Enjoy These Holiday Events & Fun Christmas Activities in Saratoga County, NY
'Tis the Season for Parades, Family Traditions, and More
Get ready to celebrate the season with an array of holiday events and Christmas activities in Saratoga County, NY! From festive family outings to fun traditions like the Victorian Streetwalk in downtown Saratoga Springs, this area is a destination for holiday season excitement.
Kick-Start Your Holiday Gift Shopping Spree
You may feel ready to relax after a hearty Thanksgiving dinner, but you also don’t want to leave your holiday gift shopping to the last minute. Take advantage of the holiday season’s best deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
On Black Friday (November 28, 2025), shops in downtown Saratoga and around the region will open their doors bright and early and offer incredible savings on products and potential holiday gifts.
If you’re looking for even more deals after Black Friday, then consider making the most of Small Business Saturday. This shopping holiday is a celebration of local and small businesses.
Visit Saratoga County stores and boutiques for great discounts, or browse tons of vendors in one place at the Holiday Craft Marketplace, which will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center on November 29, 2025.
All Aboard! Holiday Cheer Awaits with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway's Festive Train Rides
Step into the magic of the holiday season with Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway’s two enchanting train ride experiences—the Candy Cane Express and the Christmas Tree Limited.
The Candy Cane Express is a 60-minute, family-friendly ride through the Southern Adirondacks, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa. Cozy up in the heated lounge or venture to the open-air car to enjoy the brisk breeze with your warm drink. This ride is available on select dates in November and December 2025.
"Candy Cane Express was a great time," said one visitor. "We had the Kayadeross private car. The whole staff was amazing! A family memory that will last a lifetime!"
Or, for a unique holiday adventure, hop aboard the Christmas Tree Limited and pick up a pre-purchased Christmas tree at Kings Station. On this two-hour ride, hot cocoa, Christmas music, and holiday decor will make the trip unforgettable for the kids.
6’-8’ and 8’-10’ trees are available, and you must make a selection during checkout. Book early, as spaces and tree options are limited! The Christmas Tree Limited will be held on November 28 and 29, 2025.
Finalize your family's train ride today!
Illuminate Your Night at Tree Lightings & Holiday Celebrations
No matter where you go in Saratoga County, you can find holiday celebrations and family-friendly festivities. Mark your calendar for these upcoming Christmas events!
Saratoga Victorian Streetwalk
Each year, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association presents the Victorian Streetwalk, a holiday celebration in downtown Saratoga.
Now in its 39th year, the popular event will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, and feature a mix of free entertainment and activities.
Bring the family and enjoy the community's traditional tree lighting ceremony and more holiday season fun. It's also the perfect time to explore the city, check out all the beautiful Christmas trees and decor, and support small businesses as you shop for gifts.
Wilton Tree Lighting
Join the Town of Wilton as they host their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gavin Park. Highlights include the tree lighting, hot cocoa and refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Santa's Playland at Quick Response
Quick Response in Round Lake invites families and friends to experience the holiday magic at their drive-through attraction, Santa’s Playland!
Enjoy a dazzling display of animated holiday lights synchronized to cheerful music—all from the warmth and comfort of your car.
Open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 5:00pm-11:00pm, this free event promises a memorable outing for all ages.
Enter a World of Twinkling Lights at the Saratoga Festival of Trees
Visit the Saratoga Springs City Center and explore a Christmas wonderland of decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces available for viewing and purchase.
The Saratoga Festival of Trees is a beloved tradition that supports the Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, and it will be held on December 3-7, 2025.
Who Doesn’t Enjoy a Traditional Holiday Parade?
Nothing says the holidays like an old-fashioned Christmas parade through town. In Saratoga County, two favorites draw crowds each year - the South Glens Falls Fire Company Holiday Parade and the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
These parades are hallmark holiday events in Saratoga County, with floats, marching bands, fire trucks, and plenty of small-town cheer. Looking for classic holiday fun close to home? Bundle up, bring some cocoa, and enjoy the show.
South Glens Falls Fire Company Holiday Parade
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 23, 2025), the South Glens Falls Holiday Parade will travel down Route 9 through the South Glens Falls community.
Marchers, floats, costumed characters, bands, and Santa Claus will take part in this village holiday tradition. Non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys will also be accepted for donation.
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
During the first Friday of December, the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will present the annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
Head to Milton Avenue on Friday, December 5, 2025, and watch as the street comes live with colorful floats, fire trucks, and community groups. Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on an Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Company truck and light the Christmas tree in Wiswall Park.
Cheer On the Holiday Train as It Rolls Through Saratoga County
The CPKC Holiday Train is rolling back into town! Catch this vibrant, festively decorated train as it makes stops in Menands, Mechanicville, and Fort Edward, bringing holiday cheer with free live performances by Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell.
This has become one of the most anticipated Christmas events in the Saratoga Springs area. Although it's free to attend, you are encouraged to bring donations or non-perishable food items to help local families in need.
Pick Out the Perfect Christmas Tree
Christmas time is here, what better way to spend a December afternoon than choosing your own tree? Visiting a local farm is one of the most timeless holiday activities in Saratoga County.
There are multiple Christmas tree farms around Saratoga offering a great selection of trees for the holidays, from Fraser Fir to Balsam and Blue Spruce. Opt for a real tree this year and bring the scent of the season home.
Experience the Magic of the 2025 Saratoga New Year's Eve
Formerly known as First Night Saratoga, Saratoga's New Year Eve is recognized as the state’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration outside of New York City.
The event will feature a free outdoor concert and fireworks display, live music at various venues, a 5K road run on New Year's Day, and more.
After a season filled with Christmas activities in Saratoga, this community celebration is the perfect way to welcome the new year.
Excited for the holidays? Plan your trip to Saratoga County today and experience the joy, lights, and traditions that make this region such a special place to celebrate.
Explore top holiday gift ideas »
Find more festivals and fairs in the area »
« Back to the Saratoga Holiday Guide
