Courtesy of Glens Falls Collaborative
By Carol Ann Conover
The southern Adirondack region is bursting with small-town charm and big holiday spirit. Glens Falls, known proudly as “Hometown U.S.A.,” leads the way, bedazzling its downtown core with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. From dazzling tree festivals and juried art shows to traditional parades and a sensory-friendly Santa experience, the city and its neighboring communities—Lake George, Hudson Falls, Fort Edward and Argyle—offer a variety of festive ways to celebrate the season with a little something for everyone on your list!
North Country Festival of Trees: Nov. 28-30, 2025. The Queensbury Hotel also hosts the 33rd annual fundraiser, featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and handmade items. Proceeds benefit the Prospect Center, an affiliate of the Center for Disability Services.
LARAC Winter Arts Festival: Dec. 7, 2025. For handmade gifts and unique crafts, the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council hosts this juried art show at The Queensbury Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival features local and regional artisans selling pottery, jewelry, fiber arts and more, making it an ideal one-day holiday shopping destination. (Free admission).
Adirondack Holiday Festival: Dec. 5-7, 2025. Building on the momentum of the craft shows, this festive weekend celebration in downtown Glens Falls begins Friday with a holiday parade, the lighting of the community tree and visits from Santa in City Park from 5-8 p.m. Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of shops and vendors offering Adirondack-themed goods. This event is free and fun for all ages.
The Nutcracker Ballet: Dec. 13-14, 2025. For lovers of the performing arts, the Adirondack Ballet Theater presents the holiday classic at the Charles R. Wood Theater. Performances are Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Suite Moves: The Nutcracker Reimagined: Dec. 21, 2025. Presented by The Body Barre dance studio, this spin-off performance at the Charles R. Wood Theater features tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop. There are two performances, at 2 and 5 p.m.
South Glens Falls Fire Company Holiday Parade: Nov. 23, 2025, 4:30 p.m. Kicking off the season, this holiday parade features various community groups, bands, floats and marchers along Route 9 in South Glens Falls.
Lake George Events
The lakeside village just north of Glens Falls offers a mix of inclusive holiday experiences and major lighting events, inviting visitors to enjoy the holiday cheer along the water.
Kringle Kottage: Opens Nov. 21, 2025. A significant new addition to the regional calendar, Kringle Kottage, located on the grounds of the Fort William Henry Hotel, is a sensory-friendly Santa experience designed specifically for neurodivergent children and adults. The cozy cabin features soft lights, calming decor and personalized 15-minute appointments to eliminate the stress of traditional holiday crowds.
Kringle Kottage Accessibility: Sensory-friendly private appointments (Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.) must be booked in advance online. Public visiting hours, open to all, are Fridays and Saturdays, 5-8 p.m., and Dec. 21-23, 5-8 p.m.
Lite Up the Village: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. This free celebration begins at 3 p.m. with a block party, free carriage rides, live music and a Crazy Ugly Sweater Contest. The event culminates with the official illumination of the lights, a fireworks display and a Holiday Light Parade on Canada Street. The lights remain on nightly through Dec. 31.
Breakfast with Santa: Select Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a traditional holiday meal, families can enjoy a festive morning at the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge inside the Fort William Henry Hotel. Seating times are every 15 minutes from 7-9:30 a.m., with Santa arriving at 8 a.m. Reservations are required. Pricing: Adults: $30; children 5 to 10 years old: $22; children under 4: $5. Reservations can be made at Fort William Henry’s Dining Specials page.
Washington County Communities
Heading east from Glens Falls into Washington County, residents can enjoy unique small-town traditions and parades in Hudson Falls, Fort Edward and Argyle.
CPKC Holiday Train: Nov. 26, 2025. Further down the rail line, the festive CPKC Holiday Train will make a stop in Fort Edward, bringing live music and holiday festivities. Arrive between 2:45-3:15 p.m. to see the train and enjoy performances by artists such as Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell.
Holiday Lighted Nights: Nov. 29-Dec. 30. Just a short drive away, the Washington County Fairgrounds offers a multi-sensory drive-thru light experience from 4:30-9 p.m.
Christmas in the Country: Dec. 5-7, 2025. For a unique holiday shopping experience, the Artisan Trails of Washington County hosts this free, self-guided open house tour across the Fort Ann–Hudson Falls area. Visitors follow “Christmas tree signs” to over 15 participating farms and artist studios, finding handcrafted goods like folk art, jewelry, home decor and food items. The tour runs during individual location open house hours; check the Artisan Trails website for details. Some vendors are cash only so be sure to plan ahead!
Art Classes with Santa: Dec. 6, 2025. Ring in the season with festive art classes! This special event, sponsored by the Artisan Trails in Washington County, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third floor of the Sandy Hill Arts Center, Hudson Falls. Visitors can craft unique holiday gifts and décor with instructor-led classes in pewter ornament crafting, book binding, leatherworking, wood turning, and more. For bookings and additional information, contact Steve Mattison at 518-832-0024.
The Best Way to Make Merry is To Be Prepared!
For many of these holiday events, tickets or reservations are strongly recommended due to limited capacity.
Parking in Glens Falls: Downtown Glens Falls offers various street parking options and public lots. For events at The Queensbury Hotel and Wood Theater, check the surrounding city lots, which may require payment or enforce parking time limits during business hours.
Parking in Lake George: The Fort William Henry Hotel grounds offer parking, though it may be busy during major events. For Lite Up the Village, be aware of Canada Street closures and utilize nearby village parking areas.
Accessibility: Kringle Kottage is a standout for accessibility with its sensory-friendly design. For other Glens Falls and Lake George venues, contact the specific location directly to inquire about dedicated ADA seating and specific access routes.
Traffic: For the Lite Up the Village and the South Glens Falls Parade, anticipate local road closures and congestion; as a rule, plan to arrive early and consider carpooling.