Invent your perfect holiday week
Winter in Lake Placid is magical, especially around the holidays. Town twinkles with sparkling lights and distant snow-capped mountains spark dreams of a winter wonderland no matter the current weather. We earn our place on the nice list by making vacation dreams come true year-round, and the holiday season is no different. Whether you're looking for nostalgic family fun or a luxurious, romantic weekend with your sweetheart, Lake Placid has activities for all ages and interests; all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!
Holiday shopping
There's something special about shopping in this snowy mountain town. Whether you're stopping into the Lake Placid Christmas Company for your tree ornaments and home holiday decor, snagging gifts to put under the tree, or gearing up to skate, ski, or snowboard, Lake Placid offers a magical Main Street shopping experience.
Skate into the new year
What's more picturesque than ice skating surrounded by Christmas lights? Lace up a pair of skates to glide your way around the Olympic Oval. Day or night, the skating is wonderful, with festive lights, mountain views, and outdoor fun all wrapped up in one pretty package. Best of all, the Oval is within walking distance of downtown's hotels, restaurants, and shops. Surrounded by holiday decor, and with the errant snowflake floating by you, you'll feel like you're living — or at least vacationing — in a Christmas carol.
Indulge in a holiday feast
We're foodies year-round in Lake Placid, but there's something about the holidays that makes our chefs and bartenders throw a festive twist on their menus. After a day on the slopes or exploring Main Street, settle in for a cozy meal at a warm, cheerful restaurant, where candles mingle with jaunty boughs of evergreen and trees decorated with ornaments. Sip hot cider or a curated cocktail, and dig in to our farm-to-table offerings inspired by the season, whether it's roast beast or a peppermint-swirled dessert.
A golden holiday at Olympic sites
Host of two winter Olympics, the spirit of the Games is alive and well at Lake Placid Legacy Sites. Visit the Olympic Museum, tour the 1980 Miracle on Ice rink, and lace up skates for your own time on the ice at the Olympic Center. Ride the gondola or take the elevator to the top of the towering ski jumps at the Jumping Complex. Check out the track and even try bobsled for yourself at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Sliding Complex. Last but not least, Whiteface Mountain is a short drive away with groomed trails for you to ski and board and lodges where you can cozy up between runs with a hot beverage or a refreshing beer.
Destination: December 25
Here on Christmas Day and looking for some extra fun and adventure? Lake Placid is ready. While most of our shops are closed, some of our restaurants offer decadent holiday meals — with great views, too! — and the outdoors is always open!
Memorable activities in town
Relaxing over the holidays doesn't mean doing nothing! There are so many ways to get out and enjoy the town while you're here. Make the most of your holiday vacation in Lake Placid with these great activities:
- Stop by Campfire & Cocoa in Mid's Park, December 26-31 from 4-5:30 p.m.
- Skate at the Olympic Oval
- Get a Legacy Site Passport and visit the Olympic Venues
- See a movie at the historic Palace Theatre
- Take a walk around Mirror Lake (2.7 miles)
- Tour John Brown Farm State Historic Site
- Browse an art gallery
- Make a candle at Pure Placid
- String your own jewelry at Just Bead It
- Enjoy a spa visit
- Go shopping on and off of Main Street
- Enjoy a local restaurant for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks
- Relax in a local coffee shop
- Go bowling at Big Z’s
- Try craft brews at 5 local breweries & tasting rooms
- Get your game on at the arcades
- Join in a restorative yoga class
- Visit nearby Keene & Keene Valley
Don't forget your neighbors!
Journey beyond Lake Placid and find even more holiday cheer in neighboring communities! The quaint mountain towns hold something for everyone, but these are a few of our favorite holiday things.
Saranac Lake
- Celebrate with North Country New Year
- Take a ride on the Adirondack Carousel
- Skate at the Saranac Lake Civic Center
- Take a lantern-lit sleigh ride at Lake Clear Lodge
- Visit the Historic Saranac Lake Museum
- Stop by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation
- Walk the trails at Paul Smith’s College VIC
- Ski and tube at Mount Pisgah
- Cross-country ski at Dewey Mt. Recreation Center
Tupper Lake
- See Wild Lights at The Wild Center
- Snowshoe or ski the trails at the James C. Frenette Recreation Center
Whiteface Region
- Check out the waterfalls at High Falls Gorge
- Après-ski at local bars, pubs, and restaurants
- Shop local artisan crafts & goods
