There are a variety of ways to ring in the holidays with quaint Adirondack charm. It can be as simple as viewing the holiday lights throughout Long Lake or as active as this weekend’s Lake Placid Holiday Stroll and Christmas in Essex. With fresh snow in the mountains and holiday bazaars on every corner, it is beginning to look a lot like an Adirondack Christmas.

Over the past 20 years Christmas in Essex has evolved to include a mixture of traditional activities and new events. The event kicks off with a preview party, tree lighting and holiday concert. Adults can learn how to create a special holiday drink with a free lesson with Mixologist Lori Kudelski at the Essex Inn.

Saturday, December 10, brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to town via the Essex Ferry. It’s a fully packed schedule with cookie decorating, a reindeer run, story time with Steven Kellogg and free Lakeside School puppet shows. Of course, finding that unique gift will be easy with over 30 vendors available at the Lake Champlain Yoga and Wellness building on Main Street as well the other Essex shops.

The children scavenger hunt is once again on this year’s roster. All participating children can pick up a card at any Essex business and either read the clue for themselves or ask for assistance. The clues will lead them to various shops where they will receive a stamp/sticker. Once complete, children can pass the scavenger card onto Santa at the 1:30 pm concert for a gift. Sunday’s activities include the Whallonsburg Grange and a live radio performance of “A Christmas Carol.” The $10 adult donation will go to support local food pantries.

On the other side of the mountain, Lake Placid is hosting its annual Holiday Stroll with a free Friday night, December 9, skating party. If the skating party isn’t to your liking, try a Paint and Taste at Terry Robard’s Wine and Spirit. (Reservations are required. Children may attend, but please call for specifics.)

Saturday brings a plethora of activities to Lake Placid from a Jingle Bell Run to a chili tasting/competition along Main Street. Santa breaks up the day with noon visits at Mid’s Park. Don’t worry if the line is long. The view is gorgeous overlooking Mirror Lake and there is always complimentary hot chocolate. Vendors will be gathered at the Adirondack Community Church while area shops will offer special Holiday Stroll discounts. My family’s favorite tradition is searching for the High Peaks Resort Yule Log.

Santa skis for free on Sunday at Whiteface and anyone else that dresses like him. You can also donate a coat and receive a BOGO free lift ticket for the day. The Lake Placid in-town festivities will continue with Santa breakfasts, candy house building and a free matinee at the Palace Theatre.

Whether it’s free skiing, craft making or carol singing, there is an Adirondack Christmas activity for even the most hardhearted Scrooge to enjoy!

Lake Placid Holiday Stroll photo provided by ROOST.