So —— you’re wondering what goes on in the Adirondacks on New Year’s Eve? Well, if you weren’t, I bet you are now. Gotcha.
Hike into the New Year...
Believe it or not, lots of folks take off on a hike to ring in the New Year from the summit of one of our High Peaks. Others tackle a smaller, easier destination, like Cobble Hill - right in town it's only a 30 to 45 minute hike. Check out this “spin”, looking down on the village of Lake Placid and the High Peaks on a full moon night. This would be my choice for a short hike, with a return in time for dinner and celebrating. Here’s a late winter view from atop Cobble (not one of the High Peaks, but a terrific view OF the High Peaks).
Bring a little bubbly with you, don’t forget the champagne flute glasses (remember to take some pix and tag us on Lake Placid ADK Facebook and Instagram). It’s really quite romantic, kind of like the old fashioned “lovers’ leap.” Join in the festivities in town later on. It’s especially beautiful if it’s a clear night and the moon is out. Since it will be nearly a full moon on New Year’s Eve (January 4th is the actual full moon), we'll hope for a clear evening with views of the moon over the village (it rises at about 1:30 pm on December 31st). If you go, make sure you use snowshoes or micro-spikes as there can be deep snow and/or icy conditions on the trails in the winter. To make sure you get the awesome 'village of lights' view, hike up after dark in the early evening (‘dark’ comes early - 5:00 pm - here in the mountains). Make a toast at the summit and be back down in time for a great evening out.
If hiking’s not your thing, there are several more ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lake Placid! With dozens of bars and restaurants to choose from, there’s no shortage of options, depending on how fancy you want to be. Check out our dining pages for all the options awaiting you in Lake Placid. There are also some family friendly New Year’s events.
Several planned New Year’s celebrations are on the calendar in and around Lake Placid. Below is the list of Lake Placid options:
Skate Into 2015
As a family-friendly option to the adult festivities, take part in this annual skating party on the Olympic Skating Oval on Main Street as we Skate into New Year. It’s a celebration of the New Year and also a fundraising event for the local food pantry. With hot beverages and snacks included, the donation to the event is only $5.00 (although any larger donations to the cause are encouraged and greatly appreciated). 100% of the profits go to the pantry and over the years several thousand dollars have been donated. This is a really fun evening and a great cause!
Dance into the New Year
There are a couple of options in Lake Placid for you to break out your dancin' shoes:
- Celebrate the New Year with roots, blues, funk and zydeco at Smoke Signals with Los Blancos live in the music hall on Main Street. There’s also a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
- Live music with The Funk Collection at the Cabin Grill, and Delta Roots at Delta Blue, both parties at The Northwoods Inn on Main Street. Party music, times two! Celebrate the new year with two venues in one, featuring powerhouse party music to rock your socks all night long.
There's great dining at all three venues - so you can plan on dining during your dance breaks.
First Night #9
In nearby Saranac Lake the First Night Celebration is in its 9th year. A truly family-friendly event, First Night Saranac Lake offers 18 different performances at 10 venues over the course of the entire evening. At midnight watching the ball drop and fireworks over Lake Flower. One price buys you a button allowing admittance into all of the events. You can buy online at the above link or pick one up at various locations in the community and pay just $12 through December 30th. After that you’ll have to buy in person and the price goes up to $15. Get your button early! All the information you need is at the above link, including where to buy those buttons!
Come stay and play
Make sure to check out our full events schedule for your days in Lake Placid. While you're at it, make your reservations! Rooms fill up fast for the holiday week and especially New Year's Eve.
From all of us to all of you...
Happy New Year!
Bonne Année
Feliz Año Nuevo
Buon Anno
GOTT NYTT ÅR
Glückliches neues Jahr
Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Srećna Nova godina.
We hope you have the best year ever!
