Saratoga County is lively all year round, and the holidays only add to the shine. Storefront windows light up in mid-October, downtown fills with the smell of cocoa and cider by Thanksgiving, and by December every corner of the county is dressed for the season. It's the kind of place that's perfectly made for a holiday getaway.
From festive shopping and handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts to seasonal flavors and menus to holiday attractions, here's how to spend a few nights in Saratoga County any time between mid-October and the Christmas season.
Shop Downtown & Support Local
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Black Friday (November 27) & Small Business Saturday (November 28): Kick off the season downtown Saratoga Springs, where local boutiques and specialty shops roll out holiday hours and in-store specials.
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51st Annual Holiday Craft Marketplace (Saturday, November 28, Saratoga Springs City Center): More than 140 crafters and artisans fill the City Center with handmade jewelry, specialty foods, and gifts, with a visit from Santa for the kids. Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family.
Seasonal Dining
Downtown restaurants lean into the season with holiday menus and cozy, cold-weather specials countywide. Kick things off with Saratoga Restaurant Week (November 2–8, 2026), now in its 21st year, with three-course dinners for $25, $35, or $45 and breakfast and lunch specials for $15 at participating restaurants. See our full Eat & Drink guide for more on where to warm up with a holiday meal.
Festive Lights & Holiday Attractions
Saratoga County sparkles throughout the holiday season with one-of-a-kind special events for the entire family.
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Victorian Streetwalk (Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6–9pm, Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs): Now into its 41st year, this is a joyous step back in time to kick off the holiday season with tree lighting, carolers, a Santa parade, live music up and down Broadway, and decorated shops open late.
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City Center Festival of Trees (Wednesday, December 2 – Sunday, December 6, Saratoga Springs City Center): The 30th annual fundraiser, with more than 250 decorated trees and wreaths on display. Presented by Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.
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The Trail of Lights at Artisanal Brew Works (late November through end of December): A free, family-friendly walk through 50 illuminated holiday trees in Artisanal’s forested backyard, each sponsored by a local business or family and paired with a charity. Dates will be announced soon.
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Candy Cane Express on the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway (select dates from November 27 to December 20): A 60-minute holiday train ride through the Southern Adirondacks with cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
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Santa's Cottage (Broadway, in front of Putnam Market, across from Caroline Street): Stop by for a visit and a picture with Santa in the heart of downtown.
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Independent Helicopters Christmas Light Tour, based at the Saratoga County Airport in Ballston Spa: See the county's holiday lights from above on this majestic seasonal aerial tour. Holiday tours will be announced soon.
Merry & Bright Nightlife
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Saratoga SantaCon (typically mid-December, downtown Saratoga Springs): The Capital Region's largest holiday pub crawl, with drink specials, live DJs, and costume contests for a 21+ crowd. A festive night out for a friend-group getaway. Stay tuned for registration details.
Make it a Magical Weekend
Between the shopping, the lights, and the holiday festivities, one day won't cover it. Make it an overnight trip with a stay at one of Saratoga County's downtown hotels.
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The Adelphi Hotel: Victorian elegance on Broadway, right in the heart of downtown's shopping and dining. Boutique luxury within walking distance of everything on your Saratoga Springs holiday list.
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AC Hotel Saratoga Springs: A modern, design-forward stay a short walk from downtown, with European-inspired breakfast and a lounge for cocktails after a day of shopping and exploring.
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Saratoga Casino Hotel: A Four Diamond hotel with an indoor pool, Morton's The Steakhouse, and on-site entertainment, this is an easy choice for groups taking in all of Saratoga County’s holiday magic.
From shopping for Black Friday deals to savoring Christmas cheer, Saratoga County's holiday season is built for a weekend away. Book your holiday getaway to Saratoga County today!
