Perfect holidays, perfect vacations
Snow-covered mountains, iced-over lakes, and snowflakes that swirl around like a perfect natural snowglobe. Winter in Lake Placid is magical, especially around the holidays. We love the holidays so much we begin the fun in mid-December with the Holiday Village Stroll and extend our celebrations into the New Year. Whether you're looking for family fun or a romantic weekend with your sweetheart, come to Lake Placid this holiday season.
Why we're on the nice list
In Lake Placid, we love to make vacation dreams come true and the holiday season is no different. We have activities for all ages and interests; all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!
What's more picturesque than ice skating surrounded by Christmas lights? Lace up a pair of skates to glide your way along 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 in walking distance of downtown's hotels, restaurants, and shops. Just a short walk away from the Oval and Olympic Center, Mirror Lake has skating too, plus pickup hockey games, dog sledding, and a zippy toboggan chute! The ride down the chute and onto the frozen lake is a speedy way to have some fun. Winter also means sleigh rides! With the jingle of sleigh bells and snowy scenes around you, you'll feel like you're living — or at least vacationing — in a Christmas carol.
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, ice, or the toboggan chute, settle in for a cozy meal at a warm, cheerful restaurant, where candles mingle with jaunty boughs of evergreen and ornaments and there are decorated trees everywhere. 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.
Making tracks
Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland that is Lake Placid, and you'll love being immersed in snowy woods. The Cascade Cross Country Ski Center offers gear rentals — snowshoes, too! — and 20km of groomed trails. With Kicker's Restaurant and a Nordic shop, skiers of all abilities will find plenty to enjoy here. At Mount Van Hoevenberg, try out the complete cross-country ski experience, which includes a trail pass, rentals, and expert instruction in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Ski to Josie's Cabin and enjoy a hot treat!
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 special holiday meals — with great views, too! — and we've got outdoor activities open that day too!
So if you're joining us this holiday season, please remember to be politely Adirondack, and we'll get the hot cocoa ready!
