Looking for fun, budget-friendly ways to enjoy the holidays? The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) invites you to explore an array of festive events at State Parks and Historic Sites around New York.
From charming luminary walks to crafty holiday markets, most activities are free or cost less than $5 per person.
Below are some highlights of this year’s holiday offerings in the Capital-Saratoga Region. A full listing of all events at NYS Parks this holiday season and beyond can be found here.
More events can be found on the New York Almanack events page.
Luminary Walk
Friday, December 6, 2024 05:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
This December, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the fourth annual Luminary Walk. Stroll along a mile-long trail, where hundreds of luminary lights dance amidst the trees, casting a warm glow over the serene landscape. This event is perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.
Enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors while sipping on festive drinks from Hill Creek Tavern, available for purchase. The event will be held on Friday, December 6th from 5 until 8:30 pm. $5 per person, cash only. No registration is required.
Friends Christmas Craft
Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center will host crafts with the Friends of Moreau Lake. The crafts will be winter terrariums and other holiday surprises! This is a free event and registration is not required.
Winter Bazaar
Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00 AM – 03:00 PM & Sunday, December 8, 2024 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Thacher State Park
At Thatcher State Park’s Nature Center and Visitor Center this year’s Winter Bazaar will fill two buildings with handmade local items including woodwork, soaps, jewelry, fruit preserves, and more. Made-to-order lunch is available from Main Street Cafe. No registration required.
St. Nicholas Day
Saturday, December 7, 2024 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
This medieval saint’s day was brought by the Dutch colonists to the Hudson River Valley and traditionally celebrated on December 6th. Festivities will include 17th and 18th century traditional treats, hearth baking, live music, Open House (self-guided) tours of the museum, crafts & activities, and of course — a visit from St. Nicholas. Free to the public. Registration is not required
Annual Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 7, 2024 05:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Johnson Hall State Historic Site
This free event celebrates the 18th century holiday season at Johnson Hall, complete with period decorations, music, refreshments, and living history interpretation.
On Saturday, enjoy candlelit festivities this evening at Johnson Hall as the house comes to life with living-history interpreters in the decorated rooms, live 18th century music by Liaisons Plaisantes, and mulled cider and baked treats by the fire.
Sunday afternoon, enjoy the beauty of the house and its décor in daylight, partake of mulled cider and baked treats, and learn more about the full swath of seasonal holidays enjoyed by the Johnson family and their circle.
For more information call 518-762-8712. Registration is not required
Lights In Our Park
Thursday, December 12, 5–7 PM & Friday December 13, 2024 4:30–8 PM
Schodack Island State Park
Drive through our Park’s campground to see campsites individually decorated by our local community. This is a free event for all, donations are welcome. Monetary donations will go to future park events. Non-perishable food donations will go to The Anchor Food Pantry.
After the event you get to vote for the winning site by liking and commenting on the photo of your favorite site. Winners will receive a prize. If you’re interested in decorating a site call 518-732-0187 (All sites must be family friendly).
CANdlelight Stroll
Saturday, December 14, 2024 05:30 PM – 07:30 PM
Mine Kill State Park
Bring the whole family to enjoy a winter stroll for a good cause. In addition to a candlelit loop, there will be warm beverages, a winter craft, and holiday tunes.
Free admission but a donation of canned food items for a statewide food drive encouraged. Meet at our midlevel/overlook pavilion and picnic area. For more information call the park office at 518-827-6111. Registration is not required.
Ugly Sweater DIY
Sunday, December 15, 2024 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
Bring in an old sweater/sweatshirt or a recently purchased one (check out local thrift shops) and join a nature center educator in making some festive clothing.
Holiday adornments such as bells, felt snow, gingerbread people and pompoms will be provided at the Nature Center. Open to all ages. This program is $1 per child, $5 for those 18 and over. Reserve a spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Making a Lantern for Winter Solstice
Saturday, December 21, 2024 11:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
Drop by the Moreau Lake State Park nature center to learn about the Winter Solstice, why we have it, and how to make the most out of the shortest day of the year. Pop in anytime from 11-2 to learn and make a paper lantern, no registration required. If you have any questions call the office at 518-793-0511. Registration is not required.
Solstice Outdoor Ornament Making
Saturday, December 21, 2024 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park will celebrate the shortest day of the year on December 21st. You can learn about how our feathered friends are surviving the winter and making birdseed ornaments for them. This free program is for all ages and will take place inside the Welcome Center. Call 518-279-1155 to reserve a spot, as supplies are limited.
Christmas Day Hike at Big Bend
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
Join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk at Big Bend on Christmas Day. This hike will go as long as it can depending on who shows up. At most it could be three miles on flat ground. We may hear and see birds (maybe even an eagle), animal tracks, shells, feathers. There is no fee for this walk, but reservation is required in advance by calling 518-793-0511. The tour will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead.
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Various Sites
An Annual NYS Parks tradition. Join others at one a New York State Park or Historic Site to kick off 2025 with a hike. For a list of participating sites and additional information see this website. Registration is not required
Photo: Grafton Lakes State Park’s Luminary Walk (provided).
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