Friday, December 11
15th Annual Santa’s Playland Open House
Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Quick Response is celebrating 15 years of holiday magic that offers spectacular LED lighted displays. Children can visit with Santa and other winter characters, enjoy rides on The Quick Express Train, Horse and Wagon rides and free refreshments. Free and open to the public. Shuttle service is offered from offsite parking areas.
Miracle on 34th Street
Home Made Theater, Spa Little Theatre, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m.
Sometimes we all need a reminder of how wonderful it is to believe. Just when a weary world needs it most, a white-whiskered, kindly old man calling himself Kris Kringle appears to remind a little girl and her skeptical mother that the holidays are still a magical time of humor, generosity, and faith in the goodness of others. Join us for this uplifting yuletide classic. Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies.
Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. For more information and performances visit www.homemadetheater.org.
Skidmore College Orchestra
Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 8 p.m.
The final work highlights the opera based on the best-selling novel by Pulitzer winner William Kennedy and features powerful scenes with guest artists Danielle Messina (soprano) and Jeffrey Williams (baritone). Cost is $8 adults, $5 seniors and Skidmore community, free for students and children. Contact the Zankel Box Office at (518) 580-5321.
Saturday, December 12
Breakfast and Photos with Santa
Curtis Lumber, 885 Rt. 67, Ballston Spa, 7 – 10 a.m.
You and your family are invited to join us for a scrumptious and fun breakfast with Santa and friends. Each breakfast is just a $5 donation to the WGY Christmas Wish. 810 WGY on-air personalities Joe Gallagher, along with Chuck and Kelly will be holding a live radio show and we’ll have pictures with Santa for the kids and the young at heart. Do not miss this fun yearly tradition. Breakfast is sponsored by Panza’s Restaurant. For more information, visit www.curtislumber.com or call (518) 885-5311.
Breakfast with Santa
American Legion Henry Cornell Post 234, 23 Pleasant St. Ballston Spa, 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Kids 12 and under can enjoy a hot breakfast with Santa Claus. There will be a holiday raffle for parents. The event is open to the community.
Christmas Cookie Walk
Malta Presbyterian Church, 118 Dunning St., Ballston Spa, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Come early for the best selection. Enjoy traditional cookies this holiday season and not have to do all the baking. We supply the bakery boxes, tissue paper, gloves and many tables of cookies to choose from. You take your time and decide what you would like to enjoy this year and hand pick your favorites. We weigh your box(s) and charge per pound. For more information contact the church at (518) 899-5992.
23rd Annual Holiday Cookie Sale
Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Galway Ballston Rd. and Rte. 147, Galway, 10 a.m.
The public is invited to purchase a variety of cookies and treats at $8 per pound. The sale begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until sold out. Various craft items will be available for purchase as well. For more information call (518) 882-6520.
14th Annual Holiday Open House
The Shirt Factory, Corner of Lawrence and Cooper St., Glens Falls, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Discover all of the gifts and treats offered at the Shirt Factory, making your holiday shopping a little more enjoyable. What truly makes this event unique though, is what you will find in the hallways. The owner, in support of local entrepreneurship and creativity, works with the Tenant’s Association as they open the hallways to vendors, discover how fun and easy it can be to find amazing items made by your friends and neighbors this busy holiday season.
Home Baked Christmas Cookies and Soup
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fill one of our containers with an assortment of home baked Christmas Cookies, made by members of the parish from old family recipes for $10 per container – ready for gift giving, or take home and enjoy. Soup take-out also available, New England Clam Chowder and or Borscht. For more information call (518) 885-4681.
Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, Main Flag Pole, Noon
The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association will take part in a Wreaths Across America Ceremony. You do not have to be a veteran to attend. All are welcome.
Santa’s Stocking Up Charity Pub Crawl
Downtown Saratoga Springs, Kicking off at Wheatfields, 5:30 – 11:45 p.m.
It’s a charity Pub Crawl for the Code Blue Emergency Shelter. Pre-Registration is open. $25 online or $35 at the door. To pre-register go to- eventsbytashamarie.com, under upcoming events. Come out for this fun and festive and truly needed event. Homelessness is a fast growing concern and issue in our city and across our nation and unfortunately it affects many children. The winter is an especially difficult time.
Star of Hope
Wilton Baptist Church, 755 Saratoga Rd., Saratoga, 6 p.m.
Enjoy a beautiful Christmas musical in the warmth of Wilton Baptist Church. This powerful drama is about a soldier who has been blinded in battle and how he and his family come to see the Light. Come early as seats fill quickly. Childcare available on-site for babies up to age 2.
The Nutcracker
The National Museum of Dance School of the Arts, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 1 and 6 p.m.
The School of the Arts at the National Museum of Dance is excited to once again present The Nutcracker this holiday season. The performance will feature Second Act variations in the “Kingdom of the Sweets,” performed by young dancers ages 7 to 17 from all over the Capital Region. Join us for this holiday favorite on December 12 and 13 in the School of the Arts Studios located behind the Dance Museum. Tickets are on sale now, and selling fast. Be sure to get yours by calling (518) 584-2225 x3008 or stopping by the School of the Arts or Dance Museum offices.
Malta’s Holiday Revue
Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Dr., Malta, 7 p.m.
Dress in your holiday best and see talented area performers on a seasonally decorated stage. Elyse Young, Malta’s Artistic Director, will host the festivities as singers, dancers, musicians and other performing artists entertain with a winter holiday theme. Don’t miss this great family activity for the holiday season. Tickets are on sale now. Advanced seats are $5; $7 at the door. House opens at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information or purchase tickets at www.maltaparksrec.com.
Sunday, December 13
Monthly Breakfast
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 south of the village of Victory, 8 – 11 a.m.
Will be cooking breakfast and will continue on the second Sunday of each month all year. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Cost: adults $7, child $4, everyone welcome. For more information call (518) 695-3917. All proceeds from the October, November and December breakfast’s will be donated to the Tom Temple family.
Annual Upstate Model Railroads Holiday Train Show
Glens Falls Civic Center, Heritage Hall, Glens Falls, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For one day only the Civic Center will be filled with train layouts and vendors selling trains, model cars, buildings, parts for all scales of model trains and more. Plus you will also have the chance to win door prizes. So whether you are an all-out train fanatic or just come to take a look at the life-like layouts - don’t miss the Upstate Model Railroaders Holiday Train Show. Cost is $5 for adults and children over 12.
Who Killed Christmas 2
Free Spirit Fellowship, 1425 W. High St., Ballston Spa, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for an original play with a myriad of interesting characters. Join us as we determine who the guilty party is. For more information call (518) 885-3149.
Play Date to Support The Estherville Animal Shelter
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
The Estherville Animal Shelter is a No-Kill shelter that provides homes for all kinds of displaced animals - cats, dogs, horses, sheep, and goats. This winter they need our help. Stop by the Museum, and bring in your gently used blankets, sheets, bedding, towels, and any cleaning supplies, in exchange for free play time at the Museum. Donations of items as well as monetary donations are always accepted and very appreciated.
Christmas Cantata: “Stars of Glory”
The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, 202 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. 6 p.m.
The Christmas Cantata will be presented by the Ballston Spa Combined Church Choirs. Hors d’oeuvres precede the concert at 5 p.m.
Monday, December 14
Wellness Walk
Old Gick Farm Trailhead, located on Route 50 just north of King Road, Wilton, 10 a.m.
Winter is fast approaching. This is a great time to get out and enjoy the Preserve & Park with others looking to get outdoors. This wellness walk is meant for both gentle exercise and for enjoying nature. It is good for people of even the most basic fitness level. The walk will be about an hour and will cover about a mile and a half of gently rolling terrain. Preregistration is suggested but not required. The program will not take place in inclement weather. Call (518) 450-0321 for more information.
Pre-K Discovery Day at Camp Saratoga
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort, 10:30 a.m.
This monthly program is for our youngest explorers (ages 3-6 years old) where we use children’s love of nature to teach simple concepts. Adults are expected to attend. This is an outdoor program so please come dressed for the weather. We will go on a short walk, do a simple nature craft, and have a healthy snack. Preregistration is required. Call (518) 450-0321 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to register.
FREE training on Heroin / Opioid Overdose Prevention
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, 3 p.m.
The Prevention Council and Project Safe Point are offering a free training on heroin / opioid overdose prevention. Learn the signs and symptoms of heroin and opioid overdose and learn how to use Naloxone (Narcan) to respond to an overdose. Each individual will receive an Intranasal Naloxone kit as part of the training. Contact (518) 581-1230 x 3623 to register or for more information.
Folk Music “Lessons and Carols”
Christ Church, Corner of Route 50 (Church Ave.) and Route 67 (West High St.), Ballston Spa, 7:30 p.m.
Mysterious and wonderful Advent and Christmas carols drawn from Celtic, African American, and Early American traditions is the trademark of the “Festival of Lessons and Carols”. The concert will be held on Monday and Tuesday and is anchored by folk music legends John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center with special guests Joel Rosenberger of Saratoga Springs, Dan Berggren of Ballston Spa, and Rick Bunting of Bainbridge, and includes Field Horne and Theresa LaGattuta-Bruno of Saratoga Springs and Kristin McCabe of Charlton. The concert is free. The public is invited for festive refreshments afterward. “Lessons and Carols” has been presented annually since 1994. For further information, call (518) 885-1031.
Tuesday, December 15
Havurah Vatik December Event
Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
All Saratoga area seniors, 55 plus, are welcome to join us for our December event. Join local musicians of the Adirondack Klezmer Band for a rollicking celebration of the Hannukah festival. Instrumentalists Al Wadler, clarinet; Bob Orban and Matt Collins, trumpet; Jim Fuchs, sax; Ray Rabl, drums; Ian Dingman, bass; Sherry Shevy, accordion; Bruce North, cello; Barbara Rosoff and Judy Korot, violin will treat us to traditional melodies and dances of Eastern Europe: the “voice of the Jewish heart.” A festive catered lunch featuring Latkes follows the program. Contact Temple Sinai at (518) 584-8730, mailbox 4, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by December 9 if you are planning to attend the luncheon, need to cancel your reservation, or if you need transportation. To contact Havurah Vatik for any other reason, you can email the co-chairs: Ellen Steinberger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Caroline Seligman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pieroghi Sale
Christ the Savior Parish, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake, Pick up 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, Farmer’s cheese & very limited prune pieroghi may be ordered. Call (518) 363-0001. With holidays coming soon, please get your orders in as soon as possible.
Genealogy
Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville, 10 a.m.
The Schuylerville Library Genealogy group will meet to dive in to local history, family lore, and learn new tips every month. For more information call (518) 695-6641.
Wednesday, December 16
Fish Dinner
Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge # 161, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
New England clam chowder, choice of broiled or fried fish, Au gratin potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, vegetable, coleslaw, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. Donation requested: $10 adults, $9 seniors (62 years), $9 military (active or retired) with ID card, $6 children 5-12, children under 5 free, $10 all take-out’s. Cash bar available. Call (518) 584-2585 for more information.
Thursday, December 17
Books and Teas Discussion
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown will be the topic of the book discussion.
Books and Tea is an ongoing reading group that meets each month from September through June. Copies of the book may be obtained in the Reading Group Choices collection or by placing holds on the online public catalog. Stop by at the Information Desk for any assistance. Come on down and join us for good conversations around books! No registration required.
