Thursday, 21 November 2019 14:13

Holiday Calendar

Saturday, November 30

Saratoga Holiday Craft Marketplace
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

140 artisans will display and sell their handmade items. How fitting these crafters are exhibiting on “Small Business Saturday” in a small city known for its shops. Some of the handmade items for sale are home and holiday decor, blown and etched glass, fiber art, pottery, woodworking, food delicacies, photography, fashion, jewelry, repurposed/recycled items, and many more unique items. 100% of your $5 admission fee benefits the mission of the Saratoga Center for the Family in its quest to prevent and cure child abuse, trauma and neglect.

Craft and Vendor Fair
Mechanicville District Public Library, 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Visit the library and shop with your neighbors! Stop in to check out Handmade Christmas Wreaths, Crow Hill Country Crafts, The Sugar Fairy Bakes, Grovehouse Dolls, Table Runners, Suzie Q Crafts, Essential Oils, Handmade Jewelry, Cosmetics, Fine Art, Custom Art, Ceramics, and more!

Brookside Museum Artisans’ Market
6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | Noon – 5 p.m.
Discover a variety of locally made items, perfect for gifts or for yourself! This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans as well as the Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum. Check BrooksideMuseum.org for updated hours during the market.  Open November 30 - December 23. Free admission.

Wednesday, December 4

Saratoga Festival of Trees Preview Reception
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to 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/price visit SaratogaFestivalOfTrees.com. 

Thursday, December 5

Nutcracker’s Kingdom of the Sweets Family Fun Night
National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
There will be festive events all evening which include craft, raffle, candy bar, creative movement, and pop-up performances by the School of the Arts!

Saratoga Tree Lighting Ceremony
Putnam Market, 435 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, arriving by horse drawn carriage, to visit with your children. Christmas Carols will begin at 5:45 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m.

Victorian Streetwalk
Various Locations Downtown Saratoga | 6 – 10 p.m.

The celebration of the holiday season kicks off with the 33rd Annual Victorian Streetwalk, presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association. Come visit the majestic City of Saratoga Springs, adorned in holiday splendor, as the local shops, boutiques and restaurants open their doors to welcome visitors and locals alike. Share the holiday spirit amidst the Victorian charm, where you can enjoy more than 30 live performances, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Arrival of Santa in his horse drawn sleigh. Whether you’re starting a family tradition or rekindling warm memories of your own childhood, put it on your calendar to join us.

Friday, December 6

29th Annual Christmas in the Country
Various location in Washington County

December 6 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 7 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 8 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
15 artists with handcrafted wares for everyone’s gift giving. Visit the Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/Christmas-in-the-Country-Washington-County-NY-232072130173637.

Brookside Museum Artisans’ Market
6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa | Noon – 5 p.m.
Discover a variety of locally made items, perfect for gifts or for yourself! This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans as well as the Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum. Check BrooksideMuseum.org for updated hours during the market.  Open through December 23. Free admission.

Christkindlmarkt
Charles Wood Festival Park, 17 W. Brook Rd., Lake George

Friday, December 6 | 3 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 7 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 8 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Lake George’s second annual German-style Christkindlmarkt will be held at the southern end of the lake in the Charles Wood Festival Park. Food, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft and gift vendors and fun will abound! Local hotels and restaurants will be opened and ready to accommodate all guests! Call the Adirondack Folk School for recommendations. Entrance to the event is free, and food, beverage and craft items will be available for purchase from vendors.

Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Downtown Ballston Spa, Milton Ave./Front St. | 6:30 p.m.
Fire trucks, floats and Santa will be parading down Milton Ave. to Wiswall Park where Santa will light the Christmas tree. Volunteers from the Toys for Tots, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and U.S. Marine Corps. will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting. Ballston Spa High School singers and musicians and Union Fire Company band members perform carols. After lighting the tree, take the kids to visit Santa Claus at Ballston Spa National Bank.

Tree Lighting and Holiday Fun at Gavin Park
Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Dr., Wilton | 6:15 – 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy the magical lighting of our Colorado Blue Spruce Tree adorned with glittering lights. A variety of holiday decorations will adorn the park to create a special evening. The local fire department will bring Santa to the park, so he can visit with the children and provide a holiday surprise (while supplies last). The whole family will enjoy costumed characters including Frosty, Rudolph, and magical elves. The event is free for the entire family with live holiday music, light refreshments, movies, crafts and more.  For additional information call 518-584-9455.

Saratoga Springs History Museums Holiday Gala
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 7 – 11 p.m.

The History Museum invites you to the Holiday Gala Saratoga featuring great music, food and shopping! All proceeds will support the museum’s ongoing educational projects, materials and events. The History Museum is one of the first stops in the City for schoolchildren, local families and tourists wanting to know more about our rich, unique history. For more information call 518-584-6920.

Saturday, December 7

Breakfast with Santa at St. Mary's
St. Mary’s School Gymnasium, 40 Thompson St., Ballston Spa | 8–11 a.m.

A delicious pancake breakfast will be provided courtesy of the Eagle Matt Lee and Union Fire Companies. Children and their families will enjoy activities, live performances and a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost for the breakfast is $5 per person and reservations are not necessary. All proceeds will go to support community events and village beautification. A portion of the proceeds from the breakfast will go to support the youth programs at St. Mary’s Parish. We will also be collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, so please bring a toy to donate if you would like.

Holiday Breakfast: The Balkans
Hubbard Hall, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge | 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The annual holiday celebration focuses on a different country or a set of countries each year and the ways these cultures celebrate the holidays. This year explore the culture and food of the Balkans. Admission: $13. Adults/$8. Students 21 and under and children age 5 and under free. 

Holiday Book and Bake Sale
Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Don’t miss out on a great assortment of books, movies, music and more. The popular “buck-a-bag” sale will be held from 3-4 p.m. Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library members  may stop in for a free item.  For further information, call 518-885-5022 or visit www.bspl.sals.edu. 

Rescheduled Xmas Indoor Craft and Garage Sale
Saratoga -Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale will have a makeup date. Admission is free with over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore, and lunch. We offer household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, treats, decorations, and just about anything you can imagine. New vendors are signing up every month. Snow or rain, the sales go on. Come browse, visit, eat, or just get out of the house with a friend. All proceeds go to local charities. 

Bikeatoga’s Holiday Giveaway
Bikeatoga Workshop | Appointment Only 
Parents or guardians of children who are in need of a free bicycle must call 518-542-5464 and leave a voicemail. You will receive a return call with an appointment for Saturday, December 7, and directions to the workshop. A parent or guardian must be present. Helmets will be provided by Adirondack Trust, The Christopher Dailey Foundation and Bikeatoga. Bikeatoga is prepared to give away approximately 60 bikes to needy children through age 17. The best selection of bikes is for younger children, and selection of some bike sizes is limited. We cannot guarantee we will have the size requested.

Christmas Cookie & Candy Sale 
Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
20% of the profit will be donated to Code Blue Saratoga. Cost is $6 per pound.

Holiday Open Studio
Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Rd., Schuylerville | 10 a.m. – 3p.m.

Visitors can meet SCAC’s studio artists, see their studio spaces and purchase unique handmade pottery and gifts made at the Center. Shoppers will find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts such as cups, mugs, bowls, vases, sculpture, tile art and more. Also, visit Saratoga Clay Art Center’s Schact Gallery, which is hosting a solo exhibition featuring Massachusetts artist Chris Gustin’s woodfired vessels. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Visit www.saratogaclayarts.org call 518-581-2529 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Holiday Greens Sale and Artisan Market
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Handmade and Local Gifts and Wreaths - Artisan vendors offering pottery, woodworking, quilting, holiday ornaments, origami, food items and more. 

Fun Pet Photos with Santa 
Curtis Lumber, 885 Rt. 67, Ballston Spa | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grab your leashes…it’s that time of year!  Join us for Pet Photos with Santa and help raise funds for bullet/stab protective vests and safety equipment for police K9 officers in New York State! 100% of all proceeds benefit Protect & Vest NYK9s Inc.  All types of pets, children and family welcome. $20 per photo donation includes sitting fee, 4x6 take away photo, free downloads and printing rights. Photography services provide by Ashley Wilbur Photography.  Appointments are appreciated.  Make your appointment easily online at 2019santapetphotos.eventbrite.com or call 518-490-1441. Walk-Ins are also welcome.

Sunday, December 8

Holiday Open House
Balet Flowers & Design, 5041 Nelson Ave. Extension, Malta | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

The public is invited to browse and shop with local artisans who will be selling items such as arrangements, wreaths, pottery, jewelry, wine plates, soaps, cards, glass and metal artwork, sewing, handbags, knit hats and gloves, artwork and more. No charge for admission. Optional donations to the food pantry will be collected. More information and directions at www.baletflowers.com.

Folk Music “Lessons and Carols” 
Christ Church, Corner of Rte. 50 and Rte. 67, Ballston Spa | 4 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m.
Carols drawn from Celtic, African American, and Early American traditions are the trademark of the Festival of Lessons and Carols. While most of the songs are African American spirituals, Irish ballads, or Shape Note hymns, each year some modern carols are included. If you want different music to make things festive, this is the compilation for you. The concert is free. The public is invited for festive refreshments afterward. For further information, call 518-885-1031.

Tuesday, December 10

Polish Christmas Carols
Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany | 7 – 9 p.m.
An evening of songs by Śląsk, the world-famous ensemble from Poland. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased in advance from the Polish Community Center or at the door. The event will feature singing, as selected members of the ensemble in native costume present a concert of Polish Christmas carols and patriotic songs. For more information, please contact Susan Gorga Matala at 518-836-1662 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thursday, December 12

Holiday Taekwondo Demonstration
Shenendehowa High School, West Auditorium, 970 Route 146, Clifton Park | 7 p.m.
Adirondack Taekwondo will be performing a Christmas and holiday taekwondo demonstration. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a new toy to benefit Captain Youth and Family Services Toy Shop. For more information, call 518-373-0442 or visit the website ADKTKD.com.

Friday, December 13

Santa’s Play Land Open House
Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 9 p.m.

Quick Response is transforming their property into a magical winter wonderland for the holiday season. A community favorite, this event is free, Friday and Saturday. Come visit with Santa and other costume characters. Take a ride on one of their “Quick Express” tractor drawn train rides or enjoy a horse and wagon ride. Children can also enjoy a selection of kiddie rides. Cookies, popcorn and hot chocolate will be served at no charge. For the safety of everyone, parking is once again offsite. Please follow the signs and shuttle bus service will bring you to the property.

It’s a Wonderful Life
Home Made Theater, Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Spring |  7:30 p.m.
The saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. His guardian angel descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him—by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. $19 Adults, $13 Children (age 12 and under). For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.homemadetheater.org. 

Saturday, December 14

Breakfast and Photos with Santa
Curtis Lumber, 885 Rte. 67, Ballston Spa | 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Your family is invited to join 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 will be holding a live radio show and we’ll have pictures with Santa for the kids. For more visit:  www.wgy.com or call Curtis Lumber at 518-885-5311.

Breakfast with Santa Claus at the American Legion
American Legion, 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa | 8 – 10:30 a.m.

Come join us for a Hot Breakfast with Santa Claus hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #234. Children ages 12 and under are welcome.

27th Annual Cookie Sale
The Galway United Methodist Church, Corner of Rte. 147 and Ct. Rte. 45, Village of Galway | 10 a.m.

The public is invited to purchase holiday treats until sold out.  This is the original cookie sale and typically features over 40 varieties of treats.  Come early for the best selection.  A variety of crafts will be available for sale as well. 

Christmas Cookie Sale
Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Sale will include homemade cookies, borscht by the quart, stuffed cabbage and limited amount of homemade stuffed clams. For information, please call 518-363-0001.

Winter Wonderland with the King
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Winter Wonderland with the King is the inaugural weekend long festival with King Fests! Join for a weekend full of Elvis music (Dec. 14-15)! We welcome 10 award winning Elvis tribute artists as they headline the weekend’s event each night. During the day Saturday and Sunday, join us for our contest where 20+ ETAs go head to head to win the cash prize and title of Grand Champion! Sunday morning also features our Elvis gospel show. This weekend will be backed LIVE by The Suspicious Minds Tribute Band from right here in Saratoga. For questions, schedule, tickets or to register for the contest, visit www.KingFests.com

Sunday, December 15

Breakfast with Santa at Saratoga-Wilton Elks
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Now featuring eggs to order, fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $9, Seniors and Military (active/retired with ID card) $8, children 5-12 $7, under 5 free. Take-outs $9. Call 518-584-2585 for more information.

Christmas Concert
Wilton Baptist Church, 755 Saratoga Rd., Wilton | 11 a.m.
Wilton Baptist Church is hosting a Christmas Concert which will include choir, vocalists, instrumentalists and hand chimes. Arrive early for best seating. 

A Coig Christmas
Hubbard Hall, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge | 6 p.m.
Coig returns with their thrilling acoustic Celtic music from Nova Scotia in a brand new Christmas show! This concert will include classics like Silent Night and White Christmas, while also featuring great Celtic holiday tunes. Admission: $25 Adults/$10 Students 21 and under.

A Saratoga Christmas with the McKrells
Home Made Theater at The Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.

Join us for an evening of Christmas favorites, Kevin’s trademark sound, and their popular rendition of A Visit from St. Nick (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). Tickets are $15. 

Saturday, December 21

The Nutcracker
Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue Middle School, Saratoga Springs | 6:30 p.m.

Enter the magical world of Clara and her Nutcracker as they journey into the magical land of the Sweets in the holiday classic The Nutcracker. The School of the Arts is delighted to perform their first Full Length adaptation of the ballet. Second performance will be held on Sunday, December 22 at 1 p.m. Guest artists include William Otto formerly of New York City Ballet, Johnny Martinez of Tango Fusion, and SOA Alumnus, Samuel Epstein. They will dance alongside 80 local students from the Saratoga, Capital, and Vermont regions. Bring the whole family to this holiday favorite. Tickets available on Eventbrite. More information can be found at dancemuseum.org/school or call 518-584-2225, ext. 3008.

Tuesday, December 24

Saratoga Hilton’s 25th Annual “Breakfast with Santa”
The Saratoga Hilton; 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 a.m.

The special anniversary event will feature a festive buffet breakfast, fantastic gift raffles and a fun visit from Santa himself. Doors open for seating and raffle tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. Entry for the event is $12 for adults, and $6 for children aged 4 to 12 years old (little ones under 4 eat free). Families are welcome to take a picture with Santa during the event. Early attendance is encouraged. Proceeds will benefit Beyond My Battle, a Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit organization that provides emotional support, education, resources and awareness to people with chronic illnesses and their families. For more information, call 518-584-4000 or visit www.thesaratogahotel.com. 

Tuesday, December 31

First Night 2020
Downtown Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
As one of the oldest and largest First Night celebrations in the country, First Night is the most affordable, accessible, family-friendly, safe and exciting way to spend New Year’s Eve in the region. Join over 15,000 revelers as Saratoga Arts hosts dozens of regional and touring performing groups in thirty venues throughout Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs. Starting with the 5K road race at Skidmore College, culminating with the fireworks in Congress Park at midnight, and packed full of live music, dance, comedy and magic in between, this event will be a highlight of your outgoing year.

Read 1816 times Last modified on Thursday, 05 December 2019 13:59

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