and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $20.00. Order your tickets online at www.ballston.org and we will have them at the door when you arrive. Pre-sale tickets are available at Coffee Planet, 100 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa.
Tuesday, December 9
Piroghi Sale
Christ the Savior Parish, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake, Pick up time:11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, prune (limited) and Farmer’s cheese piroghis. To place your order, please call as soon as possible (518) 363-0001.
Wednesday, December 10
Storytelling Open Mic
Woodlawn Commons, Community Room, 2nd floor, Harness Building, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. Come listen to a fine evening of stories performed by local tellers. Or sign-up to tell a story of your own: new storytellers are always welcome. Sign-ups are at 6:45. For more information call (518) 587-4536. Admission is free.
Thursday, December 11
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: Lost Ski Areas in (and near) Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room,
Noon – 1 p.m.
The Southern Adirondacks were once home to dozens of small ski areas that no longer exist today. In this presentation based on his book, “Lost Ski Areas of the Southern Adirondacks,” ski historian Jeremy Davis chronicles the history of these vanished ski areas with photographs and memories from those who enjoyed them, while also paying homage to restored and classic skiing opportunities still available in the region. This free program is open to the public. Tea and coffee are provided. For more information please contact the Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241.
