Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
      • See all
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
      • Accessibility
      • Arts
      • Attractions
      • Downtown
      • Health & Wellness
      • History
      • Live Music
      • Parks
      • Shopping
      • Stories
      • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Hiking
        • See all
        • Nature Walks
      • ADK Guides & Tours
      • Birding
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Cycling
      • Downhill Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golfing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Mountain Biking
      • Paddling
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • First Night Saranac Lake
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Accessibility
      • Downtown
      • Getting Here
      • Greater Region
      • Stories
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
  • Local
    • Local title-header
      • Live Here
        • See all
        • Meet the Locals
        • Real Estate
        • Town of Harrietstown
        • Town of North Elba
        • Town of St. Armand
        • Village of Saranac Lake
      • Do Business Here
        • See all
        • Chamber Job Board
        • Essex County IDA
        • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
        • Professional Services
        • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Community Initiatives
        • See all
        • Arts & Culture Master Plan
        • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
        • Saranac Lake Brand
        • Village Community Development Department
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
        3. Accessibility
        4. Arts
        5. Attractions
        6. Downtown
        7. Health & Wellness
        8. History
        9. Live Music
        10. Parks
        11. Shopping
        12. Stories
        13. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Hiking
          • See all
          • Nature Walks
        3. ADK Guides & Tours
        4. Birding
        5. Boating
        6. Camping
        7. Cross-Country Skiing
        8. Cycling
        9. Downhill Skiing
        10. Fishing
        11. Golfing
        12. Ice Fishing
        13. Mountain Biking
        14. Paddling
        15. Snowmobiling
        16. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
      4. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      5. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      6. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      7. First Night Saranac Lake
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      7. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Accessibility
        3. Downtown
        4. Getting Here
        5. Greater Region
        6. Stories
        7. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
        1. Live Here
          • See all
          • Meet the Locals
          • Real Estate
          • Town of Harrietstown
          • Town of North Elba
          • Town of St. Armand
          • Village of Saranac Lake
        2. Do Business Here
          • See all
          • Chamber Job Board
          • Essex County IDA
          • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
          • Professional Services
          • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
        3. Community Initiatives
          • See all
          • Arts & Culture Master Plan
          • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
          • Saranac Lake Brand
          • Village Community Development Department

First thing's first: An insider's guide to First Night Saranac Lake

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
ADK Blogger
December 22, 2015

There's never a dull moment in Saranac Lake

The hardest thing about attending First Night Saranac Lake is knowing where to start. At its core, the event is more than a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration. It's more like a smorgasbord of all things Saranac Lake. That means there's so much art, music, dancing and revelry crammed into the little mountain village it's impossible to see it all. For a New Year's Eve fanatic like myself, that's a good thing, but it can seem daunting to the uninitiated traveler. I can relate, and I'm here to help.

In past years I've been another face in the crowd, clutching my First Night performance schedule while frantically charging between venues to catch the next big act. My New Year's experience this year is bound to be different, though, because I'm performing with my band, Crowfeather, from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Methodist Church. Instead of trying to see it all, I'll be staying put. Instead of trying to coordinate with an ever-expanding group of party-goers, they'll come to me. My night will be hectic in a completely different way, but I haven't forgotten what it's like to be in the audience. With that in mind, here's some advice from someone who's been there before.

Revelry and music are one during First Night Saranac Lake
Revelry and music are one during First Night Saranac Lake

Planning the New Year

First thing's first: If you haven't picked up your First Night button yet, do it right away. It gets you into all of the venues, and with a dozen bands and multiple other entertainers on hand, you'll want as much extra time as possible the evening of the festivities. Plus, you'll save $3 on each button you purchase early, which adds up if you have a big family. The buttons are available in a bunch of locations around Saranac Lake. Or, you can purchase them here.

Get there early: If you have kids, this is a no-brainer as there are children's craft activities at the Adirondack Carousel from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The rest of the entertainment doesn't start until 6 p.m., but that doesn't mean people without kids should wait until 5:45 to head out. I suggest making a night of it. Get downtown by 4, have a leisurely dinner at one of Saranac Lake's many restaurants, visit the nearby shops and art galleries, and bask in the pre-midnight energy. It's fun to pop into town when things are in full swing, but it's more fun to feel the excitement build to a glorious climax.

Bring a pencil: My favorite activity before First Night officially begins is enjoying dinner with some friends while perusing the performance schedule. I've been accused of being a planner before, and there's a reason for that — I like to plan things out. Take a look at any of my past First Night schedules and you'll see what I mean. They're ragged, creased and heavily marked. There's a method to my madness, though. By deciding what's important to see before hitting the town, I can head from destination to destination with purpose and conviction. How else do you juggle bands, puppet shows, Mohawk storytelling, and comedy routines?

Entertainment abounds at First Night Saranac Lake
Entertainment abounds at First Night Saranac Lake

Be flexible: No amount of planning can prepare you for the devastating blow maximum capacity regulations can impose on an otherwise carefree night. It's happened to all of us, but don't fret if you're turned away at the door. Simply consult the schedule and move on, and make sure you're first in line the next time that performance happens.

Dress warm: Being first in line means standing in line, so dress for the occasion. While it's fun to get dressed up, remember that this is New Year's Eve in the mountains, so it'll likely be cold. Wear layers and don't forget a hat, mittens and scarf. Don't worry, you won't be the only one wearing pac boots and thermal underwear under your evening gown.

Support the musicians: As the drummer for a particularly energetic band that melds funk, rock, jazz, blues, and a bunch of other genres into a strangely cohesive unit, I speak from experience when I say musicians love it when people get excited about their music. If you like what you hear, let out a hoot. If you really like what you hear, dance! It's New Year's Eve, so cut loose, clap, cheer, and laugh your way into 2016. Trust me, you won't be shushed by the people onstage, and others might even feel inclined to join you!

Ball drop and fireworks: Need I say more? The ball drop and fireworks in Riverside Park are a spectacle that's not to be missed. They're a percussive goodbye to 2015 and a joyous welcome to 2016 — what could be better? If your answer to that question is “more celebrating,” check out this blog for some great post-fireworks ideas. Happy New Year!


This week in related ADK traditions:

Village of Lights aka Santa’s domain.

Make this triad your newest tradition.

7 favorite local traditions.

Heartwarming holiday happenings.

Plunge into the New Year.

Meat pie: dinner or dessert? 

Ornaments & recipes: Handing down tradition.

Revelry and music are one during First Night Saranac Lake
Revelry and music are one during First Night Saranac Lake
Entertainment abounds at First Night Saranac Lake
Entertainment abounds at First Night Saranac Lake

Related Stories

Decidedly Different Entertainment
Ampersand in Winter
A Winter Hike Up Haystack
From the Adirondacks to the Olympics and Back
Ice Fishing in Saranac Lake
Dip into Winter on the Jackrabbit
Getting Back to Nature
Sweet Indulgences - Saranac Lake's Coffee Hotspots
'Tis the Season
Five Ideas for Winter Family Fun
Saranac Lake Adventure Travel
Fall Events
Decidedly Different Saranac Lake
Hot Town, Summer in the Village
Finding Fun and Snowfleas at the VIC
Walking the Walk: ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
A Day of Winter Indulgence
An Artist's Haven
Hardwater fishing, decidedly different!
Lodging to Fit Your Winter Travel Style
Cross-Country Ski The Jackrabbit Trail
Finding Winter Finches — and other Cold-Weather Species
Skiing from Placid to Saranac Lake
6 Must See Winter Carnival Events
Mt Pisgah: Local and Loved Ski Hill
First Day on the Bog
Saranac Lake's Snowshoe Centers
Snowshoeing at the VIC
A Quintessential Holiday Experience
Saranac Lake Winter Fashion
A century of playing in the snow
5 Paths to Winter Adventure in Saranac Lake
Walking the Walk: 20 years of ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration!
'Round the Mountain Canoe Race - An Event For All Paddlers
The Excitement of Early Spring Birding!
WINTER IS COOL
So Much Snow! And Some Great March Skiing!
Let's Glide - Enjoy Fish Creek Park!
A Beautiful Ski on the Jackrabbit Trail
Top 5 tips for fishing on Lake Colby
Family Ski at Dewey
Canoodlers and Lawn Chair Ladies
Top Reasons to Visit Saranac Lake This February
Woods and Waters Trail, a great ski!
A Holiday Ski!
First Skis of the Season!
Downtown Holiday Shopping Guide
Getting First Night Ready
Be there at the finish!
Rugby — A Gentleman’s Sport
Sprung!
Vroom! Daffest Derby creator shares memories
Skiing and Exploring the Jackrabbit Trail
Maple, sweetener of the future!
Big Snow!!!!!
The coolest St. Paddy's Day
A Great Ski on the Jackrabbit Trail!
Dewey Mountain - Just Wild Enough
Treat Your Valentine With An Unforgettable Experience
Get out and snowshoe!
Ice Fishing First-Timer
Winter Carnival Invention: Arctic Golf
Counting Birds in the Olympic Region
Finding Birds on the Saranac Lake Christmas Bird Count
2016 Most Popular Blogs
We can dash through the snow
If self-care is naughty, I don't want to be nice
Get it together — First Night Saranac Lake
Make Holiday Memories at Moody Farm
Cross Country Skiing in Lake Clear
Early-Winter Skiing!
Enjoying Late Fall Cold Fronts And Their Migrants
A tree for the whole family
Great Fall Birding!
The thrill of snowmobiling
Fall Events: a blaze of glory!
A Rainy Day Birding Trip in Madawaska
Planting seeds
Don't miss the summer's coolest events
An "event-full" spring
Wonderful Weddings in Cool Places
All things maple, in one weekend!
Springing!
Our Winter Waxwing
Cross-Country Skiing on the Bloomingdale Bog Trail
Yeah, we're cool - no matter what we're wearing!
Jones Hill and Blue Hill, a mighty duo
Gray Jays!
Snowshoeing: day to learn, lifetime of fun!
Fun with Ice: Saranac Lake Creativity
2015 Most Popular Blogs
First thing's first: An insider's guide to First Night Saranac Lake
Dewey Mountain Recreation Area: A Great Place to Enjoy Winter!
Winter Events You Won't Want To Miss
Trotting for Turkeys
Select seven: Family hikes under four hours
Shopping without the stress
Dewey Mountain - satisfy that snow craving
Tubing: the sport to please the masses
Timeless Tubing at Mount Pisgah
Brighton: Dusk 'til Dawn
Unleash Your Inner Picasso
Upcoming Fall Events
How to have fun at the Art Opening
A Wonderful Wellness Weekend
July is when things heat up!
Coming Home to Saranac Lake
Cycle Adirondacks: Pedal On Over
Learning to Love Every Season
In Defense of Mud Season
Skiing in April and on Easter - No Foolin'!
Boreal Birding In and Around Town
The Joy of Spring Skiing
Winter Birding with Signs of Spring
Adirondack Cure for Cabin Fever
Jackrabbit Trail: Lake Placid to Keene
Jackrabbit Trail - Day 2: McKenzie Pond to Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
Winter Birding: Saranac Lake and Paul Smiths
An evening snowboard session at Mt. Pisgah
Jackrabbit Trail: Paul Smiths to McKenzie Pond Road
Newbie Skier Tackles Titus
Memorable Firsts: Carnival & Cross-Country Skis
Friendly Snowshoe Up Baldface Mountain
Skiing the Fish Pond Trail
February Fun and Games in Saranac Lake
Wedding planning with the pros
Two sides of the Trifecta
Get ready to jam at Winter Carnival
Enjoying Winter Birding
A Winter Hike into the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area
Nordic Skiing - Five Great Places
A Century of Ice Palaces
Adirondack Traditions, then and now
Enjoying White Snow to Take Away the Winter Blues
Wellness Resolutions: Easy does it!
An Evening Sleigh Ride in the Adirondacks
An Adirondack You for 2015
Race, jam, dance and more in January
A Winter's Hike up Baker Mountain
Four Seasons of High Points
Hiking & Tracking Wildlife on Scarface Mountain
Extreme Ice Fishing
Skiing - and Falling - in a Winter Wonderland
Early Season Cross-Country Ski Destinations
Fly our Adirondack skies
Searching for Boreal Birds
A night on the town in Saranac Lake
St. Regis Canoe Area - An Interesting Ski Tour
Where to find hot beverages
The First Ski of the Season!
A picture's worth a thousand words - epic winter events
A Guide to the Great Indoors
New fun at Titus Mountain Ski Area
The Blind Owl Band: A true Adirondack band
Norman Bethune, the hero, the artist
The biggest Cure Tour of them all
History Comes Alive in Saranac Lake
The Horse Knows The Way
Mount Pisgah getting ready for winter ski season
Forks, Fests, and Flatwater: 3 Featured Fall events
See artists at work in the mountains
A cure cottage tour, a step back in time
The Art Walk is a path to art, music, and fun!
Mid-summer events in Saranac Lake
Frankenstein Lives! In the old laboratory in the village
Events roundup for Saranac Lake
Art Event or Fun Party? BluSeed blurs the line
Daffest is just around the corner
VIC music sweetens a ski Sunday
Waterhole Wednesdays Feature Free Music
Skiing Upper Saranac Lake Loops
BluSeed Studios planning for busy spring
Winter Foodie Scene
Spoken Word: Poetry on Stage
Thursday Night Music Jam
Paul Smith Visitors Interpretive Center
Night Skiing at Mt. Pisgah
Mid-Winter Events 2014
Winter Carnival means live music
Top Five Winter Break Activities
Best Ice Fishing Holes
Building the Ice Palace
Tubing Adventures at Mt. Pisgah
Skiing Before the Melt
Basics for Ice Fishing Gear
First Time Ice Fishing
Slip Sliding Away Winter Hiking
Silent Night
Snowshoe Shopping
Lost and Found
New Years Eve Saranac Lake NY
Short & scenic hikes
Winter Family Events
Mount Arab
First Ski of the Season!
Less than two weeks to Sparkle Village Craft Fair!
Debar Mountain and Black Peak
Saranac Lake Art Attraction Nov 22 - Dec 28, 2013
Ducks and Otters at Lake Colby
Muskrats!
Goodman Mountain
Ducks on the Pond
Painted Landscapes, Clay Demonstrations, and Chickens...all a part of the Artist at Work Studio Tour
Artist at Work Studio Tour this week
Fun family events for fall foliage season
Fifth Annual Hobofest: Music, Food and Fun on the Tracks
Hobofest tops the calendar this weekend
FlavorFest at The Wild Center
Farm 2 Fork: Slow Food, Long Life
Hobofest Returns to Saranac Lake
Pianist Eugene Sirotkine performs August 6th concert to benefit Bartok Cabin
Entertaining events will keep you hopping this weekend
Top 5 Family Friendly Activities in the Saranac Lake Area
Paper Making with a Purpose at BluSeed Studios
From carousels to magic lamps - events to tickle your Spring fancy
A Taste of Provence at Saranac Lake's Left Bank Cafe
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•DEI•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES