Are you ready for one more weekend of fun before Christmas and the holidays? The Saratoga area is the place to be for holiday season shows, celebrations, and other things to do. Add some of these upcoming events to your weekend to-do list!
Celebrate the Holidays With Plays, Music & More
The Nutcracker | Saturday, December 21 & Sunday, December 22
This weekend, The National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame’s School of the Arts will present The Nutcracker at Maple Avenue Middle School. Experience this holiday classic with the family during the upcoming performances on Saturday at 6:30pm or Sunday at 1:00pm.
HMT presents It’s a Wonderful Life | Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December 22
See the saga of George Bailey acted out live on stage during Home Made Theater’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Based on the beloved holiday film by Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life will be performed from Friday through Sunday of this weekend. Purchase your tickets today!
- Friday, December 20: 7:30pm
- Saturday, December 21: 1:00pm
- Saturday, December 21: 4:30pm
- Sunday, December 22: 1:00pm
The Lunch Ladies Luncheon: Tacky Holiday! | Friday, December 20
Join Palette Cafe on Friday afternoon for The Lunch Ladies Luncheon: Tacky Holiday! at Hattie’s in downtown Saratoga. This fun and festive event is all about meeting new people, and tickets include a prix-fixe menu at Hattie’s, 1 specialty cocktail, seating, and a cash bar. Attire with a tacky Christmas theme is required!
The McKrells Xmas Show at The Parting Glass | Sunday, December 22 & Monday, December 23
Visit The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga for the always popular McKrells Xmas Show on Sunday and Monday. There is a $15 cover charge, and reservations are highly suggested. The show will take place on Sunday at 7:00pm and Monday at 4:00pm and 7:00pm.
Christmas Village Tour | Sunday, December 22
Plan a trip to the Porter Corners United Methodist Church for a Christmas Village Tour on Sunday from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Over 1,000 buildings and accessories will fill half the sanctuary in celebration of the holidays. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Celebrate Chanukah | Sunday, December 22
The Congregation Shaara Tfille in Saratoga will host a Chanukah Celebration with storyteller and musician Sandy Schuman this Sunday from 11:00am-1:00pm. This family-friendly event will include a dairy luncheon, children performances, and the lighting of the menorah.
Discover Saratoga’s Unique Arts Scene
Meet the Artist: Gretchen Tisch | Friday, December 20
The Dark Horse Mercantile in Saratoga features a number of unique horse-related items that would make for a great holiday gift. If you visit on Friday evening, you can also meet local artist Gretchen Tisch of Feathered Antler who will be selling handmade creations and signing the book Upset: The Original Dark Horse, which she illustrated.
“Artist of the Month” Reception: John Van Alstine | Saturday, December 21
While you’re out shopping for last-minute holiday gifts this weekend, stop by Studio Sweet in the Saratoga Marketplace for the “Artist of the Month” Reception featuring John Van Alstine. Meet this talent local artist, just in time for the unveiling of his new book by The Artist Book Foundation.
Looking Ahead…
First Night Saratoga | Tuesday, December 31

Making plans for New Year’s Eve? Consider attending First Night Saratoga on December 31! Recognized as the state’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration outside of NYC, First Night Saratoga is a lively night featuring dozens of bands, theater, dance, and other groups, and even more festivities. Best of all, you can enjoy everything with the purchase of a First Night button.