Aerial view of Lake Placid’s snow-covered Main Street and frozen Mirror Lake. Lake Placid in New York’s Adirondack Mountains truly feels like a winter wonderland. It has been called “America’s original winter vacation destination,” where snow-covered pines and high peaks meet cozy lodge-style villages Every December the town “comes alive with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and a festive lineup of activities” during its beloved Holiday Village Stroll. In short, a trip to Lake Placid at Christmas time is like stepping into a holiday postcard: think fairy-tale Main Street lit up in the snow and the glow of warm fireplaces in local inns.
Lake Placid is not just a beautiful winter town; it is one of the best Christmas destinations in New York for travelers who love snow, holiday traditions, and outdoor adventure. From Olympic-level winter sports and family-friendly festivals to romantic snowy walks and cozy mountain dining, Lake Placid offers everything needed for a magical Christmas getaway. Visitors planning a festive winter trip can also explore other top Christmas destinations in New York State, but few places capture the true alpine holiday spirit quite like Lake Placid.
Lake Placid – A Snowy Alpine Christmas in the Adirondacks
In this section, we explore everything you need to know about Lake Placid during the Christmas and winter season, from activities and events to lodging, dining, and travel tips.
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Lake Placid is famous for winter sports and outdoor activities. The nearby mountains and frozen lakes become playgrounds for all ages:
- Downhill Skiing at Whiteface Mountain: Whiteface boasts some of the steepest slopes in the East and was home to Olympic alpine skiing. Visitors can take the gondola to the summit and “ski the same slopes as Olympians”.
- Olympic Sports at Mt. Van Hoevenberg: Just outside town, Mount Van Hoevenberg hosts the Olympic bobsled, luge and skeleton tracks – you can even try a bobsled ride here. It also offers miles of cross-country ski and biathlon trails.
- Ice Skating: You can lace up and skate on Mirror Lake itself, or head indoors to the historic Olympic Center. The Olympic Center has public skating on the same oval rink made famous by the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey game. (Skate rentals are available, and special holiday skating parties are often held during the winter festival.)
- Snowshoeing, Sledding & More: The region has dozens of trails for snowshoeing and fat-tire winter biking. Families can also go sledding or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. Outfitters offer dog-sled tours through the snowy woods for a truly Adirondack adventure.
Cross-country skiers enjoy a snowy Adirondack trail. Nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg and local trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Imagine gliding through the forest – fresh pine scent in the air – on loops of classic skiing trails.
Holiday Events and Festivities
Lake Placid’s holiday events make it extra special at Christmas. The centerpiece is the Holiday Village Stroll, a three-day festival each December. During the Stroll, Main Street and Mirror Lake Park are decked out in lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy:
- Holiday Village Stroll (mid-Dec): A festive weekend featuring ice skating parties, visits with Santa, holiday movies and a fun scavenger hunt along Main Street. The village is transformed into a “winter wonderland” with decorations and music everywhere.
- Santa Ski Day: On one Sunday in December, dress up in a Santa suit and ski for free at Whiteface Mountain. (It’s a fun photo op and a free lift ticket for anyone wearing a Santa hat or costume.)
- Tree Lighting & Concert: On Saturday evening, a large Christmas tree in Mid’s Park is lit with a community ceremony, often with local carolers or live bands. Nearby, the Annual Christmas Concert takes place at the Adirondack Community Church (free and open to all). Holiday movies like It’s a Wonderful Life or The Polar Express are often shown for free at the Palace Theatre.
- Santa’s Caravan: Each year, Lake Placid’s fire department drives Santa around town on a fire truck, waving to families on the sidewalks. Look for “Chris Kringle’s Caravan” in the late afternoon – kids love it.
There are also smaller events: The Jingle Bell Run (a fun family 5K in holiday gear), gingerbread house contests, craft fairs, and even an ugly sweater party. In early winter you might catch the Empire State Winter Games (statewide youth competitions), world-class skiing races, or a holiday ice show at the Olympic Center. In short, if you visit Lake Placid during the Christmas season (or New Year’s week), you’ll find plenty of festive fun.
Cozy Lodging Options
After a day in the cold, Lake Placid’s lodging is designed to make you warm and cozy. You can stay in a rustic cabin or cottage up in the woods or on a private lake. Many rental cabins feel “like you have the Adirondack forest to yourself” with woodstove fireplaces and pine-scented air. These are great for families or groups wanting a homey, back-to-nature experience.
Alternatively, book one of Lake Placid’s luxury inns or resorts. For example, the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa (AAA Four-Diamond) is right on the lake and surrounded by the High Peaks. It offers heated indoor/outdoor pools, a full spa, and lodge-style rooms with wood-beam ceilings. The Lake Placid Lodge and Whiteface Lodge are other upscale resorts featuring Adirondack decor, gourmet dining, and warm fireplaces. Even if you splurge on a fancy hotel, the town’s village shops and restaurants are just a short walk away.
There are also many mid-range hotels, inns and B&Bs in town. Look for those along Main Street or near Mirror Lake – they put you in the heart of the action. Motels and vacation-rental homes are available too, some right next to ski lifts or trails. Whatever you choose, book early: December weekends fill up fast.
Savory Adirondack Cuisine
Lake Placid’s restaurants are perfect for hungry visitors after a chilly day. The town has hearty local fare and international flavors. Think warm soups, stews, barbecue and craft beers. A few favorites:
- The Cottage: Famous for its rotating soup du jour and chili. It feels like a cozy living room pub. On winter days, a bowl of their creamy soup (or chili in a bread bowl) will warm you right up.
- Big Slide Brewery: This brewpub just outside downtown makes craft beers and “pub fare with a twist.” Try the venison chili (topped with cheese and cornbread) along with a local ale. The smokehouse menu has ribs and brisket too.
- Smoke Signals BBQ: For serious comfort food, head here. They smoke all their meats (pork ribs, beef brisket) over hickory and serve them with mashed potatoes and mac ‘n’ cheese. (They also have cider and cocktails, but the real draw is the smoky barbecue.)
- Dancing Bears and Eleanor’s Pasta Kitchen: If you crave something creamy, these spots serve gourmet mac-and-cheese and build-your-own pasta using local cheeses and meats.
- Green Goddess Market: A deli/cafe on Main Street offering soups, sandwiches and organic salads. They always have a variety of homemade soups – perfect for lunch on the go.
- Breweries & Cideries: Don’t miss local breweries like Big Slide and Lake Placid Pub & Brewery (in nearby Saranac Lake) for Adirondack-themed beers. In winter you can sample hard ciders or spiced winter ales.
For dessert or snacks, check out Lake Placid’s sweet shops. Adirondack Chocolates and 6 Baers Candy Emporium on Main Street have handmade fudge, chocolate-covered treats and ice cream. You’ll also see plenty of maple syrup and pancake mixes (a regional specialty) in the shops. Of course, hot cocoa is a must – many restaurants and cafes serve rich cocoa or hot toddies by the fire.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Lake Placid’s Main Street is lined with shops perfect for holiday shopping. You’ll find Adirondack-themed gifts and gear everywhere. Stop in the local outfitters for cozy flannels, knit hats, wool socks and thermoses. Sports shops sell ski equipment, snowshoes and even hockey jerseys for the Olympic fans.
Gift shops carry locally-made souvenirs: custom wood crafts, bear-themed decor, and handcrafted jewelry. The official Lake Placid guide notes there are shops for “locally-made chocolate” and keepsakes to remember your Lake Placid vacation. Be sure to pick up something sweet: the candies, fudge and maple products make great take-home gifts. (The Uihlein Maple Research Station on Main Street sells maple syrup and pancake mix too.) And if you spot an Olympic flag or logo item, grab it – the Olympic legacy is everywhere in Lake Placid.
Getting There and Travel Tips
By Car: Many visitors drive to Lake Placid. The trip from New York City (about 300 miles) takes roughly 5–6 hours via I-87 north to Exit 30, then Route 86 through the High Peaks. From Albany, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive. The route to Lake Placid is scenic – a highlight is the High Peaks Byway (Route 73) through forested mountains. In winter, always check road conditions: snow tires or chains are recommended if storms are in the forecast.
By Plane: Lake Placid has two small airports. Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake offers seasonal flights from New York City and Boston via Cape Air. It’s only a 20-minute drive from SLK to Lake Placid. The Lake Placid Airport (LKP) near town handles private charters and small planes. For commercial airports, the nearest major hubs are Albany International (ALB, ~2.5 hours away) and Burlington, VT (BTV, ~3 hours away).
Train & Bus: For a relaxed trip, take the Adirondack Scenic Railroad (Amtrak) to Westport or Tupper Lake and then bus, or use Amtrak’s Adirondack service all the way to Lake Placid from New York City or Montreal. Adirondack Trailways runs coach buses from New York City (Port Authority) directly to Lake Placid as well. All options offer beautiful mountain views as you travel north.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
To make the most of Lake Placid at Christmas, here’s an example day-by-day plan for a winter weekend trip:
- Arrive & Explore the Village: Check in to your hotel or cabin. Start with a walk along Main Street – in winter it’s often decorated with lights and wreaths. Warm up with hot cocoa or coffee at a café. Browse the shops on Main Street and pick up a fudge or maple treat. If you have time, visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum for a quick tour of 1932/1980 Games artifacts (tickets are inexpensive). In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner at one of the local restaurants (try The Cottage or Big Slide Brewery) and relax by your lodge fireplace.
- Hit the Slopes: Plan a ski or snowboard day at Whiteface Mountain. It’s a half-hour drive up Whiteface Memorial Highway to the base, where you can rent gear. Ski down the steep Olympic runs (or take the gondola to ski cruisy summit trails). Afterward, stop by the outdoor ice skating rink at Whiteface for a quick skate (rentals available). Back in Lake Placid, soothe tired muscles at a spa or hot tub if you wish. For dinner, consider BBQ at Smoke Signals or sit down to a warm soup at The Cottage.
- Holiday Festivities: If your visit falls on the Holiday Village Stroll weekend, dedicate this day to the festivities. Attend any morning events (like the Jingle Bell Run or a storytime) and then head to Mid’s Park for Santa’s arrival by firetruck. In the afternoon, find Santa for photos (cookies and hot cocoa are often served for free) or go skating at the 1932 Olympic Rink at the Olympic Center. Don’t miss the 5 PM tree lighting ceremony at Mid’s Park – it’s a magical moment as the whole village gathers under the lights. If you’re there, catch the free holiday movie screening (like Polar Express) that evening. Otherwise, simply enjoy wandering through the illuminated village, then have a farewell dinner at a cozy Inn with local fare. Before you leave, grab any last souvenirs – a lucky charm from an Olympic shop or some chocolate to remember your trip.
This is just one example; your trip could easily be longer or adjusted to fit family ski school days or New Year celebrations. No matter what, you’ll fill your time with snowy adventures and festive fun.
Conclusion
Lake Placid is a top New York destination for a snowy Alpine Christmas. It offers a unique blend of Olympic winter-sports history and small-town holiday charm. Visitors can ski and skate on world-class venues by day, then enjoy warm meals and festive lights by night. Whether you come for the Christmas week celebrations or anytime in winter, you’ll find fresh powder, crisp mountain air, and plenty of cozy Adirondack hospitality. It’s no wonder Lake Placid is consistently rated among the best winter travel spots – it truly is a mountain village that knows how to make the holidays special.
