Save the Date! Celebrate an Adirondack New Year’s Eve in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake's beloved New Year's Eve celebration, First Night, is returning with a new name but the same enthusiasm for celebrating community, arts, and culture. Organizers are planning an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience filled with live performances, family-friendly activities, dazzling fireworks, and much more.

The North Country New Year organizers have advised that the 2023 event may be slightly smaller in scale than previous New Year's Eve celebrations. However, they promise that it will be just as enjoyable and memorable. They aim to build upon this year's festivities and make North Country New Year even more spectacular in the years to come.

A full agenda of fun events for a fantastic New Year’s Eve in the Adirondacks.

The North Country New Year Festival schedule includes many events, performances, and activities at venues throughout Saranac Lake.

Harrietstown Town Hall:

• Alakazam (Circus Stunts) — Two 45-minute sets from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Heard (World Rhythm and Jazz) — Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• Mal Maiz (Latin Rock) — Playing from 10:30 pm-midnight

St. Bernard's Church:

• Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir (Gospel) — Two 45-minute sets from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Will Rogers:

• Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn (Folk) — Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Pendragon Theatre:

• Completely Stranded (Improv Comedy) — Two 45-minute sets from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Moody McCarthy (Stand-up Comedy) — Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Saranac Lake Free Library:

• Bubble Trouble (Amazing Bubbles) — Two 45-minute sets from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Adirondack Carousel:

• Free Rides and Hot Chocolate — From 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Scotto the Balloon Wizard (Clowning and Balloons) — Two 45-minute sets from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saranac Lake Civic Center:

• Free Skating — From 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

ADK ArtRise:

• Drop-In Art Class (Make and Take Art Projects for All Ages) — Anytime from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Dance Sanctuary:

• Salsa Dance Lessons — Four classes are offered on the hour, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Berkley Green:

• Hot Chocolate and Smoke Show Fire Co (Fire Dance Performances)

• Hot chocolate served from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Two 15-minute performances at 7:45 pm - 8:00 pm and 8:45 pm - 9:00 pm, with the final set at Riverside Park just before the Fireworks

Riverside Park:

• Smoke Show Fire Co (Fire Dance Performances) — Final performance in Riverside Park from 9:30 pm - 9:45 pm

• Fireworks — 10:00 pm

Schedule and venues are subject to change* 

Purchase your button for admission to all North Country New Year events.

The artfully designed button will serve as your admission to all events during the North Country New Year celebration. Buttons can be picked up at the Harrietstown Town Hall/Welcome Center on December 31st. Please ensure you bring proof of purchase.

Admission Rates:

• $20 per person

• $15 for seniors

• Free for children 18 and under

Buttons are available for purchase both in-person and online.

Volunteer to be part of making the magic happen.

Sign up to volunteer to help make the inaugural North Country New Year year a success. It’s as simple as filling out the online form to join the team. Volunteers will help sell buttons, give information to patrons, and maintain venues around town.

For the latest information, visit the event webpage.

All plans, schedules and venues are subject to change, so be sure to check out the event webpage or Facebook page for the latest news and information.

While in Saranac Lake, enjoy these other nearby venues and attractions.