There are plenty of wonderful Christmas holiday celebrations happening around the Adirondacks, but only one year-round carousel. On December 20 from 2-4 pm, Saranac Lake’s  Adirondack Carousel is celebrating its third Christmas party for children and adults alike. Admission for the Adirondack Carousel Christmas Party is $5 per children or $20 for a family.

“The admission caps off at $20 no matter how many members in the family,” says Executive Director Jennifer Hunt. “We are having the same structure as we’ve had in the past. Each participant will receive a token for a carousel ride, make a candy house and visit with Santa.”

According to Hunt, Santa will be at the carousel and a photographer will be on site documenting the event. Parents will be given a passcode and can go online to share or print the commemorative photo with Santa. Additional tokens can be purchased for anyone wishing to take more than the one included ride. There are also toys and dress-up clothes for children to entertain themselves with.

The Adirondack Carousel is a one-of-a-kind work of art that allows people to connect to nature and the Adirondack environment through hands-on learning. With 24 hand-carved indigenous Adirondack animals (18 on display as part of the carousel and six in reserve) and a handicap chariot in the shape of a mahogany Spencer, the Adirondack Carousel is a unique place to visit.

“This is also the first time that we will be part of Saranac Lake First Night,” says Hunt. “From 4-5:30 pm the public is welcome to come and make a free carousel craft to take home. Later in the evening, 7-9 pm, Kay Olan, a Mohawk Storyteller will share Haudenosaunee stories that are a timeless and thought provoking part of the First Peoples of the Northeast tradition. Carousel rides will be $1 that evening.”

In addition to special events, the Adirondack Carousel’s winter hours are are Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm. Tickets are $2.50 per ride, $5 for three rides and $10 for seven rides. Enjoy!

Photo provided.

Diane Chase

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time. She writes about ways to foster imaginative play through fun-filled events and activities in the Adirondack region.

From her home in Saranac Lake, Diane also writes a weekly family-oriented newspaper column for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and keeps her own blog Adirondack Family Time. Her writing and photography has appeared in numerous newspapers, magazines, marketing companies and advertising agencies.

She even finds time to assist her husband with Adirondack Expeditions guiding families and young adults in the High Peaks.

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