Wednesday, November 25
Acoustic Blues Open Mic
Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.
Caffe Lena and the Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society presents “The Acoustic Blues Open Mic & Jam”. NYS Blue Hall of Fame inductee Sonny Speed hosts the evening for S.A.B.S. Each month starts with a featured artist, followed by the blues open mic portion, then closes the evening with an all out acoustic Jam. All levels of playing are welcome to join in. It’s open to the public and a great way to spend an evening with the blues. Admission will be $5.
Thursday, November 26
The 14th Annual Christopher Dailey Turkey Trot
Saratoga Springs City Hall, Downtown Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m.
Each year on Thanksgiving morning, thousands of runners (and walkers) congregate in Saratoga Springs to race in the annual 5K Turkey Trot race, which benefits the Christopher Dailey Foundation. The entry fee is $25 until November 25. Entry fees are nonrefundable. There is no day-of registration. Packet pick-up & last chance to register is Wednesday, November 25, 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Saratoga Hilton. Runners can also pick up their packets at the Saratoga Hilton on Thursday, November 26 between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The Turkey Trot course starts on Broadway in Downtown Saratoga Springs, then continues into Skidmore’s campus, and finishes on North Broadway.
Friday, November 27
14th Annual Holiday Open House at The Shirt Factory
The Shirt Factory, on the corner of Lawrence and Cooper Streets, Glens Falls. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Shirt Factory Artists Association presents their 14th Annual Holiday Open House November 27, 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festivities start Thanksgiving weekend covering Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and an extra shopping day on Sunday. Visit the studios, shops, and galleries, and the guest artists and craftspeople throughout the building. Find a unique handcrafted item or an original work of art for your holiday gift giving. The Shirt Factory Artists Association will once again offer shoppers a chance to win a ‘Shoppers Advantage Basket’ of gift certificates and items, worth hundreds of dollars donated by the resident artists and shops. For each $25 spent during the open house, shoppers will receive one ticket for the raffle. Enjoy free acupuncture, artist demos, sales and mini-lessons. For more information, visit shirtfactorygf.com.
Saturday, November 28
Saratoga Area Shoppers Alternative – Black Friday Sales
Downtown Saratoga Springs, beginning at 6 a.m.
Saratoga Area Shoppers find an Alternative to shopping at the big box stores. On Black Friday, 14 stores in downtown Saratoga are opening up at 6 a.m. and offering progressive savings of 50% from 6 to 7 a.m., 40% from 7 to 8 a.m., 30% from 8 to 9 a.m. and 20% throughout the rest of the day on “from everything” to “select items” throughout their stores. Businesses from Church Street to Broadway to Phila Street to Congress Street will welcome in Black Friday shoppers with savings they’ll be happy they woke up early for. “Black Friday Participant” sandwich boards and balloons will differentiate the storefronts of participating Black Friday Saratoga businesses. The first shoppers who make a purchase in each business will receive a complimentary Black Friday Saratoga shopping bag (while supplies last), filled with information and special offers from area restaurants and sponsors, courtesy of Stewart’s Shops, the Saratoga Regional YMCA, Clements Insurance Brokers, Inc. and Network Saratoga. For a list of participating ‘Black Friday’ businesses see ad on page 25.
Small Business Saturday
Downtown Saratoga Springs, all day Saturday.
Small Business Saturday began 6 years ago as a way to support small, local businesses in your area the Saturday after Thanksgiving. While the holiday shopping season usually begins with the Black Friday rush, Small Business Saturday is a way to support small businesses rather than national chains, which helps support the economy of the community. Look for the Small Business Saturday logos and signs in your favorite businesses.
40th Annual Saratoga Craft Marketplace
Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kick-off your holiday shopping season while enjoying unique handmade crafts from over 100 artisans. There will be live music, crafter raffles and silent auction. Admission is $5.
Pet Photos with Santa
Curtis Lumber, 885 Rt. 67, Ballston Spa, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Grab your leashes; it’s that time of year. Pet Photos with Santa helps raise funds for bullet and stab protective vests for police K-9 officers in New York State. 100% of all proceeds benefit Protect & Vest NYK9s Inc. All pets, children and family welcome. $10 per photo donation includes sitting fee, 4x6 take away photo and copyrights. No appointment necessary! For more info visit curtislumber.com or visit our Facebook page.
Salem’s Annual Christmas Parade
Begins on Vail St., Salem, 1 p.m.
This year’s parade, “A Rockin’ Christmas!,” is set to kick off from Vail Street, turning south on Main Street and proceeding to Park Place, then turning west and ending at the Fairgrounds. Grand Marshall Hannah Falk leads the parade/entertainment, which includes the amazing Susi Shoes Dancers, Alvin & The Chipmunks, Washington County Dairy Princess Megan Coldwell, the Pink Breast Cancer Tractor, fire trucks, Zumba Kids Dancers, horses, floats, and a few surprises. Performances will be staged under the traffic light at the intersection of Broadway and Main, in front of the judges’ stand in front of Proudfit Hall.
Participating businesses on Main Street are sponsoring an Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., coinciding with American Express’s “Small Business Saturday.” Shopping local assures that sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent remains local.
Several area businesses have scheduled activities to complement the parade, including a Christmas concert at Gardenworks, an art reception at McCartee’s Barn, and a Sunday matinee of The Singing Anchors’ Holiday Show at Fort Salem Theater on Sunday. Events are listed on the calendar page on the chamber’s website (salemnychamber.com).
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Comes To Upstate NY & Adirondacks
Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station, West Ave., 7:20 p.m.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will hit the rails again in 2015 “making a difference, one stop at a time.” The holiday train will visit over 150 communities across the U.S. and Canada, including stops in Fort Edward, Ticonderoga, Saratoga Springs, and other stations in the region. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a line up of great musical talents and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The community, in turn, is encouraged to donate food and funds, all of which stays in the community. Items such as infant formula, canned meats, and spaghetti sauce are in popular demand. Schedule is subject to change. All times are local. Times indicate arrival times – show starts 10-15 minutes after, please come early.
Sunday, November 29
Dharma Meditation
538 Maple Ave. (Saratoga Health and Wellness Bldg.) Saratoga Springs, 9 – 10:15 a.m.
This is a group meeting for meditation followed up by a short discussion. Cost by donation. For more information, visit oneroofsaratoga.com.
Monday, November 30
Annual Members’ Show
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saratoga Arts is proud to present the Annual Members’ Show, on display in the Arts Center Gallery through December 31st. A staff and visitor favorite, the Annual Members’ Show presents 180 members artists from around the region in our main gallery, with works ranging from painting, drawing and printmaking, to sculpture, ceramics and photography. This ever-popular, year-end show is a great opportunity for our established and emerging member artists to display their best artworks in a professional exhibition at The Arts Center Gallery and to celebrate their many talents with fellow artists and the community. All artwork is available for purchase and would make a great gift this holiday season. The Gallery is free and open to the public. For more information visitsaratoga-arts.org.
Tuesday, December 1
Photos with The Grinch
Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 5 – 7 p.m.
Join us this holiday season for photos with the Grinch - take a picture of your child with this beloved holiday figure. While you’re here, please consider making a donation or buying a book to support our Book Angels campaign, which gives new books to local children who would not otherwise receive them this holiday season. For more events visit northshire.com.
Santa at the Library
Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville, 6 p.m.
Santa and a small team of elves will be visiting the library. Join us for crafts, various activities, and a special evening with Santa. This event is made possible by the Advocates of the Schuylerville Public Library, a non-profit organization that strives to promote library initiatives, such as early literacy, within the community. (518) 695-6641.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas Monthly Meeting
Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, 6:00 p.m.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court McLaughlin #422, will hold their monthly meeting. Members gather at 6:00 p.m. for social time & light fare with the meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 P.M.. Members are welcome to bring a dish or dessert to share. New members are always welcome to join year round. If you are interested and would like to learn more about the Catholic Daughters, please feel free to attend the meeting or contact Regent Aileen Thomas at (518) 583-2905 with any questions.
Wednesday, December 2
The Olde Saratoga Seniors Meeting
Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville, 12 P.M.
It will be a sandwich luncheon. Money will be due for the Xmas Luncheon on Dec. 9. Please try to attend. New members always welcome. For more information call Pat at (518) 331-2978.
Saratoga Festival of Trees: Preview Reception
Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to choose from hundreds of beautiful and twinkling trees, wreaths, centerpieces and other holiday items to decorate your home or office before the Festival of Trees opens to the general public. Sumptuous appetizers and wine provided by Longfellows and Olde Bryan Inn. Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. Cost is $75, $60 for under 35 years of age. Reservations required, call (518) 587-5000.
Poetry Reading
Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.
Poetry reading by Stuart Bartow & Barbara Ungar. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7 P.M. and the readings will start at 7:30 P.M. The host for the event will be Carol Graser. The cost is $5. For more information call (518)583-0022, or visit caffelena.org
Thursday, December 3
Victorian Street Walk and the Saratoga Tree Lighting
Downtown Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.
Kickoff the Victorian Streetwalk with the Saratoga Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held in front of Putnam Market at 435 Broadway. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, arriving by horse drawn carriage. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies, carolling and music by Star 101.3 radio. Celebrate the season in old-fashioned holiday style at the 29th Annual Victorian Streetwalk. The Spa City will be transformed into a Victorian winter wonderland. Enjoy music, magic a gingerbread house display, Festival of Trees, choral groups, Victorian costumes, live reindeer and lots of venues with entertainment. The event is all free and open to the public.
Local Author Book Signing
Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 5 p.m.
Clinical psychologist and owner/director of One Roof, Dr. Selma Nemer, and her granddaughter Gabrielle, a middle school student, are thrilled to share with you an exciting fantasy-mystery tale, Guardians of the Treasure, available now from Amazon or locally at Northshire Books. Guardians is primarily a book for youths & teens, but may be enjoyed by all. Dr. Selma will sign copies locally during the Victorian Streetwalk. This is a perfect chance to have Dr. Selma inscribe a special message to a special young person on your holiday list.
The Round Lake Holiday Artisan Market
Round Lake Village Hall, 49 Burlington Ave, Round Lake, 4 – 8 p.m.
Shopping local and handmade is easy. Stop by for some holiday cheer, get inspired and buy creative. Featuring work from The Round Lake Collective Artists. Don’t forget to check the facebook page frequently and see all the amazing things that the artists have been working on for the show. Free admission.
Skidmore Theater Presents Macbeth
Janet Kinghorn Bernard Theater, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, 8 p.m.
The Skidmore College Department of Theater is pleased to announce its Fall 2015 Mainstage production, MACBETH by William Shakespeare. This production is directed by published writer, feminist media critic, and Skidmore Theater artist-in-residence/director Holly L. Derr. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. To reserve seats, call the Skidmore Theater Box Office at (518) 580-5439, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find us online on Facebook or at skidmore.edu/academics/theater/.
