Saturday, November 24
The 43rd Saratoga Holiday Craft Marketplace
Saratoga Spring City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Kick off your holiday shopping season while enjoying unique handmade crafts from over 145 artisans. All proceeds benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family.
Holiday Show & Sale Opening Reception
Eden Compton Studio, 74 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs, 5 – 7 p.m.
Featuring work by Eden Compton, Kate Edwards (Kettlewell and Edwards), Takeyce Walter, Matt Chinian, Rita DiCaprio and Ann Larsen. The show will continue through January 5. For more information visit www.edencompton.com or call 203-942-9170.
Monday, November 26
Holiday Train
Amtrack Station, 26 Station Lane, Saratoga Springs, 5:45 p.m.
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will set out once again, celebrating 20 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America. Beginning in Montreal on Nov. 25 and 27, two trains will make the festive journey, traveling through both the U.S. and Canada to bring holiday cheer to 164 communities. Each event is free. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a lineup of great musical talents and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. Attendees are encouraged to donate food and funds.
Wednesday, November 28
Saratoga Festival of Trees Preview Reception
Wednesday, November 28 – Sunday, December 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Walk amid hundreds of beautifully twinkling trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other holiday items available for viewing and sale. Appetizers and wine provided by Longfellows and Olde Bryan Inn. Cost is $75; $60 for guests under 35. Reservations required by calling 518-587-5000. For general festival hours visit www.saratogafestivaloftrees for the 2018 schedule or find it on Facebook. Cost is $8 for adults; $5 for Seniors; $3 for children over 10; and free for children under 10.
Thursday, November 29
Nutcracker’s Kingdom of the Sweets Family Fun Night
National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 5 – 7 p.m.
In conjunction with the annual Victorian Streetwalk, stop by the Museum before heading downtown to enjoy Nutcracker excerpts performances by the School of the Arts dancers, Nutcracker-themed movement and craft activities, a candy bar, and more. The cost is $5 per child. The Museum is one of several free parking locations throughout the city that evening. Leave your car at the Museum and take the free CDTA shuttle bus downtown to the Victorian Streetwalk after Nutcracker’s Kingdom of the Sweets Family Fun Night. The shuttle bus leaves every 25 minutes from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. For more information please call 518-584-2225, ext 3001.
Victorian Streetwalk & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Saratoga Springs, 6 – 10 p.m.
Christmas Carols beginning at 5:45 p.m. as the children wait for Santa and Mrs. Claus who will arrive on horse and carriage escorted by a CBA Marching Band, and Santa’s Elves. Mayor Kelly will light the tree at 6 p.m. Enjoy over 40 sites with free entertainment as you stroll down the streets of beautiful downtown Saratoga Springs.
Friday, November 30
28th Annual Christmas in the Country
Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Various Locations, Fort Ann
15 local artists invite you to the 22nd annual “Christmas in the Country” open artist’s studio tour. A get-away for a very special weekend in the country. Follow the Christmas tree signs to find handcrafted specialties at local artist’s studios. Refreshments, and music at each location.
Elf, Jr. The Musical
Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1: 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 2: 2 p.m.
Saratoga Springs High School Teaching Auditorium, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Children's Theatre Juniors present Elf, Jr. All tickets sold at the door. General Admission: Adults: $10, Students/Seniors: $5, Kids 10 and under free. For more information visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org.
Saturday, December 1
Santa’s Mailbox
December 1 - December 14: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A special Santa’s mailbox will be installed in the Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta. Children can mail their letters to Santa along with a self-addressed so Santa can send a letter back.
Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
Trinity United Methodist Church,155 Ballard Rd., Wilton, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The church is handicap accessible. Homemade crafts, needlework, jewelry, homemade goodies, cookies, breads, fudge and gifts.
Artisan Market & Holiday Greens Fair
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Selling wreaths, homemade crafts, gently used Christmas decorations, handmade cards, jewelry, art, stained glass and more. For more information call 518-587-0403.
Make It & Take It
Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Folk School will participate in Lake Luzerne’s craft walk and tree lighting by presenting our first Make It and Take It family event. Children (and parents) will be able to make one to six gifts at $5 each. The crafts will be pinecone fire starters, tin can luminaries, felted napkin rings, a nature-decorated frame, potato-stamped note cards and lip balm. Each item will have an instructor and helpers, and all materials will be provided. Gift bags will be included for all items. Cookies, cider and cocoa will be served, and children over the age of 10 may stay at the school while parents shop in other venues and the gift shop. Call the school at 518-696-2400 to reserve a “ticket” for your child, or you may purchase one on the day of the event.
Sunday, December 2
Annual Great Train Extravaganza
Empire State Convention Center, Under the Egg, Albany, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hosted by the non-profit Hudson-Berkshire Division, National Model Railroad Association. Adults $7, children under 12 free. 300+ tables of model trains, train sets, parts, accessories, scenery items, books, videos, DVDs, prints, railroad memorabilia and educational displays. Door prizes and refreshments available. Other family-oriented events the same day, same general location, such as, NYS tree lighting, caroling, fireworks and of course, Santa. www.gtealbany.com, 518-668-9892, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Friday, December 7
A Christmas Story
Weekends December 7 – 16, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Home Made Theater at The Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs
It’s almost Christmas and more than anything in the world Ralphie wants a Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle, but his parents think “you’ll shoot your eye out!” Tickets are $10 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Milton Ave. to Wiswall Park, Ballston Spa, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa will parade down the main street of the village. Shops, museums, and restaurants will be open from 6-9 p.m. Ballston Spa High School singers and musicians and Union Fire Company band members perform carols on the street corners. After lighting the tree, visit Santa Claus at Ballston Spa National Bank.
Christkindlmarkt
December 7 – December 9: Friday 3 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Charles R. Wood Festival Park, Lake George
Lake George’s first ever German-style Christkindlmarkt will be held at Charles Wood Festival Park. Food, music, dancing, and vendors! Local hotels and restaurants will be ready to accommodate guests! Event is free. Food, beverage and craft items will be available for purchase.
Saturday, December 8
Breakfast with Santa
St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson St., Village of Ballston Spa, 8 - 11 a.m.
The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA) is presenting Breakfast with Santa. A pancake breakfast will be provided courtesy of the Eagle Matt Lee and Union Fire Companies. Cost is $5. Reservations are not necessary. Family activities include a craft table, reading corner with a free book for each child and photos with Santa. Ballston Spa Middle School Launching Pad group will perform during the event. Proceeds will support community events and village beautification. A portion of the proceeds will go to the youth programs at St. Mary’s Parish. We will also be collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
Christmas Cookie & Candy Sale
Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Purchase cookies and candy for the holidays. 20 percent of profits will be donated to Code Blue of Saratoga! For more information visit www.charltonfreehold.org.
Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway
The Bikeatoga Workshop, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sponsored by Bikeatoga. Receive a refurbished kids bike and helmet. Snow date is December 15. By appointment only. Call 518-306-6931 to schedule an appointment.
Blue Christmas Tribute Event
Panza's Restaurant, 510 Rte. 9P, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.
This concert will cover Elvis's Christmas tunes and fan favorites. Featuring Matthew Boyce, Spencer Boyce, 2017 Images of the King Youth World Champion and special guest Michael Panza! Tickets for the show only are $20. Doors open at 5 p.m. for light fare and bar. Get your tickets now at matthewboyceastheking.com or call 518-618-7999.
Saturday, December 15
Breakfast with Santa Claus
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a hot Breakfast with Santa Claus hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #234, 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa. Children 12 and under are welcome. This event is opened to the community.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 8 – 10 a.m.
The Hilton Garden Inn, 125 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs
We will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots. Bring an unwrapped new toy for less fortunate children and meet our local marine corps reserve members. Cost is $25 per person, children under 3 years old are free. $99 overnight package includes holiday movie party night and VIP Breakfast with Santa. Call 518-583-6854 to book your stay.
Sunday, December 16
A Saratoga Christmas with The McKrells
Home Made Theater at The Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Join HMT for an evening of holiday favorites with Kevin McKrell and his merry musicians. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under.
Saturday, December 29
Wilton Bicentennial Holiday Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge #161, 1 Elks Ln., Saratoga Springs, 6 – 9 p.m.
The community is invited to gather at the Wilton Elks club to enjoy dinner, dancing, entertainment, and a cash bar for $20.18. Entertainment will be provided by Richie Phillips and food by Waterford Banquets. Come and enjoy an evening of fun with friends and neighbors as we celebrate the beginning of 2019 together and the close of a historic and memorable Bicentennial year.
