Upstate New York boasts some of the most charming small towns in the country. Come winter, many of them seem too good to be true. Combine this charm with a wealth of outdoor adventures in the region, and you’ve got several potential holiday destinations. Here are a few of our favorites throughout the state that might not be on your radar. All you’ve got to do is book the trip! You’ll quickly discover why these New York Christmas towns are so lovable.
- Saranac Lake
Village of Saranac Lake FB Page With a prime location in the Adirondack Mountains, this charming upstate New York town is a popular destination year round. But winter brings an entirely new set of possibilities; snowshoeing, ice fishing and hiking are just a few of the adventures you can embark on from this gorgeous mountain town in New York. Saranac Lake, NY, USA
Village of Saranac Lake FB Page If you want to keep things lowkey, you’ve got no shortage of restaurants and shops to explore. Grab dinner at great local eateries like Red Fox Restaurant or Downhill Grill, and enjoy local shops like Adirondack Trading Company and The Book Nook. Learn more about what makes Saranac Lake so exquisite during the wintertime.
- Cooperstown
This is Cooperstown, NY This is one of those cities that is just waiting to be explored. Popular outdoor activities in and around Cooperstown range from hiking to horseback riding. This winter, rent a snowmobile and hit more than 300 miles of trails. If you’re looking for a festive place to stay, the gorgeous Otesaga Resort Hotel is as classy and warm as it gets. Learn more about booking your stay at this relaxing New York hotel.
- Ellicottville
Tripadvisor Management Skiing at Holiday Mountain Resort is one of the most popular winter activities in Ellicottville, a vacation experience that also includes activities like tubing, Nordic skiing and a thrilling “mountain coaster.” Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
Tripadvisor Management For tourists looking for a more relaxing activity, take a sleigh ride at Crosspatch Horse Ranch or go on a snowshoeing adventure through Allegany State Park. Everyone should visit this one tiny mountain town in New York at least once!
- Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck is the perfect winter wonderland for a romantic stroll, and the views of the Hudson Valley from the fire tower are unreal. Also, be sure to check out the Rhinebeck Village Historic District, where a number of beautiful buildings have been well-preserved, making for an excellent tour through town. You’ll quickly discover that Rhinebeck is one of the coolest towns in the U.S. Rhinebeck, NY, USA
- Saugerties
Destination Saugerties FB Page This quaint town right on the Hudson River is a deceptively fun spot to find yourself during the winter months. It’s not on many people’s radar, but it’s a prime location if you’re interested in exploring the Catskill Forest Preserve. Snowshoe through this massive nature preserve, explore Esapus Nature Preserve closer to town, or take a walk on the river by the Saugerties Light House. And while you’re in town, be sure to check out this wonderfully whimsical and one-of-a-kind New York home. Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
Don’t forget to come prepared for excursions in these upstate areas, whether it’s snowshoeing gear, warm layers, and plenty of water to stay hydrated! What are your favorite things to do in New York over the holidays? Do you think you’ll plan to visit any of these New York Christmas towns? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!
Village of Saranac Lake FB Page
With a prime location in the Adirondack Mountains, this charming upstate New York town is a popular destination year round. But winter brings an entirely new set of possibilities; snowshoeing, ice fishing and hiking are just a few of the adventures you can embark on from this gorgeous mountain town in New York.
Saranac Lake, NY, USA
If you want to keep things lowkey, you’ve got no shortage of restaurants and shops to explore. Grab dinner at great local eateries like Red Fox Restaurant or Downhill Grill, and enjoy local shops like Adirondack Trading Company and The Book Nook. Learn more about what makes Saranac Lake so exquisite during the wintertime.
This is Cooperstown, NY
This is one of those cities that is just waiting to be explored. Popular outdoor activities in and around Cooperstown range from hiking to horseback riding. This winter, rent a snowmobile and hit more than 300 miles of trails. If you’re looking for a festive place to stay, the gorgeous Otesaga Resort Hotel is as classy and warm as it gets. Learn more about booking your stay at this relaxing New York hotel.
Tripadvisor Management
Skiing at Holiday Mountain Resort is one of the most popular winter activities in Ellicottville, a vacation experience that also includes activities like tubing, Nordic skiing and a thrilling “mountain coaster.”
Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
Tripadvisor Management
For tourists looking for a more relaxing activity, take a sleigh ride at Crosspatch Horse Ranch or go on a snowshoeing adventure through Allegany State Park. Everyone should visit this one tiny mountain town in New York at least once!
Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce
Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck is the perfect winter wonderland for a romantic stroll, and the views of the Hudson Valley from the fire tower are unreal. Also, be sure to check out the Rhinebeck Village Historic District, where a number of beautiful buildings have been well-preserved, making for an excellent tour through town. You’ll quickly discover that Rhinebeck is one of the coolest towns in the U.S.
Rhinebeck, NY, USA
Destination Saugerties FB Page
This quaint town right on the Hudson River is a deceptively fun spot to find yourself during the winter months. It’s not on many people’s radar, but it’s a prime location if you’re interested in exploring the Catskill Forest Preserve. Snowshoe through this massive nature preserve, explore Esapus Nature Preserve closer to town, or take a walk on the river by the Saugerties Light House. And while you’re in town, be sure to check out this wonderfully whimsical and one-of-a-kind New York home.
Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
For related content, you’ll love reading about these incredible winter day trips in New York. There’s something for everyone on this list!
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Address: Saranac Lake, NY, USAAddress: Cooperstown, NY 13326, USAAddress: Ellicottville, NY 14731, USAAddress: Rhinebeck, NY, USAAddress: Saugerties, NY 12477, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
christmas towns in New York October 27, 2022 Beth C. What is winter in New York like? Winter in New York is many things. It’s enchanting, as you’ve learned from the article above, and it’s also a bit intimidating. Upstate New York, for example, is one of the coldest places in the U.S. during the wintertime. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors all season long. Far from it! There are countless outdoor activities you can still enjoy during the chilly months. Some of our favorite winter day trip destinations in New York include Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, Chestnut Ridge Park, Windham, the North Pole, High Falls Gorge, Lake George, Woods Valley Ski Area, and Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. The best part of all is that many of New York’s most popular destinations are much less crowded in the wintertime. What is the snowiest city in New York? Have you ever wondered “what’s the snowiest city in New York”? That title goes to Syracuse, which also happens to be in the top 10 snowiest towns in the entire country. Syracuse gets upwards of 127 inches of snow each winter. This is largely due to its proximity to Lake Ontario. Some other snowy places in New York include Ava, Taberg, Lee Center, and Westernville. If you happen to visit any of these places during the wintertime, be sure to bundle up!
The OIYS Visitor Center
christmas towns in New York
October 27, 2022
Beth C.
What is winter in New York like? Winter in New York is many things. It’s enchanting, as you’ve learned from the article above, and it’s also a bit intimidating. Upstate New York, for example, is one of the coldest places in the U.S. during the wintertime. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors all season long. Far from it! There are countless outdoor activities you can still enjoy during the chilly months. Some of our favorite winter day trip destinations in New York include Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, Chestnut Ridge Park, Windham, the North Pole, High Falls Gorge, Lake George, Woods Valley Ski Area, and Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. The best part of all is that many of New York’s most popular destinations are much less crowded in the wintertime. What is the snowiest city in New York? Have you ever wondered “what’s the snowiest city in New York”? That title goes to Syracuse, which also happens to be in the top 10 snowiest towns in the entire country. Syracuse gets upwards of 127 inches of snow each winter. This is largely due to its proximity to Lake Ontario. Some other snowy places in New York include Ava, Taberg, Lee Center, and Westernville. If you happen to visit any of these places during the wintertime, be sure to bundle up!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter in New York is many things. It’s enchanting, as you’ve learned from the article above, and it’s also a bit intimidating. Upstate New York, for example, is one of the coldest places in the U.S. during the wintertime. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors all season long. Far from it! There are countless outdoor activities you can still enjoy during the chilly months. Some of our favorite winter day trip destinations in New York include Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, Chestnut Ridge Park, Windham, the North Pole, High Falls Gorge, Lake George, Woods Valley Ski Area, and Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. The best part of all is that many of New York’s most popular destinations are much less crowded in the wintertime.
What is the snowiest city in New York?
Have you ever wondered “what’s the snowiest city in New York”? That title goes to Syracuse, which also happens to be in the top 10 snowiest towns in the entire country. Syracuse gets upwards of 127 inches of snow each winter. This is largely due to its proximity to Lake Ontario. Some other snowy places in New York include Ava, Taberg, Lee Center, and Westernville. If you happen to visit any of these places during the wintertime, be sure to bundle up!
