Three-Day Event at Olympic Venues in Lake Placid for LGBTQ+ Community A new event will bring a three-day weekend of wintertime fun and adventure to LGBTQ+ residents, travelers, and allies in the Adirondacks. The first ever Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend is coming March 7 - 9, 2025, featuring a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities across the Village of Lake Placid, the Whiteface region, and the region’s historic Olympic venues. Hosted by the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance (ANCGA) in partnership with I LOVE NY, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority), and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the 2025 Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend will support the LGBTQ+ community with an inclusive weekend that will offer something for everyone, including: A welcome party Downhill skiing for all levels at Whiteface Mountain Cross country skiing on 55km of Olympic trails Ice Skating inside the historic Olympic Center Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships Relaxing shopping and dining on Lake Placid’s charming Main Street Discovering the spirit of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum Music and dancing at Saturday’s après-ski party Guests are encouraged to register to ensure they receive event updates - additional Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend details will be announced as they are available. Additional information can be found at AdkWinterPride.com. Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance Executive Director Kelly Metzgar says, “The event promises to be an exciting time to visit this winter sports destination. “This is a great opportunity to bring our LGBTQ+ community, our families, and allies together for a spectacular weekend to enjoy the fun, excitement, splendor and history of our region. Whether enjoying our skiing venues or exploring other local attractions, guests will be making our Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend a “must attend” annual event for years to come.” The event will be made even more exciting with a special Lake Placid Legacy Sites winter passport available at a discounted rate. With the passport, guests will have access to the welcome party as well as an array of local Olympic venues and attractions. The special passport includes entry to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, indoor ice skating at the Olympic Center, a scenic gondola ride at Whiteface Mountain, and the Skyride gondola and glass elevator ride up the HS 128 ski jump tower at the Olympic Jumping Complex, and the big après-ski party on Saturday night. Guests of Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend will also be offered special ski lift ticket packages, cross country ski trail passes, tickets for the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation World Championships, and more. Ski lessons and equipment rentals, including skates, will be available, too. Additionally, every Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend guest will receive a free tote-bag with giveaways and other surprises. Olympic Authority President & CEO Ashley Walden says, “We're thrilled to collaborate with the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, I LOVE NY, and ROOST to launch this unique Winter Pride Weekend. We can't wait to welcome everyone to our Olympic venues and our vibrant community. We look forward to hosting a variety of activities and offering experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.” Empire State Development Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi says, "Every year, New York becomes a winter wonderland, with more ski areas than any other state. LGBTQ travelers near and far will enjoy the amenities and slopes at Whiteface Mountain - including the largest vertical drop in the Northeast - plus the thrill of championship bobsledding and the Olympic history and charm of Lake Placid. I LOVE NY LGBTQ is honored to partner for the first-ever Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend, furthering the state’s legacy as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. From skiers of all abilities to Olympic aficionados, to those more interested in enjoying après-ski activities with members of the LGBTQ community, guests attending the weekend are sure to discover how easy it is to love New York in winter." ROOST President & CEO Dan Kelleher says the region is proud to welcome everyone who is planning to take part in the first Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend. “The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is always excited to welcome the LGBTQ+ community to our beautiful Adirondack communities. The Lake Placid and Whiteface Regions of Essex County offer unique and diverse experiences that appeal to broad audiences whether one is a first-time visitor or a life-long resident. It's always an honor to coordinate our efforts to create and host events like this so that more and more people learn about the Adirondacks and experience the hospitality of our area."

The Holiday Village Stroll returns to Lake Placid for its 15th year. The three-day event will take place from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15 in various locations throughout Lake Placid. The celebration offers a variety of festive events, including a skating party, photos with Santa, a free holiday movie screening, and a town-wide scavenger hunt. The 2024 Holiday Village Stroll features two new additions to the event lineup. There will be a holiday decorating contest for Main Street windows to add festive spirit and friendly competition as shop owners and restaurants dress their windows for the holiday season. Those attending Holiday Village Stroll events will be able to vote for their favorite. Additionally, comedian and actor Jim Breuer will perform at the Conference Center in Lake Placid on Friday, December 13. Tickets for this event are available at lakeplacidolympiccenter.com. Committee Member Catherine Ericson explained that while the full schedule of activities is still being developed, many of the most popular activities will continue, along with some new activities. “This is one of Lake Placid’s most beloved traditions, and we’re excited to bring the community together for another magical Holiday Village Stroll,” she said. “We are finalizing the schedule with popular events from previous years to inspire your holiday plans. We know that the Main Street window decorating contest is going to be one of the most beautiful additions to the event.” Throughout the weekend, there will be shopping and dining promotions across town. A town-wide scavenger hunt will be held, along with a costume contest and a pet costume contest. A free skating party will take place in the 1932 Rink at the Olympic Center on Friday, December 13 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14 will feature the Jingle Bell Run at the Mirror Lake Beach House at 8:30 a.m. Santa will arrive at Mid’s Park at 12:00 p.m., followed by a tree-lighting celebration and a performance by a local choir at 5:00 p.m. On Sunday, December 15, a free movie will be shown at the Palace Theatre at 11:00 a.m. The annual Santa Ski at Whiteface Mountain will run from 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.; the Chris Kringle Caravan, featuring Santa Claus and his friends from the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department, will travel through town at 4:00 p.m. The Holiday Village Stroll is organized by the Lake Placid School and the Holiday Village Stroll Committee. Visit holidayvillagestroll.com for additional information and a complete schedule of activities, or follow Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll on Facebook, both of which are updated frequently.

Retailers, event organizers, and artisans are encouraging Adirondack residents and visitors to make an impact by shopping locally this holiday season. Community events, craft fairs, Small Business Saturdays, and other holiday-themed shopping events have been scheduled throughout November and December. Many of these events can be found at AdirondacksUSA.com/shopadk-events. The community and business-based events offer unique shopping experiences, along with interesting gift ideas and personalized service. The annual #ShopADK campaign promotes small businesses throughout the Adirondack region; supporting the communities, businesses, and their employees. According to Michelle Clement, marketing director at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the organization supports local businesses by promoting the products and services available within the region to both visitors and residents. “Seasonal events provide a great opportunity to showcase the communities and businesses within them that provide unique gift ideas, hand-crafted treasures, and personalized service,” she said. "ROOST’s #ShopADK campaign supports local businesses by offering free promotional tools for businesses while encouraging residents and visitors to shop at small businesses throughout our communities." Small Business Saturday, now in its 15th year, is taking place on November 30. The national event is dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities. Founded by American Express, Small Business Saturday is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since its inception in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $200 billion at small businesses. To support Small Business Saturday, businesses throughout the Adirondacks offer specials, giveaways, and special events. “Holiday Stroll” events have also been planned in several towns and villages throughout the region. The events combine an opportunity to visit these communities, while taking advantage of specials at many local businesses, allowing participants to check items off their gift list. Community-based craft fairs and other holiday events within the region’s communities also provide exceptional shopping experiences, while also sharing opportunities to learn about interesting small businesses and talented local artisans. “The holiday season is an excellent time to explore our Adirondack communities,” commented Clement. “Our local businesses go above and beyond to create memorable shopping and dining experiences, from festive shopping events to one-of-a-kind gift ideas. Supporting our local businesses and their efforts helps to foster vibrant communities.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Community Shopping Events Country Christmas Tour in Indian LakeDates: Friday, November 29 - Saturday, November 30Town/Location: Indian LakeDescription: A two-day event showcasing “Made in the Adirondacks” arts and holiday gifts. Family activities including a free showing of the movie “Elf,”, a gingerbread house contest, and story time with Santa.Website Adirondack Christmas on Main Street in InletDates: Friday, November 9 - Sunday, December 1Town/Location: InletDescription: Downtown shops will be open and offering specials, activities, refreshments, an appearance from Santa, music, movies, and tree lighting.Website Speculator Holiday StrollDates: Friday, November 29Town/Location: SpeculatorDescription: In its 17th year, the holiday stroll invites shoppers to explore the community, along with its unique shops featuring Black Friday deals - perfect for finding that unique gift.Website Holiday Shopping and Dining Night in TiconderogaDates: Friday, December 6Town/Location: TiconderogaDescription: As part of Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas, enjoy holiday shopping and dining night with promotions, specials, a holiday farmers market, live music, a parade of light, and free raffles.Website Saranac Lake Holiday Village StrollDate: Saturday, December 7Town/Location: Berkeley Green, Saranac LakeDescription: Shop at local businesses and enjoy live performances, food, drinks, and kid’s activities.Website Tupper Lake Holiday StrollDates: Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8Town/Location: Tupper Lake Description: A community event featuring unique shopping opportunities, art shows, a holiday movie night, and vendors at the Tupper Lake Depot.Website Lake Placid Holiday Village StrollDates: Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15Town/Location: Lake Placid Description: A Lake Placid tradition, the Holiday Village Stroll is a family and couples weekend. The event spans three days and includes a skating party, photos with Santa, a free movie showing, and a scavenger hunt. Website Holiday Craft Fairs St. Mary’s Annual Craft FairDates: Saturday, November 2 - Sunday, November 3Town/Location: St. Mary’s School, TiconderogaDescription: There will be hand-crafted items, Christmas selections, bake sales, and lunch available.Website LPCA Holiday Craft ShowDates: Thursday, November 14 - Sunday, November 16Town Location: Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Lake PlacidDescription: A range of crafts will be on display and for sale, including jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, ornaments, photography, small-scale paintings, and illustrations.Website Wilmington’s Holiday Craft & Gift FairDates: Saturday, November 16Town/Location: Twisted Raven, WilmingtonDescription: Celebrate the holiday season with unique crafts and gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Website Newcomb Holiday Craft Fair Dates: Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, November 24Town/Location: Newcomb Fire Hall, NewcombDescription: Local craft and vendor sale, cookie decorating, treats, and an appearance by Santa.Website Annual Christmas Fair at First United Methodist ChurchDates: Saturday, November 16Town/Location: First United Methodist Church, Ticonderoga Description: Christmas fair featuring gifts, Christmas decor, and a silent auction. Website NCCC Annual Holiday Craft FairDates: Sunday, November 24Town/Location: North Country Community College, Sparks Athletic Complex, Saranac LakeDescription: Shop for homemade crafts, holiday gifts, and home decor.Website Holiday Craft Fair & Tree LightingDates: Saturday, November 30Town/Location: Community Hall, WellsDescription: Town of Wells holiday craft sale and village tree lighting.Website Holidays in EssexDates: Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7Town/Location: Downtown EssexDescription: Christmas tree lighting, reindeer run, caroling, craft fair, performance by the Sweet Adelines, kids’ activities, pancake breakfast with Santa, cookie decorating, and puppet show.Website Ticonderoga Area Farmers’ Market-Holiday MarketDates: Friday, December 6Town/Location: TiconderogaDescription: Come to the Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market for a special Holiday Market. Vendors will be set up inside the TACC Office, offering a variety of local products, gifts, and raffles.Website Sparkle VillageDates: Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7Town/Location: Harrietstown Town Hall, Saranac LakeDescription: Now in its 39th year, this annual event showcases unique businesses, distinctive holiday gifts, and one-of-a-kind treasures, shoppers can visit one-of-a-kind local makers, and vendors. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under the age of 12.Website Oak Mountain’s Holiday FairDates: Saturday, December 7Town/Location: Oak Mountain, SpeculatorDescription: Live music by the Different Drummer Dance Club, activities for kids including gingerbread houses, face painting, an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, shopping from various vendors, and the festival of trees.Website Tupper Lake Craft Fair & Vendor FestDates: Saturday, December 7Town/Location: Tupper LakeDescription: The event features more than 30 talented local crafters and vendors, meeting Santa for fun photo opportunities, enjoying delicious snacks and lunch, and participating in the 50/50 raffle, and Chinese auction.Website 4th Annual North Pole at Hunter Way FarmDates: Saturday, December 15Town/Location: Hunter Way Farm, MoriahDescription: Farm animals, hot chocolate, elves, photos with Santa, and gift shop.Website Holiday Business Events Small Town Boutique Christmas EventDates: Thursday, November 7Town/Location: Small Town Boutique, TiconderogaDescription: Special sales, permanent jewelry, snacks & Christmas drinks. All clothing is buy 2 items, get the 3rd item 25% off.Website Spirit of Christmas Open HouseDates: Thursday, November 7Town/Location: Adirondack Trading Post, TiconderogaDescription: Open house with a custom hat bar, baked goods, raffle, and light refreshments.Website My Hope Flower Farm Holiday Open HouseDates: Friday, November 22 - Saturday, November 23Town/Location: My Hope Flower Farm, TiconderogaDescription: Open House featuring discounts, extended hours, festive treats, Friday night champagne and chocolate, Saturday mimosas and scones, and a create-and-carry swag-making event with owner Miranda Holman on Saturday evening.Website Vendor Sale at Tromblee’s GreenhouseDates: Saturday, November 23Town/Location: Tromblee’s Greenhouse, Crown PointDescription: A vendor sale in the greenhouse, discounts in the shop, hidden prizes, and a food truck.Website Festival of Trees: Kids’ Shopping DayDates: Sunday, December 7Town/Location: BluSeed Studios, Saranac LakeDescription: Visit with kids of all ages to shop for fun and inexpensive gifts from the holiday shoppe, stroll through the decorated trees, enjoy the hot chocolate bar, and cookie decorating.Website Girls’ Night OutDates: Tuesday, December 10Town/Location: Hunter Way Farm, MoriahDescription: The 2nd Annual Girl’s Night Out at Hunter Way Farm Store features holiday gift shopping, drinks and snacks, and a basket giveaway.Website

The Village of Saranac Lake is excited to announce the return of its beloved New Year’s Eve celebration, North Country New Year, on December 31, from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. That evening, the downtown area will come alive with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local food, comedy shows, and a fireworks display. This festive night welcomes residents and visitors from across the North Country and Adirondacks to celebrate together in the heart of Saranac Lake. North Country New Year offers a substance-free, family-oriented celebration focused on arts, culture, and community connection. Local, regional, and guest artists will provide various entertainment and music across multiple venues, showcasing a blend of talent and creativity to ring in the new year in grand style. This year’s event features an exciting lineup of events, starting with headliner Driftwood, bringing its energetic folk-rock sound to Harrietstown Town Hall. Families can enjoy a Kids’ Carnival featuring balloon animals, caricatures, face painting, live performances by Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza and juggler Stephen Gratto, and Historic Saranac Lake will host a Vintage Game Night at the Saranac Lake Laboratory Museum. Küf Knotz and Christine Elise will add a unique flair with their hip-hop and harp music, while guests can also lace up for ice skating at the Saranac Lake Civic Center. Other performances include The Gaslight Tinkers, playing a lively fusion of old-time fiddle, funk, Caribbean, and African music, and a performance by flamenco-to-bluegrass virtuosos Maria Zemantauski and Sten Isachsen. For a throwback, local favorites Frankie and the Moonlighters will revive the sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s, while the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir will bring their energetic and soulful sound to the event. Attendees can also marvel at Smoke Show Fire Co.’s breathtaking fire dancing, create art at ADK ArtRise’s make-and-take project stations, learn new moves with dance lessons at the Dance Sanctuary, and take a spin on the Adirondack Carousel—fun for all ages. “Last year, we brought this event back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and our organizing committee is thrilled to do it again,” said Kenzie Marine, a committee member. “New Year’s Eve in Saranac Lake has always been a magical time, and we’re working hard to create a memorable experience for everyone as we welcome 2025.” Access to all events during North Country New Year is available by purchasing an artfully designed button, which serves as your event pass. Buttons can be picked up at the Harrietstown Town Hall/Welcome Center on December 31—please bring proof of purchase. Admission rates are $20 per person, $15 for seniors, and free for children under 18. The mission of North Country New Year (NCNY) is to create a substance-free, family-friendly New Year's Eve experience for the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake, as well as the surrounding region. The committee members, including Beryl Szwed, Peter Crowley, Rachel Karp, Tori Vazquez, Christine Farah, Jordanna Mallach, Kenzie Marine, and Aurora Pfaff are dedicated to building a memorable and inclusive event for all. For more information, visit NorthCountryNewYear.com.

Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll is taking place December 6-8 at locations throughout the community. Organized by the Town of Tupper Lake, Tupper Arts and the Tupper Lake business community, the event promises a three-day, community-wide celebration ahead of the holiday season. Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll includes a number of activities for residents, visitors, and their families. Local businesses, retailers, organizations, and attractions will offer special events throughout the weekend including a community tree lighting, a living nativity scene, horse-drawn sleigh rides, restaurant specials, dance recitals, a craft fair, concerts, ugly sweater contests, and activities at local businesses and retailers. Santa will be making appearances throughout the weekend; even the Grinch will be taking part in the festivities. Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony on Friday evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park, marking the first time in a number of years that there has been a community tree. Sleigh rides, a living nativity, and s’mores over the campfire will continue the celebration throughout the evening. Tupper Arts will also be hosting its Festival of Lights Art Show and reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The exhibit will feature unique works by artists that present various interpretations of illumination. According to Tupper Arts Executive Director Evie Longhurst, Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll is poised to gain momentum each year through a shared community vision. “We are excited that so many people, organizations, and businesses are embracing the Holiday Stroll and are certainly hoping that our art show becomes an annual tradition that complements this event.” According to Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll Organizing Committee Member Laura LeBarge, the group is planning for a bigger and better event each year. “Our vision is that, within the next year or two, the event will be embraced by the entire community, with all businesses, organizations, attractions, and residents taking part,” she said. “We envision a true town-wide event that involves every organization and community member, attracting visitors wishing to take part.” One of the most notable aspects of the event will be the number of holiday lights adorning the community. Park Street businesses will be festooned with thousands of lights, lamposts will be adorned with holiday decorations, and holiday-themed storefronts offer the perfect welcome for shoppers. The Wild Center will be hosting its Wild Lights event each night, allowing visitors to wander through the forest immediately surrounding the Wild Center, which is illuminated by thousands of LED lights, transforming the campus into an immersive experience. Visitors can also experience another section of forest that includes music curated specifically for the trail. Holiday stroll participants will also have the opportunity to visit St. Alphonsus Church, along with Beth Joseph Synagogue to learn about the different holidays and associated traditions. The synagogue will open its doors on Friday evening and Saturday morning, inviting everyone to explore the rich history and traditions of Chanukah. The weekend also features a performance and community singing by High Peaks Opera of Handel’s Messiah, punctuated by the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus” at St. Alphonsus Church on Sunday, December 8. On Saturday, the Holiday Craft Fair and Vendor Fest, taking place at the Holy Ghost Academy building, will offer items made by regional artisans and craftspeople ready to help shoppers finalize their holiday shopping. Sunday brings the Kids Row Vendor Fair at Spruce and Hemlock, showcasing the young, talented artisans in the region. The vendor fair features jewelry, photography, candles, baked goods, and more, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. That evening, join Raquette River Brewing for its pajama-clad tree decorating party, featuring hot cocoa for the kids and an appearance by Santa.A complete list of Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll activities and events can be found at https://www.tupperlake.com/holiday-stroll