Technically it’s not winter yet, but we’re getting into the spirit! There are a ton of holiday events and shopping opportunities going on, and if you scroll to the bottom you’ll see some non-holiday news in the ADK as well that makes us excited for snowsports season.

Let’s Get Festive in the Adirondacks With Events & Shopping
Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas Festivities & Shopping Continues
The Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas has a robust schedule that started last weekend and goes through Sunday, December 6. Also, check out their Holiday Shopping & Dining Night on Friday, December 4.
Santa’s Christmas Caboose Is Available to Tour
The North Creek Railway Depot Museum in North Creek is offering a walk-through of Santa’s Christmas Caboose starting on Friday, December 4.
Lights Will Be On in Johnsburg & North Creek
The first tour of the aforementioned caboose will take place on December 4 following the tree lighting that kicks off Lights On Johnsburg. There will not be the traditional floats, but Santa will still make an appearance.
Organizers are amping up the efforts up this year, asking residents to get into the spirit and go all out for this season. Three $300 prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated residence, commercial business, and nonprofit.
Holiday Home & Business Decorating Contest
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual Holiday Home & Business Decorating Contest with a theme of “Adirondack Classic Christmas.” The competition is open to homes within Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Hague, Putnam, and Moriah. Email c21adirondacks@gmail.com to enter or for more information. Judging will take place between December 18 to 21.

Holiday Ornament Kits Available at View Arts Center
View in Old Forge is offering to-go Holiday Ornament Kits. They’re available to purchase for $22 at the arts center through December 23 or online until December 15, and they include 6 ornaments, 5 colors of paint, ribbon, and 2 paint brushes. Visit viewarts.org or stop by 3273 State Route 28 in Old Forge between 10am and 4pm Monday through Saturday.
Sparkle Village Arts & Crafts Fair Goes Virtual
You can purchase unique gift items from vendors online who would have attended the Sparkle Village event in Saranac Lake at VillageMerc.com.
Purchase Local Art for Gifts in Saranac Lake
NorthWind Fine Arts in Saranac Lake hosts its second annual Holiday Extravaganza with unique pieces available at discounted prices.
In addition, the 15 members of the Adirondack Artists Guild will present a holiday show that starts on December 3 and runs through the end of the month. Holiday-themed works will be on the featured artist wall. The gallery will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm throughout the month (except Christmas Day), and they’re at 52 Main Street in Saranac Lake.
The Perfect Gift for Your Loved Ones Who Love to Camp
The DEC has announced gift cards and electronic gift certificates for all DEC campgrounds are now available to purchase online. This includes 52 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondacks and the Catskills. Go to https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/articles/camping/the-gift-of-camping to purchase.
Bonus Event: Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ for Best 4th in the North
It’s not a holiday event, but it will be delicious and for a great cause: check out the Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ today, December 3, from 4pm until they are sold out at the Knights of Columbus in Ticonderoga.
Looking Ahead: Pendragon Theatre Tickets for Holiday Special Available Now
Pendragon Theatre of Saranac Lake is featuring a virtual Best Holiday TV Special That Never Aired that starts on December 18. Tickets are available now, and you can opt for a scheduled time (and “mingle in the lobby” before the show), or watch at your leisure.

Quick News Roundup: 3 Noteworthy Mentions
And in non-holiday happenings…
Waffle Cabin Opens at Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain has opened a Waffle Cabin that will provide syrupy sweets for skiers this season. They are currently looking to fill positions and have full-time and part-time job openings. Read the Facebook post and email if you’re interested!
By the way, Gore has been busy making snow and will open for season passholders and frequent skier cardholders on Saturday, December 5.
Adirondack Mountain Club Hosts Skills Workshops for Winter
The Adirondack Mountain Club is offering online courses this winter that will cover everything from becoming a Winter 46er to essential cold-weather survival skills. Go to adk.org/discover/skills-workshops/ to see what’s coming up starting next month.
National Women’s Hockey League Eyes Lake Placid
The National Women’s Hockey League recently declared a plan to present the upcoming season and 2021 Isobel Cup Playoffs at the 1980 Rink-Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid between January 23 and February 5, 2021. The idea is to play in a protective environment that prioritizes the health and safety of players.
Browse the North Country Gift Guide for more gift ideas >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Daily Enterprise: National Women’s Hockey League to play season, playoffs in Lake Placid bubble
- Sun Community News: Town officials: ‘Lights On Johnsburg to be brighter than ever.’