New Year’s Celebrations in Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, and Ticonderoga

Plattsburgh

1. New Year’s Eve with Ursa and the Major Key at Monopole Enjoy live music and ring in the new year with Plattsburgh’s popular band, Ursa and the Major Key. Dance the night away in the lively atmosphere of Monopole Bar.
   • Where: Monopole Bar, Plattsburgh, NY
   • When: December 31, starting at 10:00 PM
   • Details: Event Information

Saranac Lake

1. First Night Saranac Lake This community-centered celebration offers live performances, art installations, and activities for all ages. A perfect way to enjoy a family-friendly New Year’s Eve.
   • Where: Multiple venues throughout downtown Saranac Lake
   • When: December 31, 6:00 PM – Midnight
   • Details: First Night Saranac Lake

Ticonderoga

1. New Year’s Eve Celebration at Ticonderoga Knights of Columbus Celebrate with music by Lang & I, light refreshments, and a champagne toast to welcome 2024. This event provides a relaxed and festive environment.
   • Where: Ticonderoga Knights of Columbus, 103 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY
   • When: December 31, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
   • Details: Event Information

If the Adirondacks are the backdrop, Clinton and Essex Counties are the stage where holiday magic happens. From lakeside festivities to  family-friendly adventures, this area is the perfect place to embrace the holiday spirit while staying rooted in the beauty of small-town charm.

Sip & Savor the Season

Calling all craft beer and cider lovers! Ausable Brewing Company in Keeseville has just launched their “Snowfall Saison,” a crisp, spiced brew made for sipping by their outdoor fire pits. Visit Ausable Brewing’s website for updates.

Feel-Good Festivities

Here’s something to warm your heart: the Lake Placid Community Holiday Concert is back! Local musicians and choirs will perform classics in the cozy glow of Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Proceeds benefit local shelters and food banks, spreading good vibes across the region. Find concert details here.

Family Movie Nights in the Mountains

In Saranac Lake, The Revival theater is hosting a retro movie series featuring holiday classics like Home Alone and Elf. It’s perfect for a low-key evening with the family. Grab a bag of their locally sourced popcorn (rumor has it, they drizzle it with maple syrup), and settle in for some screen-time nostalgia. See showtimes at The Revival.

Whether you’re stomping through snowy trails or enjoying the glow of community lights, Clinton and Essex Counties know how to keep the Adirondack magic alive. So go ahead—layer up, grab your loved ones, and let the adventure begin.

There’s still time to give an unwrapped gift for this year’s Toys for Kids at UMall

NBC5’s annual Toys for Kids drive went to the University Mall in South Burlington this week to continue collecting new, unwrapped toys for families in northern New York and Vermont.

The Hinesburg Fire Department is helping with this year’s effort by setting out those big red collection barrels you see throughout the region.

SEE THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE

Looking for unique finds for under the tree? Check out this list of the Top 10 Holiday Markets.

SEE THE FULL LIST HERE COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT

This Thanksgiving, share the spirit of gratitude by helping The Seventy-Six Masonic Lodge bring joy to children affected by the hurricane in North Carolina. They’re collecting new toy donations at the locations listed below through the end of November. As we give thanks for what we have, let’s also give back—your gift can help bring a smile to a child’s face when the Masons deliver these toys just in time for the holidays.

FOR A FULL LIST OF DROP-OFF LOCATIONS CLICK HERE:

Get ready, Burlington! The annual Celebration of Trees fundraiser is just around the corner, and ANEW Place is pulling out all the stops to support our unhoused neighbors. This heartwarming event is the perfect blend of holiday vibes and community care. Let’s deck the halls, make a difference, and keep the season’s spirit alive!

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE:

PLATTSBURGH | People can get into the holiday spirit while running for “a good Claus” at the second annual Santa Dash 5K Run/Walk. The event is being held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 am at Valcour Brewing Company in partnership with Adirondack Coast Events.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships supporting nurses at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) who are seeking to further their education and grow professionally. This includes taking additional classes, pursuing certifications, attending conferences and conducting research.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF THE SUN COMMUNITY NEWS HERE

Each November, a breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds at Dead Creek in Addison, Vermont, as thousands of snow geese gather to rest and refuel on their long journey south. This gathering draws birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike, eager to witness one of the region’s most awe-inspiring wildlife events. But snow geese aren’t the only ones making a move. Human “snowbirds” are also preparing to migrate—seeking refuge from Vermont’s icy winters in pursuit of warmer destinations.

The Snow Geese Migration at Dead Creek

Snow geese are an iconic sight in Vermont’s Champlain Valley during late fall. As temperatures drop, thousands of these striking white birds with black wingtips arrive at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, a critical stopover on their southward journey from northern Canada to warmer areas along the Atlantic coast, the southern United States, and even Mexico. Here, they rest and feed in the area’s grasslands and wetlands, building up energy reserves for the rest of their journey.

Can Birdwatchers Still Catch a Glimpse?
For birdwatchers, November is one of the best times to visit Dead Creek to see these snow geese in action. Despite the chill, the snow geese typically linger until late November or early December, depending on the weather. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best viewing times as large flocks take flight, creating stunning visuals against the backdrop of Vermont’s golden-brown fields and frosty November skies.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department welcomes visitors to designated observation areas at Dead Creek, offering opportunities to view these migratory birds without disturbing them. However, the exact timing of the migration is a delicate balance—snow geese respond to weather patterns, moving south when food is scarce or cold temperatures make the area inhospitable.

The Lake Placid Film Festival returns November 7-10, 2024!

The Festival’s screenings will be held at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and the historic Palace Theatre. This year’s lineup features 20 feature films and more than 30 short films, celebrating diverse cinematic talents from around the world and Upstate New York.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE COURTESY OF ADIRONDACK.NET