Kenzie Marine

Join us in Saranac Lake as we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024! With activities planned all over town, there is sure to be something for everyone!

How to spend the last day of 2023

From yoga to spas, or outdoor events, where will you spend your last day of 2023? With plenty of daytime options, you don’t have to worry about planning. Try one of these activities!

Children cross-country ski on a snowy, sunny wooded trail

Hiking at the Paul Smith's College VIC is a great way to bring your year to an end, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Adirondacks. With more than 40K of hiking trails for you to wind your way through the woods, past ponds and over mountains, plus an indoor space to get you geared up for your winter adventure, it is the perfect place to hit the trails!

Maybe you’re looking to relax, in which case Hotel Saranac’s Ampersand Spa offers a wide variety of spa treatments, including their luxury couples massage, that can be enjoyed with a loved one or dear friend. It includes a side-by-side massage and your choice of a glass of wine or local craft beer after the treatment. Holidays are a time to connect with those around you, so what better treatment to share your time together?

A woman receiving a hot stone massage.

North Country New Year

One of Saranac Lake's favorite events is back! Formerly known as First Night, North Country New Year offers an evening full of family-friendly entertainment and live music. From fire dancers and contortionists to epic bubble wizards and stand-up comedy to dance-friendly folk, jazz, and Latin rock, North Country New Year offers a delightful array of entertainment for all ages.

Celebratory dining experiences

There is no shortage of dining in Saranac Lake, with everything from casual cafes to upscale experiences. New Year's Eve will be no exception for good eating!

A man and woman sit at a restaurant table.

Saranac Waterfront Lodge is offering a New Year's Eve Dinner at the Boathouse with a decadently prepared, four course prix fixe menu, and extended hours at the bar. Dinner reservations are requested, so book ahead to reserve your table.

Hotel Saranac has curated three courses to enjoy, along with petit amuse bouches and mignardises, while the bar team has complimented it with a wine pairing add-on. Reservations are highly recommended for this evening, and spots are going fast. Please book today by visiting Campfire Bar & Grill on OpenTable. Campfire will also be open for breakfast hours the next morning for all your mimosa and pancake needs! Open from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., New Year's brunch is always a good plan!

Blue Moon Cafe will be closed during Christmas, but will be open throughout the New Year's Eve weekend for breakfast and lunch; this is an ideal stop for your January 1 breakfast!

A local favorite, Red Fox's classic menu makes for a great sit-down dinner on New Year's Eve, with an expansive menu of steak, seafood, and Italian dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended!

Many other dining options are available, but be sure to check their holiday hours before you make your plans!

Live Music

If you're looking to move your feet and swing to the beat, check out Saranac Lake's music scene!

People dance in front of a band in a colorfully lit nightclub.

The Waterhole is Saranac Lake’s premier music venue and a great place to get your body moving to the music this New Year's! Celebrate at their New Year's Eve Bash featuring The Mallett Brothers Band (a crowd favorite) on the 3rd floor music stage and bar, or enjoy drinks downstairs at the main bar and outside patio.

Get in the spirit early with Hotel Saranac's Friday Night Music Series. This December 29, enjoy The Duo, a jazz and blues pairing. If Appalachian- and Adirondack-inspired country is more your thing, pair live music with great scenery and atmosphere at the VIC's Music over the Marsh event on Saturday, December 30. From 2 - 4pm, High on the Hog will enliven the VIC Great Room with this free event!

Hotel Saranac will be celebrating New Year's with live music in the Great Hall Bar for continued festivities. Enjoy live "cosmic country" music from The Midnight Staragazers from 10pm-12am! The Great Hall Bar is the perfect spot for a celebration, with a menu of unique cocktails, spirits, craft beer, and wine.

A couple toasts drinks at a lively, elegant bar.

Party Places

In addition to the live music and festivities, there will be celebrations all across town at bars and restaurants. Find your favorite, and join in on the fun!

A group of people, including two women, toast glasses over a restaurant table.

Grizle T’s is a great place to celebrate with friends in a laid-back atmosphere, without all the bells and whistles. When you have seriously delicious eats and a curated craft beers selection, you know you'll have a good time (on NYE or any night of the week)!

Bitters & Bones is another great place to grab a bite, then keep the celebration going with a lively bar and no shortage of fun! They are working on plans for a more formal late night event (think bow-ties and little black dresses) and a pre fixe (did someone say sushi) menu. Plans were not finalized as this story was arranged, so stay tuned for more details, and as always, more events and updates are available on the Saranac Lake Events Calendar as they are made available.

Wherever you end up this New Year's Eve, be sure to stay safe, and drive responsibly.

Want to know what else is going on this holiday season? Visit SaranacLake.com for a full list of holiday events!