On Deck: The Two Weeks of Christmas
In honor of Monday's holiday, we're doubling down to bring you what's happening during the next two weeks in Saratoga, from vacation week kids' activities to the city's hottest NYE parties.
Wednesday, December 20
Sitting on Santa’s lap isn’t just for kids anymore. Tomorrow evening from 6-8pm, Mr. Claus will make a stop at Whitman Brewing, where he’ll be taking complimentary photos with you and your crew. Bonus: Get your picture taken with the big man and receive 25 percent off packaged beer, which will make the perfect last-minute gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list!
Not excited about cooking seven fish dishes to celebrate the Festa dei Sette Pesci (The Feast of the Seven Fishes) this year? Let Beekman Street’s Taverna Novo handle the Italian tradition for you! Taverna Novo’s Festa dei Setta Pesci menu is available this Wednesday through New Year’s Eve. Reservations recommended!
This Wednesday also kicks off four consecutive nights (five shows!) of The McKrells at Parting Glass. The beloved local band’s Christmas show is a can’t miss, featuring all your holiday favorites, plus a rousing reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Get your tickets for one of this week’s shows on The McKrells’ website.
Thursday, December 21
There are still a few spots left in Darling Doughnuts’ kids’ holiday doughnut decorating class going on this Thursday at 5:30pm! Your little ones can get their hands dirty decorating festive doughnuts they’ll then get to take home. The class is $42 and you can sign up on the Darling Doughnuts’ website.
Friday, December 22
Greg Zelezny, formerly of Moby Rick’s Seafood, is now at Franklin Square Market and this Friday will share his knowledge of seafood preparation with the public. Join Zelezny for a festive evening complete with four oyster-wine pairings, shucking demonstrations, and take-home recipes for a variety of sauces. Tickets are $65.
If you wait until Friday to do your Christmas shopping, luckily, there’s still hope for you. From 4-8pm, the Spa City Farmers’ Market will host a special holiday faire in the Lincoln Baths building complete with gifts, handcrafted goods and, of course, delicious food.
Wednesday, December 27
The second installment in musician Erin Harkes’ monthly Lena Go Round songwriter showcase is coming to Caffè Lena the Wednesday after Christmas. Join Harkes’ with other up-and-coming Capital Region stars—Arielle O’Keefe (aka Girl Blue), Josh Morris and John Glenn—for an evening of music sprinkled with some story-telling. Tickets are available here.
Thursday, December 28
By next Thursday, after a week off from school, your kids will surely be bouncing off the walls…So let them! Take your little ones to the Chase Sports Complex in South Glens Falls on Thursday the 18th or Friday the 19th for the first-ever Bounce-A-Palooza featuring dozens of inflatable bounce houses, a DJ and local vendors—face painting or balloon animals, anyone? Admission wristbands are $25 per day for kids and $10 a day for adults who want in on the fun.
Friday, December 29
But wait, there’s more fun for kids on break: The Saratoga Springs Public Library will host puppeteer Robert Rogers and his troupe, who have performed all over the world, for a holly, jolly, 40-minute puppet show about a winter wonderland. Meet a dancing snowman, a marching troop of penguins, acrobatic elves and the Snow Queen herself, and then get up close and personal with the puppets after the show. No registration is required. The show begins at 11am.
Saturday, December 30
Kick off the New Year’s Eve celebrations a day early at Putnam Place, which will host fan favorite Dogs in a Pile on Saturday at 9pm. The eclectic quintet has become known for its ability to merge funk, jazz and rock and roll with psychedelia into a one-of-a-kind show that’s not to be missed. Tickets are $25.
Sunday, December 31
And there’s more live music where that came from. This New Year’s Eve marks the return of New Year’s Fest, a full weekend of nonstop entertainment headlined by Joan Osborne and Robert Randolph, going on throughout the city. Check out a full list of performers and venues here.
Elsewhere in town, Saratoga will be ringing in the new year in style. To make the most of the last night of 2023, check out NYE parties hosted by 550 Waterfront by Druthers, The Coat Room and Harvey’s.
Monday, January 1
Kick off 2024 on the right leg…or maybe the left! Saratoga First Day 5K returns to downtown, following a route similar to that of the Firecracker4, at 11am sharp. Register for the race here.