Looking for a place to go for some true winter holiday fun? Then off to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks you should go. Lake Placid is known for its beautiful winter landscapes and offers some pretty exciting winter adventures. And on the holidays, it transforms into the wondrous winter wonderland that your kids dream of. So, if you’re visiting Lake Placid with your kids this December, check out these top things to do in Lake Placid during that time.
Holiday Village Stroll
Where: Various locations
When: December 9-11, 2016
The village of Lake Placid turns up the charm for the holidays with its annual Holiday Village Stroll. The Stroll is a long-standing tradition that sees the village’s business district all glammed up with yuletide lights and décor. Not only that, the Stroll is marked by a series of holiday-themed events, such as arts and crafts for kids, breakfasts with Santa, food tasting and contests, vendor fairs, countless holiday shopping deals, and live music at various locations in the village. The Stroll is a lovely Lake Placid tradition, which is why it’s one of the top things to do in Lake Placid in December.
Adirondack Health Jingle Bell Run
Where: Lake Placid Public Beach
When: December 10, 2016
Held along with the Holiday Village Stroll is the Adirondack Health Jingle Bell Run, a 2.5-mile run around Mirror Lake starting at Lake Placid Public Beach. Although it’s a runners’ event, walkers and strollers are welcome. Participants are encouraged to contribute to the North Elba Christmas Fund by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the fun run. There’s a $20 registration fee for joining the Run, but kids 12 years and below are free to join. A $100 prize awaits the individual and family that shows up for the Run dressed in their most festive holiday gear.
An Adirondack Christmas
Where: Lake Placid Center for the Arts
When: December 10, 2016
For more than ten years, local musical duo Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn have been serenading Lake Placid with their unique original songs and with acoustic jazz classics during the holidays. Their shows have become part of the top things to do in Lake Placid any day of the year. This year, the couple returns to Lake Placid Center for the Arts for the annual An Adirondack Christmas, where they will be joined by other Lake Placid favorite musical acts like Frank Orsini and Roy Hurd. An Adirondack Christmas is another event held together with the Holiday Village Stroll. Advance tickets are pegged at $15 each while tickets sold at the door are $20 apiece.
Santas Ski Free Day
Where: Whiteface Mountain
When: December 11, 2016
Want to ski for free down breathtaking Whiteface Mountain? Then show up in your best Santa or Mrs. Claus suit at the mountain on December 11 for the Santas Ski Free Day. Just join the group photo and ski or ride all you want down Whiteface Mountain all day. If you don’t have a Santa or Mrs. Claus costume, you can bring a gently used winter coat or a new and unwrapped toy worth $10 and up so you can get a 50% discount on your lift ticket that day. The coats and toys collected will be donated to charity. The Santas Ski Free Day is one of the events that form part of the Holiday Village Stroll.
Stars on Ice Special Performance
Where: Olympic Center Lake Placid
When: December 30, 2016
If you’re a fan of Stars on Ice, you need to head to Lake Placid’s Olympic Center this coming December 30 to watch the Stars on Ice Special Performance, headlined by Olympic Ice Dance 2014 Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Joining them for a dramatic encore performance are Ekaterina Gordeeva, a two-time Olympic Pair Gold Medalist, and Olympic Gold Medalist David Pelletier. Though happening for one night only, watching this special ice dance performance is certainly one of the most awaited things to do in Lake Placid for this year.
Skate Into 2017
Where: Olympic Speed Skating Oval
When: December 31, 2016
What’s more enchanting than ushering the New Year while skating under an illuminated sky? In true Lake Placid style, the village’s annual New Year’s Eve party will have you do just that – skating on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval with the sky brightly lit by fireworks. Skate Into 2017 is a delightful way to end the old year and start the new one. Entrance to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval costs $5 per person, and participants are encouraged to donate to Lake Placid Food Pantry.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind family holiday this yuletide season, Lake Placid is where you should go. Don’t miss any of these top things to do in Lake Placid this December 2016 while you’re there.
