15 Must-Do Activities for Your Glens Falls Holiday Bucket List
Seasonal events and performances. Festive trivia nights and warm drinks. Not to mention, Santa! Discover the top 15 Glens Falls holiday bucket list items you won't want to miss out on this season.
1) Visit Crandall Park’s Spirits in the Trees
Spirits in the Trees comprises over 150 Christmas trees in Crandall Park, decorated by the community, honoring loved ones and organizations. There is an opening ceremony on December 7, 2024, and then they will be lit each night through January 2, 2025.
2) Stroll Through Downtown Glens Falls
Take in the twinkling lights in walkable downtown Glens Falls as you shop at local stores like the Lake George Olive Oil Company or Fountain Square Outfitters, and pop into a restaurant for a bite to eat like Go Play With Your Food or Mikado.
3) Catch The Nutcracker at the Charles R. Wood Theater
Start a new tradition this year and see over 50 local dancers perform when you attend The Nutcracker Ballet at the Charles R. Wood Theater, performed by the Adirondack Ballet Theater. It takes place this year on December 14 and 15.
4) Stop by the Hyde Collection to Enjoy Art & Any Special Holiday Exhibits
The Hyde Collection often offers special membership discounts and other perks during November and December, and you'll want to keep an eye out for their Candlelight Tours. You can always explore the museum on your own or take a regular guided tour.
5) Warm Up With a Hot Drink & Treat at SPoT Coffee or Uncommon Grounds
SPoT Coffee in downtown Glens Falls is the perfect place to enjoy a regular or specialty coffee. Plus, Uncommon Grounds now has a location in Queensbury. Both have an array of sweet treats to pair with your beverage.
6) Visit Santa at Aviation Mall
Santa can be found at Aviation Mall come early December, and he'll be hanging out with his helpers near the indoor entrance to JCPenney. Purchase a photo package to preserve these unbeatable Christmastime memories with your children.
7) Find a Holiday-Themed Trivia Night
Keep an eye on the events calendar or search events in Facebook for holiday trivia nights around Glens Falls. This year the Grateful Den is hosting an Ugly Sweater Trivia Night on December 12, and Adirondack Winery a Christmas Music Bingo on the same night.
8) Attend North Country Festival of Trees
The North Country Festival of Trees is one of several top holiday events with trees, wreaths, unique items for sale, holiday activities for kids, and visits with Santa. This special event benefits the Prospect Center and this year is November 29 to December 1.
9) Ice Skate at Crandall Pond or at the Glens Falls Rec Center
The public is welcome to skate on Crandall Pond when it's frozen, if you have your own skates to bring. If the pond isn't frozen, you can opt to skate at the Glens Falls Rec Center, which has rentals. There's also a new rink in Lake George!
10) See the Glens Falls Symphony’s Holiday Pops
The Glens Falls Symphony always puts on an extraordinary performance, and every year they treat us to the Holiday Pops concert at Glens Falls High School. This year the event takes place on December 8.
11) Take a Scenic Drive to See Holiday Lights
Take a drive through the neighborhoods of Glens Falls once it gets dark to enjoy all the twinkling light displays. If you enjoy the Glens Falls Halloween House Contest, you'll love the Holiday House Contest. Vote for your favorite on the Glens Falls Collaborative's website.
Bonus tip: Head to Lake George for the walk-through Lights at the Lake attraction!
12) Have a Seasonal Brew at Mean Max Brew Works
Mean Max Brew Works is releasing a new beer on Black Friday, and they always have seasonal beers available in addition to their regular great tap list. They also offer non-alcoholic beer and mocktails.
13) Buy an Ornament or Gift at Rude Betty’s
Rude Betty's is a clear go-to for holiday gag gifts, small gifts, candy, and toys. They've been known to carry the famous Saratoga peppermint pig, and they always have an array of gorgeous and fun ornaments to browse through.
14) Embark on a Winter Walk Through Cole’s Woods
Among all the events, get-togethers, and things you need to cross off your to-do list, take some time for yourself to take a walk or a hike outdoors. Cole's Woods is always a great choice, and not too strenuous.
15) Go Bowling at Lake George Lanes & Games or Kingpin’s Alley
For when you just want to stay warm indoors while engaging in a fun activity - don't discount bowling. Lake George Lanes & Games also has an indoor playground, arcade games, and laser tag for the kids.
Bonus suggestion: cut your own Christmas tree >>
