There are plenty of holiday festivals and opportunities to find the perfect Adirondack gift. One of my family’s favorite places to go is Lake Placid’s Holiday Village Stroll. Yes, there are deals, tastings, and crafts to make. In addition, we have two opportunities to put the Santa suit to good use.

From Friday – Sunday, December 13-15, Lake Placid has a packed schedule of events. Visits from Santa, free ice skating at the 1932 Olympic Arena and even an Ugly Sweater Contest are just a few ways to ease into a weekend full of holiday fun.

Saturday will bring Santa sightings all along Main Street. Join him for breakfast or along the Jingle Bell Run. That’s right. Put on that red suit and run around Mirror Lake to help raise funds for Adirondack Health’s Fit of Life. There is also a $100 cash prize so make sure to dress for success. There will be storytime, cookie decorating, and Santa arriving by firetruck. Children can make themed crafts or Christmas cards as well as local craft beverage samplings and food tastings. A favorite is the traditional Yule Log hunt ending at Mid’s Park.

Keep that Santa suit in the car for Sunday. Whiteface is bringing back the annual Dress Like Santa day for a free ski day pass. Join some other “jolly ol elves” on the slopes or just donate a coat to receive a buy one/get one lift pass. If you’re not on the mountain, take a free sleigh ride around Mirror Lake or keep the magic of Christmas alive at the Palace Theatre’s free showing of The Polar Express.

There are plenty of ways to entertain the whole family without a significant dent in the pocketbook. Most of the scheduled events are free while a few others have a fee. The choices are numerous to be able to spend time with family and walk away with some holiday cheer.

Lake Placid Village Holiday Stroll photo provided.