Best Things to Do in the Adirondacks Over Thanksgiving Weekend 2025
Our insights and tips for enjoying the festive season in the Adirondacks.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Thanksgiving weekend in the Adirondacks marks the true beginning of the holiday season: twinkle lights flicker on in small towns across the region, craft fairs fill community halls, and villages come alive with parades, markets, and winter magic.
Whether you’re visiting family, escaping for a cozy getaway, or entertaining a house full of guests, there’s no shortage of festive fun across the Park.
Our readers asked for a guide that lays out the top events and activities happening from November 28 through December 2, 2025, making it easy to find something memorable—no matter where the long weekend takes you.
Lake George Region
Lite Up the Village (Lake George): Saturday, November 29, 2025
The holiday season officially kicks off in Lake George with one of the region’s most beloved events. Thousands of lights transform the village, Santa arrives in style, and the evening ends with brilliant fireworks over the lake.
Between the parade, hot chocolate, music, and the glow of Canada Street—this is a must-experience event whether you’re a local or entertaining relatives.
Great for: Families, visitors, holiday lovers
Pro tip: Book dinner reservations early; restaurants fill up fast after the fireworks
North Country Festival of Trees (Queensbury): November 28–30, 2025
Held at The Queensbury Hotel, this indoor holiday wonderland features decked-out trees, wreaths, children’s crafts, Breakfast with Santa, and boutique shopping. Wander the decorated ballrooms and enjoy a bit of seasonal sparkle—and yes, it’s all inside, making it a fantastic option for cold or rainy days.
Great for: Families, multi-generational groups, indoor fun
Pro tip: Go early for the best selection of wreaths and gifts.
Courthouse Gallery: Stephanie McMahon – BRUSH (Lake George): Now through December 14, 2025
The Lake George Arts Project’s Courthouse Gallery is showcasing BRUSH, a solo exhibition of abstract oil paintings by Stephanie McMahon. Her luminous, gestural works balance bold brushstrokes with geometric structure, creating an immersive, color-driven experience that feels both energetic and calming. Tucked just off Canada Street, the Courthouse Gallery offers a quiet, culture-rich break from the bustle of holiday events and shopping.
Great for: Art lovers, couples, anyone looking for a low-key, indoor cultural stop near Lake George Village
Pro tip: Gallery hours are typically Wednesday–Friday, 12–5 pm, and Saturday, 12–4 pm; check the Lake George Arts Project site before you go and build this into a Lake George shopping or Lite Up the Village day.
Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and the High Peaks Region
Holiday Shopping in Lake Placid
Lake Placid’s boutiques go all-in for Small Business Saturday. Main Street glows with lights, many shops offer specials, and Mirror Lake Inn’s holiday décor turns the entire stretch into a winter postcard.
Great for: Visitors staying in the High Peaks, big-city shoppers craving small-town charm
Pro tip: Stop into the Adirondack Pop-Up Shops inside the Conference Center.
Adirondack Hockey Invitational (Lake Placid) — November 28-30, 2025
Division I men’s teams hit the ice at Lake Placid’s legendary Herb Brooks Arena for a high-intensity holiday tournament.
The Adirondack Hockey Invitational brings top collegiate programs together in a setting steeped in Olympic history, turning Thanksgiving weekend into a mini-Frozen Four. Between games, fans spill onto Main Street for food, drinks, and holiday shopping, making the whole village feel like one big hockey town.
Great for: Sports fans, families with hockey-obsessed kids, visitors looking for big-energy evenings after daytime exploring
Pro tip: Snag tickets early and aim for a double-header day: an afternoon game, dinner on Main Street, then back for the nightcap under the Olympic Center lights.
Keene Valley Winter Farmers’ Market — Now through December 20, 2025
Nestled inside the Keene Arts Center, the Keene Valley Winter Farmers’ Market is a cozy hub for late-fall produce, artisan foods, and handmade holiday goods. Expect fresh breads, jams, local cheeses, handcrafted gifts, pottery, greens, and the kind of friendly Adirondack vibe that makes shoppers linger longer than planned.
Winter Farmers Markets in Keene and Saranac Lake.
Great for: Holiday shoppers, food lovers, farm-to-table enthusiasts, families looking for a relaxed morning outing
Pro tip: Bring cash—many vendors accept cards, but not all. Come early for the best baked goods and holiday gifts.
Saranac Lake Winter Farmers’ Market — Now through December 20, 2025
Held indoors at the historic Hotel Saranac, the Winter Farmers’ Market brings together growers, bakers, brewers, and makers from across the Tri-Lakes. From maple syrup and sourdough to local spirits, handcrafted soaps, knits, and Adirondack-made gifts, this is one of the best spots to stock up for weekend meals—or get a jump on holiday shopping. Live music and café seating often add to the festive vibe.
Great for: Locals hosting family for the long weekend, visitors staying in Lake Placid or Saranac Lake, anyone craving a warm and lively community space
Pro tip: Pair your market visit with brunch at Campfire Grill at the Hotel Saranac, then explore the downtown shops—many offer Small Business Saturday deals.
The Wild Center Wild Lights (Tupper Lake): Starting November 28, 2025
Wander into an enchanting, illuminated, winter wonderland to explore the sights and sounds of Wild Lights. Thousands of lights transform the Wild Center campus into a twinkling, family-friendly experience that is sure to become a holiday tradition for North Country families.
Great for: Families, nature lovers
Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance—the Wild Center books quickly this time of year.
Central Adirondacks — Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Speculator, Inlet and Old Forge
Holiday festivals in Indian Lake, Speculator, Ticonderoga and more.
Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour: November 28–29, 2025
This two-day celebration transforms Indian Lake into a holiday village filled with craft fairs, open houses, artisan markets, children’s activities, and festive stops throughout town. It’s an Adirondack beloved Thanksgiving tradition, celebrating local makers and hometown cheer.
Great for: Craft lovers, families, road-trippers
Pro tip: Follow the official tour map to make sure you hit the best shops and makers.
Speculator Holiday Celebration: November 28, 2025
From the tree-lighting ceremony to hot cocoa by the fire pit, this event is pure Adirondack charm. Expect community warmth, small-town pride, and festive photo ops. This is an excellent, do-not-miss stop if you’re traveling Route 30.
Great for: Families, couples, anyone staying in the central ADKs.
Pro tip: Stick around for late-night shopping at local stores.
The Polar Express – Free Movie Screening (Indian Lake): November 29–30, 2025
As part of Indian Lake’s Country Christmas Tour weekend, Indian Lake Theater offers a free screening of The Polar Express—the beloved animated holiday classic starring Tom Hanks.
Catch this family-favorite film in Indian Lake.
It’s an easy, festive way to shift from leftovers and shopping into full Christmas mode. Kids can arrive in cozy pajamas, and adults will appreciate the nostalgia of watching a holiday film in a historic small-town theater.
Great for: Families with kids, multigenerational groups, anyone already in town for the Country Christmas Tour.
Pro tip: Seats are free, but they fill up quickly; reserve online and plan to arrive early, then head out afterward to explore the hamlet's tour stops and shops.
The Adirondack Experience (ADKX) museum store opens for special holiday shopping days on Fridays and Saturdays, starting Thanksgiving weekend.
The ADKX in Blue Mountain Lake opens it’s doors for holiday shopping.
Browse rustic-chic home goods, books, toys, Adirondack-made artwork, jewelry, and clever stocking stuffers—all curated with mountain life in mind. Purchases support the museum’s exhibits and educational programs, so you’re giving twice: once to your gift recipient and once to Adirondack history.
Great for: Day-trippers, museum lovers, and shoppers looking for unique Adirondack gifts you won’t find in big-box stores.
Pro tip: Make it a loop: pair your ADKX store visit with a scenic drive around Blue Mountain Lake and a meal stop in Indian Lake, Long Lake, or North Creek.
Christmas on Main Street (Old Forge and Inlet) November 28-30, 2025
Embrace the warmth of the holiday spirit in the charming towns of Old Forge and Inlet as they come alive for the annual Adirondack Christmas on Main Street during Thanksgiving Weekend.
From handcrafted ornaments to cozy winter apparel, local shops showcase the heart and soul of the Adirondack community, making every purchase a meaningful souvenir of your visit.
Great for: Visitors and shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind Adirondack gifts not available at the mall or online.
Pro tip: Stop by View Center in Old Forge to see quilts created by some of the country's finest quilters and fiber artists working today.
Gore Mountain and Schroon Lake — North Creek, Chestertown,
Early season skiing at Gore Mountain.
The largest ski resort in the Northeast, Gore, is making an early push for opening around Thanksgiving. Even if the mountain isn’t fully open, the gondola rides, dining, and lodge shopping offer plenty of ways to spend an afternoon.
Great for: Skiers, boarders, winter outdoor lovers
Pro tip: Get early-season rentals before the rush—Smith’s in North Creek is a reliable option.
Christmas with Fibber McGee & Molly (North Creek – Tannery Pond Center): November 29 and 30, 2025
Gem Radio Theatre brings old-time radio to life onstage at Tannery Pond Center with Christmas with Fibber McGee & Molly. Voice actors perform classic 1940s holiday episodes complete with live Foley sound effects and cue cards that prompt audience reactions. It’s a charming throwback to the days when families gathered around the radio—recreated right in North Creek’s cozy performance hall.
Great for: Theater lovers, nostalgia buffs, multigenerational families, anyone craving something festive but not flashy.
Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance.
Adirondack Coast & Champlain Valley
North Country Christmas: November 29 - December 2, 2025.
Downtown Ticonderoga comes alive with sales, pop-ups, and special treats at local shops. Many stops offer hot beverages, samples, and giveaways. It’s a fantastic way to support small businesses during their busiest weekend of the year.
While you're in town, stop in at Hancock House to see the annual Festival of Trees.
Great for: Holiday shoppers, families
Pro tip: Don’t miss a visit to The Adirondack Trading Post or War Cannon Spirits’ retail shop.
Ticonderoga Hosts its annual North Country Christmas.
The Nutcracker Ballet (Clintonville – AuSable Valley High School): November 29-30, 2025
Presented by the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, this full production of The Nutcracker at AuSable Valley High School in Clintonville showcases talented local dancers bringing Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventure to life. From the growing tree and Sugar Plum Fairy to swirling snowflakes, it’s a classic holiday tradition in a relaxed, community-friendly setting—close enough to Lake Placid, Keene, and the Champlain Valley for an easy day trip. Lake Placid Arts+1
Great for: Families, ballet fans, and anyone looking for a festive matinee that doesn’t require big-city travel.
Pro tip: Tickets often sell quickly; buy in advance.
Whitcomb’s Gallery in Whallonsburg hosts Fields of Vision, an exhibition of paintings by Adirondack abstract artist Ellen Few Anderson. Her work, rooted in summers spent along Lake Champlain, explores color, memory, and landscape in a way that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to this region. It’s a beautiful, contemplative stop along the Champlain Valley corridor between Essex, Willsboro, and the High Peaks.
Great for: Art lovers, couples, and anyone combining Champlain Valley wine, farm, or food stops with a dose of culture.
Pro tip: Check hours before you go—Whitcomb’s often pairs exhibits with live music, talks, and community events, so you may be able to bundle several experiences into one visit.
For more great Adirondack festivals and celebrations, visit our Events section.
Shop for unique Adirondack apparel, gifts and merchandise.
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