Speculator Holiday Stroll Brings Small-Town Magic to Black Friday 2025
Support local business in the Central Adirondacks on Black Friday.
Speculator transforms into a twinkling, small-town winter wonderland on Black Friday as the Annual Holiday Stroll returns with local shopping specials, festive activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
It’s one of the southern Adirondacks’ most charming ways to kick off the holiday season—and an ideal excuse to skip the big-box crowds and support independent businesses right in the heart of Hamilton County.
From sweet treats and hot chocolate to craft workshops, raffles, art activities, and Santa sightings, this year’s stroll promises more ways than ever to explore, shop, and celebrate.
A festive afternoon of community activities.
The fun begins with the beloved Village Tree Lighting at 5 PM at Dean Lane Park, just across from Charlie Johns. Bundle up and enjoy that classic small-town moment as the lights flip on and the holiday season officially begins.
Throughout the day, businesses across Speculator will host special events, giveaways, and hands-on experiences, making it easy to stroll from shop to shop while enjoying seasonal surprises at every stop.
Kids can visit Howard Hanna for a meet-and-greet with Frosty the Snowman and a free Christmas ornament craft. At the Speculator Fire Department, families can fuel up with hot dogs and T-shirts. And NBT Bank will run a holiday raffle before closing early at 4 PM, giving shoppers a chance to enter to win a gift bag of local goodies.
Don’t-miss stops along the stroll.
The schedule is packed, but these highlights make planning your route easy:
Lake Pleasant Public Library
Toys for Tots Drop-Off (1:00–5:00 PM)
Holiday dance performance by Different Drummer Dance (1:30 PM)
Holiday Decor Swap (2:00–4:00 PM)
Story Time with Santa (3 PM)
Alcohol Ink Crafts, simmer bag station & chain-making (3:30–4:30 PM)
Lemon Tree Brewery
Warm up with free hot chocolate and cookies, browse discounts on merch and apparel, and enjoy live music from Wayward Folk. The 80k Street Plates food truck will also be on site.
Retailers & makers across the village
Dozens of shops are participating:
The Perks of Speculator – 10% off apparel + door prizes (7 AM–2 PM)
Tracy’s Rustic Relics – 10% off storewide + refreshments (9 AM–6 PM)
Speulator Spirits – Tastings from 10 AM–close
Charlie Johns – 10% off gift certificates
Adirondog Suites & Treats – Holiday photo scene, giveaways & pet supply drive
Speculator Department Store – Complimentary wrapping + gift certificate bonuses
Village Motorsports – Up to 50% off
McCombs – Maple syrup & gift baskets for holiday gifting
CampStore – Popcorn, donuts & liege waffles
Lake Pleasant Lodge – 20% off stays during Holiday Stroll weekend
Lake Pleasant Golf Course (at Holiday Market) – Buy three, get one free greens fee
Holiday market and horse-drawn carriage rides.
At the Speculator Pavilion, the Holiday Market showcases ADK vendors, local artisans, food makers, and the season’s best handcrafted gifts. Kids (and kids at heart) can meet Santa, and from 1–5 PM, visitors can take in the village by free horse and carriage rides—a perfect photo-op and a beloved annual highlight.
Support local and celebrate Adirondack holiday charm.
The Speculator Holiday Stroll is a reminder of what makes Adirondack communities shine: small businesses helping one another, volunteers creating magic, and neighbors gathering to celebrate the season. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, looking for family fun, or simply embracing the festive spirit, this event is a warm and welcoming way to kick off your holiday season.
For more information, visit the Speculator Chamber of Commerce website or the event's Facebook page.
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- Posted In: Events, Central Adirondacks, Speculator
- Tagged: Holidays