Winter Fun in Saratoga!
Looking for Winter Activities?
We've Got Something For Everyone
Saratoga has everything you need to plan the perfect winter getaway with that special someone or your entire family.
Take in an intimate theater experience, or step back in time at one of our many museums, or get outside just marvel at the natural beauty while hiking or skiing on trails. Saratoga County also offers our world-famous mineral springs and spas, great shopping and unique and amazing local restaurants too. Whether it's a winter weekend getaway or a mid-week trip, Saratoga County is a winter destination sure to delight you.
Highlights of upcoming Saratoga Happenings are below. Click to view a complete list of events.
Christopher Dailey Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019
Race starts at 8:30
Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Work up your appetite! The annual Turkey Trot 5k race returns to Saratoga Springs Thanksgiving morning. Thousands of runners will be racing to benefit the Christopher Dailey Foundation. The race starts just a few blocks south of the Saratoga Hilton. Advance registration is required.
Black Friday
2019
November 29, 2019
Begins at 6 am
Downtown Saratoga Springs
Come support local businesses and artisans, and save money while getting a jump on your holiday shopping! Downtown boutiques and shops open early for this annual event; the earlier you shop, the more you'll save! What better way to shake off the post-Thanksgiving Feast doldrums.
Holiday Craft Marketplace
November 30, 2019
10 am - 4:30 pm
Saratoga Springs City Center
The 44th annual Holiday Craft Marketplace returns! Kick off the shopping season by browsing through original handmade crafts from over 100 artisans. Enter raffles and a silent auction. $5 admission fee benefits the Saratoga Center for the Family. Kids under 12 free!
Friendsgiving on the Farm
Dec 1, 2019
3:00-6:00 PM
Pitney Meadows Farm
Let's enjoy a potluck meal together. Please BYO (bring your own) prepared dish to share as well as plates, bowls, silverware, cups and drinks for you and your own guests! We'll gather in the High Tunnel for one last special celebration of our community.
Festival
of Trees
December 4-8, 2019
Times vary by day
Saratoga Springs City Center
A Saratoga favorite! An indoor winter wonderland of lights and festive decor. Come and walk through over 250 uniquely decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. A fun event for all ages with Family Day, Breakfast and Sundaes with Santa and Santa's Workshop.
Victorian
Street Walk
Dec 5, 2019
4 pm - 10 pm
Downtown Saratoga Springs
Victorian Holiday Magic abounds in old fashioned style as Saratoga Springs transforms into the 1800s. Dress for the era and join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the gingerbread house and at the awesome tree-lighting ceremony. Broadway is closed off for this holiday tradition.
West Coast Swing Dance Challenge
Dec. 5 - 9, 2019
11:00 AM to 5:00
Gideon Putnam
Join us for four thrilling days of workshops, competitions, social dancing, and fun activities. The focus of the event is on West Coast Swing, using a variety of modern and past styling techniques. Also included this year are Latin dancing and Lindy Hop workshops. No experience necessary!
Gift Wrapping for a Cause
Dec. 5, 12 and 19
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Unified Beerworks
During the first three Thursdays of December, bring your unwrapped gifts to our volunteers, and we'll wrap your gifts for a small donation (you can give more!). All gift wrap and bows are provided! Package prices are $2 for small, $4 for medium, and $6 for large. All money goes to local charities!
Ballston Spa Holiday Weekend
December 6, 2019
6:30 pm
Wiswall Park, Ballston Spa
Come to Ballston Spa for a winter weekend filled with holiday fun, including a parade and tree lighting Friday night, Breakfast with Santa on Saturday and more. Enjoy a hometown-style holiday tradition with floats, carolers and musicians and First Friday goodies. Please donate a new toy.
Victorian Winter
Market
Dec 7 & 8, 2019
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Mansion Inn
This event feature live music, fine artisans & crafters showcasing their best holiday gifts and of course, food & drink--all promising to get you into the holiday spirit. The magic of The Mansion is sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face! This event is free, family-friendly and open to the public!
Freihofer's Live at the Jazz Bar
December 12, 2019
7:00 PM
Hall of Springs, SPAC
Whether you are a social dancer or a connoisseur of music, you'll love this FREE event. It kicks off with swing dance lessons and continues with delightful live swing music from Annie & the Hedonists, and a cash bar by Mazzone Hospitality. Space is limited, so register for this event now!
Santa's Playland Open House
December 13 &14, 2019
5:30 - 9:00 PM
2077 Route 9, Round Lake
Come to the incredible holiday lights display on the property of--and brought to you by-- Quick Response Restoration. The celebration features large light displays, horse and wagon rides, reindeer, Christmas train rides, Santa, costumed characters, refreshments and much more.
Homemade Theater's It's a Wonderful Life
Dec 13 & 20 – 7:30, Dec 14, 15, 22 – 1:00
Dec 21 – 1:00 & 4:30 PM
Spa Little Theater
Homemade Theater presents this unforgettable holiday classic. It's the saga of George Bailey, whose dreams have been quashed and who falls into despair. He learns a priceless lesson with the help of his Guardian Angel, Clarence. You've never seen it like this!
Saratoga
Santa Con
December 14, 2019
12:00 - 8:00 PM
Harvey's Restaurant, 14 Phila
Please join us for the biggest pub crawl in the Capital District. We will be dressed up in our festive Santa Gear for a day of Santa and beer. The registration fee will be 5 or more non-perishable food items which will go directly to the Franklin Community Center.
Winter Wonderland With The King
December 14 & 15, 2019
11:00 am - 10:00 PM
Saratoga Springs City Center
Don't have a Blue Christmas! Please join us for some unique holiday fun! Award-winning Elvis Tribute Artists perform the best from his shows, along with many other talented acts competing to be the 2019 champion! Backed by the Suspicious Minds Tribute Band.
The McKrell's
Christmas
December 15, 2019
7:00 pm
Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr.
Join us for a Saratoga tradition as Kevin McKrell and his merry musicians return to the Spa Little Theatre! The band blends their trademark Celtic style with our holiday musical favorites. Bring the whole family to laugh and enjoy their stories, and join in on the singing!
The Christmas Carol Experience
December 15, 2019
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Canfield Casino
Visit Charles Dickens' historic Victorian mansion for a merry, family-friendly Christmas experience! The ghost of Christmas past will lead you on an immersive journey into The Christmas Carol. You'll enjoy fine ale, wine, spiced cider, Christmas carols and more.
Voces8 - A Cappella Concert
December 19, 2019
7:00 PM
Bethesda Church, 26 Washington Street
The British ensemble VOCES8 has wowed the world with its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading orchestras. VOCES8 will enchant audiences with a festive program that spans from traditional holiday music to contemporary pieces.
Saratoga Savoy Diamond Dance
December 20, 2019
7:30 - 11:00 pm
National Museum of Dance
Come enjoy hours of live music performed by some of the best local and nationally known musicians, dance demonstrations and lessons, art exhibits, all within the elegance of the National Museum of Dance, and a free beginner dance lesson at 7:30 PM.
The Nutcracker
Ballet
Dec. 21 6:30 PM & Dec. 22 1:00 PM
Trombley Auditorium
Maple Avenue Middle School
Enter the magical world of Clara and her Nutcracker as they journey into a magical land in the holiday classic The Nutcracker. The School of the Arts is delighted to perform our first full-length adaptation of the ballet, featuring 80 talented dancers
First Night Saratoga 2020
December 31, 2019
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Throughout Downtown Saratoga Springs
For the 24th year, Saratoga Springs rings in the new year with Saratoga First Night, a citywide arts and music festival for people of all ages. Thousands will gather downtown where over 60 performers and artists appear in venues throughout the city.
Ballston Spa First Friday
January 3, 2020
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Village of Ballston Spa
Enjoy special happenings in many downtown shops, restaurants and galleries including live music, art displays and demonstrations, refreshments and featured shop promotions. This magical night recurs the first Friday of every month.
Alpin Haus RV Show and Sale
January 3-5, 2020
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saratoga Springs City Center
Thinking about traveling somewhere warm? Or downsizing? Or just seeing the country from the ground level? Don't miss the annual Saratoga City Center RV Show in downtown Saratoga. Check out all of the new 2020s all weekend. FREE admission!
Sean Kelly of The Samples
January 9, 2020
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Caffe Lena
Sean Kelley, beloved front-man for The Samples, brings melodic, intelligent and organic music to Caffe Lena. For 25 years Sean Kelly has delight fans with timeless music that transcends genres and shatters the rules of the established music industry.
Wilton Mall Indoor Boat Show
January 17 - 26, 2020
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wilton Mall
When is the best time to buy a boat? Winter, of course! Come join us for the first boat show of 2020 with incredible savings on new and used boats. Free parking, free admission, and the biggest savings on all models. Browse the show and get ready for summer!
Saratoga Catholic Winter Gala
January 25, 2020
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway
Make a night of it and support Saratoga Catholic High School. You'll enjoy a 4-hour open bar, sit-down dinner, and a live auction. Dance to music provided by Cool Cat Entertainment. Take your chances on our 50-50 raffle where you could go home with $12,000!
Winter Princess
Ball
January 25, 2020
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
VFW Post, 190 Excelsior Ave.
Your little princesses are in for an unforgettable afternoon as they dress up as their favorite princess! Tickets include a DJ and dancing, face painting, princess meet-and-greet, photo booth and more. Please bring an item for veterans in need so you can enter the raffle!
Agatha Christie World Premier Mystery
January 25 - February 3, 2020
Times vary by show day
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway
Get in on the mystery: which Agatha Christie story will this show be adapted from, and who is the murderer? iTheatre proudly presents another chilling Dame Agatha production. Will it be a lesser-known story or a timeless favorite? Stay tuned!
Between the Mountains Art Exhibition
January 25 - April 12, 2020
12:00 - 5:00 PM, closed Mon. and Thu.
The Tang Museum at Skidmore
Between the Mountains brings together contemporary artists who depict Chinese mountain-water landscapes through the medium of ink. The artists explore enduring concerns and urgent contemporary issues such as increased urbanization and climate change.
Capital Region's Premier Wedding Show
January 26
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Hall of Springs / Gideon Putnam
The 20th year of the area's most prestigious wedding show. Attendees will sip champagne and taste hors d’oeuvres and wedding cakes, and speak with over 130 exhibitors representing every service you will need to create the perfect wedding day.
Indoor Farmers Markets
Continues through April
Saturdays 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Wilton Mall
New location! Our winter farmers market is now located inside the Wilton Mall. Saratoga prides itself on locally-grown, fresh products in their stores and on the tables in area restaurants. You'll find high-quality, local food and agricultural products, and organic gifts.
Saratoga
Chowderfest
February 1, 2020
11am - 4pm
Various Saratoga Locations
It's back! Chowderfest features more than 80 restaurants, caterers and other vendors serving delicious bowls of chowder for $1. Pick up a ballot and vote for your favorite in 7 categories. Awards ceremony at 6:30 at the Saratoga visitors center.
Ballston Spa
Chocolate Fest
February 7, 2020
6 - 9 pm
Village of Ballston Spa
Visit the village of Ballston Spa on the First Friday of every month and enjoy live music, art displays, refreshments and featured shop promotions...and on February 1st: the Chocolate Fest! Vote for your favorites or just sample chocolate treats for $1 each.
Fire and Ice Bar
February 7 - 8, 2020
5:00-10:00 pm Friday
2:00-10:00 pm Saturday
The Mill on Round Lake
Join us at The Mill on Round Lake for our 4th annual Fire & Ice Bar! Free admission. The Ice Bar will open at 5 o’clock on Fridays and 2 o’clock on Saturdays! Ice Shuffle board, Ice Corn hole, Fire pits and hot chocolate cocktails to keep you warm! Mark your calendars, you don’t want to miss out!
Saratoga Fat Bike
Rally
February 8, 2020
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saratoga Spa State Park
Join us for the 6th Annual Saratoga Fat Bike Rally. Ride your fat bikes with other enthusiasts, enjoy scheduled activities and vendors. Celebrate the day with a fat bike pub tour. Don't miss one of the best grass-roots fat bike events around! No fee to ride or attend.
Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder
Feb 8, 9, 4, 15, 16, 23
2:00 PM and/or 7:30 PM
Spa Little Theater
Ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice wants to have his wealthy wife, Margot, murdered so he can get his hands on her inheritance. When he discovers her affair with Mark Halliday, he comes up with the perfect plan to kill her. But things don't go as expected!
The Flurry
Festival
February 14 - 16, 2020
Fri 7 PM Sat. 9 AM, Sun 9 AM
Downtown Saratoga Springs
Join the thousands of visitors dancing and singing the weekend away! 3 days and nights of International, American, Hip-Hop dance and more, from over 400 Live music and workshops for all ages. Experience one of the largest folk dance and music festivals.
Clifton Park Winterfest 2020
February 15, 2020
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Clifton Park
Join the Town of Clifton Park for a day of winter fun and excitement for the whole family! Enjoy local competitions, entertainment, and winter activities at locations all over Clifton Park...best soup competition, Idol contest, fun for the whole family!
Harness Racing
Returns
Feb. 16 - Sept. 2, 2020
Check website for schedule
Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Our 79th season of live harness racing is underway! Spectators can view live races outside at the rail, in the lower clubhouse, in the Grandstand or while dining at Fortunes Restaurant or Lucky Joe’s. Or, watch and wager on live racing from tracks around the U.S.
I Love Cars
Exhibition
Through May 31, 2020
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saratoga Automobile Museum
The Automobile Museum celebrates and educates about all things automobile, past, present and future. The focus of this unique auto exhibit is as much about the owner’s love story with their vehicle as it is about the vehicle itself. $8.00 general admission.
Saratoga
Beer Week
February 21-22, 2020
Friday 6-9:00 PM, Saturday 12-8:00 PM
Saratoga Springs City Center
Get ready for Saratoga Beer Week! Head to Downtown Saratoga and enjoy special dinners and tap takeovers leading up to two signature events: Cider Night - hard cider sampling made easy, and the Beer Summit finale - a craft beer lover's dream.
Longfellows Wedding Show
February 23, 2020
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Longfellows, Union Avenue
Brides- and Grooms-to-be can meet with over 40 wedding specialists to plan their most special day down to the last detail. In this beautiful rustic setting, you'll learn about options for venues, attire, food, flowers and photos. Sample hors d’oeuvres; win door prizes.
Superhero
Dance Party
February 29, 2020
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Gurtler Brothers VFW
Boys and girls are in for an unforgettable afternoon as they dress up as their favorite superheroes. Tickets include a DJ and dancing, face painting, superhero meet-and-greet, photo booth and more. Please bring an item for veterans in need and enter the raffle.
Saratoga Home and Lifestyle Show
February 29 - March 1, 2020
Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM Sun. 10 AM -4 PM
Saratoga Springs City Center
Approximately 120 local exhibitors show their products and share their expertise. Check out everything for your home, from garage doors to home furnishings, energy, home entertainment and food. Check out the art show on the second floor! Admission is free.
Movies
and Mimosas
March 7 and 8, 2020
11:00 am
Criterion Bowtie Cinema
Watch your favorite classic films, or experience movies you've never seen, the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. Best of all, bring a refreshing mimosa to your seat! Previous showings include Star Wars, Hitchcock's Rear Window, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.
SPAC Winter Ball: The Future is Now!
March 7, 2020
7:00 - 11:00 PM
Hall of Springs
You don't have to wait any longer because Future is NOW! For SPAC Junior Committee's 10th Annual Winter Ball, we're launching you into new worlds! Get into the spirit with themed 'formal' attire and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Don't wait for the future; Get your tickets now!
Pink Talking Fish Concert
March 14, 2020
9:00 PM Sat. and 2:30 AM Sun.
Putnam Place, 63 Putnam St.
Merge, toss, scramble the iconic music of The Talking Heads, Pink Floyd and Phish, and what do you get? A concert from Pink Talking Fish! These three bands have all made phenomenal music over many decades, and this fusion tribute show will honor the best of each. Mind blown!
Home Made Theater's Spring Benefit
March 14, 2020
7:00 pm
Spa Little Theater
Join us at our annual fundraiser and celebrate 35 years of HMT with our “Pi Day Benefit,” an evening filled with cabaret performances from HMT favorites, and delicious desserts! Tickets are $35 and donations are encouraged. It takes a lot to make the magic of theater happen!
Adirondack Sports Summer Expo
March 21 and 22, 2020
Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM Sun 10 AM - 4 PM
Saratoga City Center
Hang out with 8,000 sports, health, fitness and travel enthusiasts for the 14th annual Summer Expo. This event features 150 exhibitors covering running, hiking, bicycling, paddling, triathlon, health, fitness, green living and travel. Also great sales, clubs, and prizes.
Fine Woodworking Showcase
March 28 - 29, 2020
10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day
Saratoga Springs City Center
Northeastern Woodworkers Association presents a fine woodworking exposition featuring hundreds of pieces of furniture, toys, carvings, turnings, sports equipment, and miniatures by the region's finest woodworkers. Observe these artists in action!
SPAC Summer Events Schedule
Schedule released in March, 2020
Tickets at livenation.com
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
The SPAC Summer of 2020 event lineup promises to please everyone, with rock from the Doobie Brothers, The Jazz Festival, country, classical orchestra and chamber music, ballet and other dancers, opera, festivals, and special events for kids. Check the calendar early!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Check out these ski mountains near Saratoga!
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Where to snowshoe or xc ski near Saratoga.
Ice Skating
We've got skating indoors and out
Get Hooked!Snowmobiling
Here's where to make tracks:
Sledding
Find a good sledding hill