December 19 – December 25 , 2025
Friday, December 19
Holiday Book Sale
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | Through December 23. As you plan your holiday shopping, we hope you’ll visit the Friends Book Shop! Our seasonal sales offer great reads, unique gifts, and perfect stocking stuffers, all at affordable prices. Every purchase directly supports library programs and services, making your holiday shopping meaningful in more ways than one.
Women’s Basic Self-Defense
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 1:30 p.m. Join seasoned instructor and 6th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Lisa Boucher of Boucher Martial Arts, to learn simple, easy, and basic self-defense and awareness techniques for all abilities. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.
Shop & Sip at The Artisan’s Market
Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center presents a special evening of sipping. strolling and shopping at our 25th Annual Artisan’s Market. Shop the creations of local artisans while enjoying sparkling water, hot cocoa, or soft drinks, and treating yourself to some complimentary sweets. Enjoy the opportunity to meet some of our amazing artisans, complete your holiday shopping, and see historic Brookside Museum decorated for the holidays. Shop a wide variety of handmade goods, including ceramics, soaps, jewelry, knitwear, holiday ornaments and more! Find something special for everyone on your list this holiday season and savor this special night at Brookside!
Saturday, December 20
Winter Solstice Sunrise Walk
Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 8 a.m. Get ready for the shortest day of the year! Come for a walk to learn about how celestial movements impact the natural world. Register on our website or by calling the office at 518-450-0321. Our programs are weather dependent and may be cancelled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.
Holiday Market Spectacular
Saratoga Farmers Market and Scene One Cinemas, Wilton Mall, 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The farmers’ market begins at 9:30 a.m. with hot chocolate and stories with Santa until 11 a.m. Scene One will host a free ornament activity for families at 10 a.m. and offer a special showing of The Polar Express at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, it’s Ugly Sweater Day at the farmers’ market! Wear an ugly sweater and enter to win a prize at the market information table. The drawing will be at 1 p.m. Plus, our friends at the Saratoga Springs Public Library will have a reindeer craft for children and plenty of books to peruse and check out with a library card. Local vendors will have holiday offerings galore: the freshest vegetables, holiday meats, cheeses, bread, treats, and sweets, and everything delicious. Shop and find the perfect gift and holiday decor, all handmade with love.
Paws 2 Read
The Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 11:30 a.m. A special holiday-inspired event featuring Georgie, the therapy dog. Children in grades K – 4 and their families are invited to celebrate the season while strengthening reading skills. Georgie, a certified therapy dog, will be available to listen as young readers share their favorite books or choose from a festive selection. The program helps build confidence, encourages a love of reading, and creates memorable moments. Participants will also be treated to a winter themed take ‘n make craft and special holiday goodie bag! First come first served. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 518-885-5022 or visit bspl.sals.edu.
Photography Club
Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | Noon. This month, club member Maria Goldsmith will take us on a Journey Through England as she shares photographs and stories from her recent trip abroad. Everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, please contact Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com.
Sunday, December 21
All You Can Eat Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Clause
The Gansevoort Vol. Fire Department, 1870 Route 32N, Gansevoort | 8 a.m. Horse drawn wagon rides will be available. Menu includes Eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, hash, French toast, home fries, biscuits with sausage gravy, orange juice, milk and coffee. Donation: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 55+, Military and 1st Responders, $10 Children 6-12, children under 6yrs. are free.
Monday, December 22
Teen Winter Games
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m. Join teen librarian AnnaRae and the Teen Advisory Board for a festive and competitive night of games and activities! Enjoy tasty snacks, an indoor snowball fight, prizes for the night’s winners and more! Wear your coziest pajamas and get ready to dominate the competition. Psst… the parachute WILL be making an appearance.
Register online to save your spot! Sspl.org.
Tuesday, December 23
Family Movie: The Grinch
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11:30 a.m. You’re invited to a matinee showing of Illumination’s take on The Grinch — drink hot cocoa, hang out and color! Feel free to bring blankets for comfy floor seating. Open to children and their families. No registration required.
Wednesday, December 24
Santa’s Playland 2025
Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m. Event is drive through only. Santa will be on site from 5 – 9 p.m. Open to the public Wednesdays – Sundays through January 4. Closed December 25 and January 1. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/quickresponserestoration.
Thursday, December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS