Saratoga Business Journal
By Carol Ann Conover
The holiday season brings festive cheer to Saratoga County with a packed calendar of events celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. From tree lightings and Victorian celebrations to holiday markets and train rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Saratoga Springs
The 50th Annual Saratoga Holiday Craft Marketplace takes place Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Admission is $5 in advance or $10 at the door, and proceeds benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family. The marketplace, held each year on Small Business Saturday, features handcrafted gifts and goods from regional artisans—an ideal kickoff for holiday shopping while supporting local makers and community programs.
The Saratoga Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Dec. 4, 2025, in downtown Saratoga Springs, marking the official start of the holiday season. The ceremony features festive music, hot beverages and visits from Santa Claus.
Immediately following, the 39th annual Victorian Streetwalk will transform downtown Saratoga Springs into a Victorian wonderland from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening includes carolers in period costume, live music, church tours with hot beverages and sweets, and shopping at downtown businesses. Santa will greet visitors in his cottage following the tree lighting. Broadway and nearby streets will close to vehicle traffic at 3 p.m., reopening by 10 p.m. City garages and side-street parking remain available, and the event is free to the public.
The Saratoga Festival of Trees, Dec. 3–7, 2025, turns the Saratoga Springs City Center into a winter wonderland of decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces to benefit Catholic Charities of Saratoga. Admission is $5 during Victorian Streetwalk evening hours. The City Center, 522 Broadway, is fully ADA-compliant with accessible entrances and restrooms.
The Saratoga Farmers Market at Wilton Mall continues year-round with special Saturday activities through the winter months.
For performing arts enthusiasts, Saratoga Performing Arts Center presents its “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert Series at the Spa Little Theater, including:
– Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.
– Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. (sold out)
– Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.
Free parking is available at the Admin lot. The venue is fully accessible, with assisted listening devices available upon request at 518-584-9330.
SantaCON returns Dec. 13, 2025, inviting revelers to don Santa suits and enjoy a festive pub crawl through downtown Saratoga Springs. The year ends with Saratoga New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, featuring two days of celebrations at downtown venues.
Regional Holiday Train and Light Experiences
The Candy Cane Express runs Nov. 28–Dec. 21, 2025, on select dates via the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. Passengers enjoy a 60-minute Christmas-themed ride through the Southern Adirondacks. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
The CPKC Holiday Train will make regional stops in Mechanicville and Ft. Edward November 25.
The Greenwich Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade, Nov. 22, 2025, brings a magical display of decorated tractors through the village.
The Quick Response Santa’s Playland Christmas Lights, located at 2095 Route 9, Round Lake, will be open Nov. 15, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026. The drive-thru light display operates Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 to 11 p.m., and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The attraction will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, offering one of the region’s most dazzling holiday light experiences.
Other Local Celebrations
The Ballston Spa Holiday Parade on Dec. 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., travels through downtown, ending with Santa lighting the Christmas tree.
The Holiday Tree Lighting at Gavin Park in Wilton takes place Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring family-friendly festivities, refreshments and a visit from Santa to mark the start of the season.
Beyond Saratoga County
The Troy Victorian Stroll, Dec. 7, 2025, celebrates its 43rd year with Victorian-era festivities throughout downtown Troy.
On Dec. 7, 2025, the Great Train Extravaganza returns to the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, featuring model railroads and displays for all ages.
Holiday Shopping and Dining
Throughout December, Saratoga County retailers and restaurants offer special holiday hours, menus and promotions. Many downtown Saratoga Springs shops extend hours during the Victorian Streetwalk weekend and beyond.
For the latest event updates, visit saratoga.com, discoversaratoga.com, ballston.org, or check individual venue websites and social media pages.
As always, many events require advance registration or ticket purchase, so plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on your favorite seasonal celebrations.