Top Family Winter Events in Saranac Lake

 Sparkle Village Craft Fair 

This year, as in winters past, Saranac Lake pulls out all the stops for the events that have made their mark on the winter calendar. 

The fun starts with a shopper's delight, Sparkle Village Craft Fair.  Over the past 26 years Sparkle Village has grown from a small event into one with a very long waiting list of vendors wanting in.  This year, for the first time, vendors will be located in two separate venues - Harrietstown Town Hall and, new this year, the Adirondack Carousel. The carousel will certainly add a great deal of appeal for shoppers to bring the kids along for the ride, literally.  Crafts, food and artisans will showcase their wares over two days at both locations - Friday, Dec. 6th from 4 pm - 8 pm and Saturday, Dec. 7th from 10 am - 4 pm. Don't miss the last craft fair of the season this year. 

Adirondack Carousel

1 of 2

First Night Saranac Lake

First Night Saranac Lake has grown into a destination New Years Eve event in Northern New York. Created by folks who wanted to bring families an alcohol free alternative to the traditional New Year's Eve festivities, this party has grown substantially. The fun buttons created for the celebration are different each year, and make for a cool collectible. Purchase of a button ($12 in advance or $15 the day of the event) grants the wearer admission to all events of the evening. Events take place at 12 different venues. In 2011 Saranac Lake won the award for best First Night button in the United States. Download a pdf of the complete schedule for First Night 2013.

Saranac Lake's award winning 2011 pin

1 of 2

Winter Carnival

By far the designation as the longest running winter carnival in America belongs to Saranac Lake. This year Winter Carnival runs from January 31 - Feb. 9, covering two complete weekends. Saturday, Feb. 8th, features the hugely popular Winter Carnival Parade on Main Street and Broadway.  Crowds pack the sidewalks for an hour+ parade of themed floats, bands and regular participants. This year's theme for the parade is Celtic Carnival, so be ready to be wowed by some fun stuff on parade day!  Events take place nearly every day of the 10-day festival, with fireworks on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7 pm to celebrate the lighting of the world famous Ice Palace. On the final night of the Carnival, Sunday, Feb. 9, a slideshow of Carnival highlights begins at 7:30 at the Ice Palace, followed by the closing fireworks at 8 pm, an event not to miss.

Winter Carnival fireworks over the ice palace - photo by Mark Kurtz

1 of 2

Get your shopping shoes, celebration hats and winter gear out for these top three family winter events this year! Plan your winter holiday around one of the events and make a reservation today.