Your guide to the best holiday events of the season

Hamilton County is, like the rest of the Adirondack region, in winter, straight out of a postcard. Our charming downtowns don their wreaths and holiday decorations, restaurants fill with hungry winter travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the trails fill up with the hum of snowmobiles. The highlight of the season? The events! With all that pretty snow and the holidays just around the corner, locals and visitors alike can get in on holiday fairs, craft markets, village strolls, and even some good old-fashioned cookie decorating. The calendar is full, so take a peek at what's in store!

Speculator Holiday Stroll - Nov 28

Kick off the holiday shopping season in Speculator! On Black Friday, landing on November 28th this year, Speculator will be hosting its Holiday Stroll. This is the perfect time to experience the charming shopping scene in town, where you can discover one-of-a-kind gifts and support your neighbors and friends in the community. 

Don’t forget the Yeti Scavenger Hunt!

Once you’ve visited the local businesses, it's time to find the yetis! After you find a yeti, take a picture and tag the business and the Speculator Chamber on Facebook or Instagram—there will be prizes for the winners! The more Yetis you find, the better your chance of winning.

Adirondack Christmas on Main Street in Inlet - Nov 28

For the 24th Annual Adirondack Christmas on Main Street in Inlet, area clubs, civic groups, and businesses have planned an unforgettable family experience. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in town, and families will be treated to old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon rides, tree lighting, a light parade, face painting, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a candy cane hunt, a reindeer fun run, and more! As the night sky comes alive, watch the mesmerizing performances of fire dancers as they light up the night. This event is completely free, perfect for the whole family. 

Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour - Nov 28-29

In the heart of Indian Lake, embark on a two-day celebration of the holiday season in classic Adirondack fashion with the Country Christmas Tour. The Tour will take you all across town, where you can find local crafters and artisans selling their wonderful creations at businesses, the Indian Lake Central School, and private homes open to the public. 

Oak Mountain Holiday Fair - Dec 6

At Oak Mountain Ski Resort, not only will you get in some prime skiing on 22 fresh-powder trails, but you can also take part in a Holiday Fair! Right in the main lodge, browse a festive collection of local vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, holiday décor, and tasty treats. The Holiday Fair is a wonderful tradition for the whole family, including a wide range of vendors and activities for the kiddos, live music, Santa's Workshop, cookie decorating, face painting, and carnival games. 

Don’t forget! There are also plenty of ways to help your local community this season at the fair. There will be a food drive to donate canned and other non-perishable foods, and nearby at the local Sheriff's Department, you’ll find a Toys for Tots Drop Off. It’s requested that toys be left unwrapped. 

Shopping 

There’s something extra magical about holiday shopping in Hamilton County, where every storefront feels like it’s straight out of a cozy Hallmark movie, complete with snow-framed windows and hot cocoa inside. Here, it’s all about discovering one-of-a-kind treasures and supporting small-town charm with local crafters and artisans. In Long Lake, the Adirondack Trading Post is a must-visit, filled with cozy apparel, local gifts, and gear perfect for your next outdoor adventure. This is the perfect spot for stocking stuffers, but while you’re there, tuck into their incredible paninis and soups for lunch. 

In Indian Lake, Pine's Country Store is a staple for gear and outdoor-focused gifts. You’ll find big items like canoes and kayaks, fishing essentials, and trusty hiking gear curated by locals who know the trails.

Over in Inlet, the fun continues with Mountain & Main, a boutique bursting with style and Adirondack flair, and Adirondack Reflections, where you can find handcrafted décor that captures the beauty of the mountains in every detail.

Don’t forget to wander into Tracy’s Rustic Relics, a treasure trove of antiques and repurposed finds that will add a bit of vintage charm to your holiday gifting. And for the perfect finishing touch, swing by Hamilton Mercantile, for a delicious pizza or sub, or better yet, get your fishing or hunting license! as a favorite of local convenience stores, The Hamilton Mercantile offers that and more, such as ice, camping/ fishing supplies and beach supplies for future trip planning. 

Clear your calendars!

We’re prepped and ready for the holiday season, with an events calendar stocked with memory-making festivals and markets. When you’re done touring around, stop in and shop local at each town’s charming country stores and shops, finding that perfect gift for family and friends, or maybe a treat for yourself.