Skip the crowds and the Black Friday madness and enjoy Christmas throughout the Central Adirondacks. Santa and Mrs. Claus are making the rounds to see who is going to make the nice list. Local food, fun runs, and crafts are just a few reasons to make Speculator, Indian Lake, Inlet, and Old Forge a holiday stop.

These events have so many activities to choose from. You get to decide if you want to keep it on the more intimate side or festive enough to ring in the Christmas spirit.

Speculator is keeping the shopping local with its annual Adirondack Holiday Stroll on November 29. There will be plenty of discounts and raffles available throughout the local shops. The evening will end with Victorian carolers and the tree lighting to put everyone in the holiday mood. The 22nd Indian Lake Country Christmas tour provides an opportunity for artisans, crafters, and vendors throughout Indian Lake to showcase their goods. The two-day event runs Friday, November 29th through Saturday, November 30th. There are also children’s workshops, winter gear exchange, candy cane hunt, story time, and a free movie at the Indian Lake theatre. A complete map of the two-day event will be located at the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce as well as area businesses.

It’s an Adirondack Christmas on Main Street weekend in Inlet and Old Forge, November 29th-December 1st. This two town combined celebration has their main streets decorated for the holiday season. Look for locally-made merchandise that can’t be found in a big box store. The area businesses support local artisans and make gift giving special and easy.

All Inlet stores will be open all weekend. There will be plenty of free activities including the annual candy cane hunt in Arrowhead Park. There is also ugly sweater contest, Grinch sightings, tree lighting, and caroling around the Town Hall tree. Don’t forget your letter to Santa. The Santa Drop Box is available all weekend at the Inlet Town Hall from 9 am to 6 pm each day. Don’t forget to include a return address. It’s the only way that Santa can write back.

Catch the Adirondack Christmas train from Utica to Old Forge. Once in Old Forge there are horse drawn wagon rides, a Christmas puppet show, and special Utica Zoo Mobile animal encounters. Children can have their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus or meet Siberian Huskies ADK at the Old Forge Hardware Store.  Throughout the weekend shops are open, offering all sorts of Adirondack made items that will fit nicely under your Christmas tree. I hope you are able to find the perfect gift or at the very least enjoy a fun-filled Adirondack weekend.

Photo of Christmas on Main Street provided.