Every year as the holidays approach, you may start planning how to make the most of the Christmas season, and how best to enjoy the many attractions and holiday experiences our state has to offer. From strolling through cozy Christmas towns in New York to taking in the dazzling array of Christmas lights adorning our charming Main Streets, there’s no shortage of things to do in New York, even when the temperature drops! In fact, no matter where you live in the Empire State, it’s nearly impossible to feel like you aren’t living inside of a picture-perfect snow globe once the winter season rolls around. This year, if you’re ready to experience what it’s like to step into one of New York’s most enchanting and festive Christmas towns, see why we can’t get enough of Skaneateles during the Christmas season.
Situated at the northern of Skaneateles Lake, the picturesque village of Skaneateles may be popular to visit during the summertime, but come winter, this place is nothing short of magical.
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY/Facebook
Once the end of November rolls around, Skaneateles quite literally takes a page out of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
Dennis Loudon/Google
A delightful tradition that has been going on for over 25 years now, the Dickens Christmas event here in town puts you in a sea of 50 characters straight out of A Christmas Carol, and other recognizable faces like Charles Dickens and Father Christmas too!
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles/Facebook
Typically taking place every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas, you can head to Skaneateles to see all the different characters in town and to experience things like Christmas carol sing-alongs at the town’s gazebo.
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles/Facebook
Businesses and shops all throughout town join in on the fun each year, with things like free roasted chestnuts outside of Johnny Angels, live events at the Skaneateles Library…
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles/Facebook
…visits with Father Christmas at the Masonic temple, breakfast with Santa at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and even holiday story readings by Mother Goose in town!
Dennis Loudon/Google
As the holidays inch closer, popular places in town, like the Sherwood Inn, begin to look like something out of your favorite Christmas movie.
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY/Facebook
With decorations strung about all throughout the town, you won’t believe your eyes as you take it all in!
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY/Facebook
Something else to keep in mind: visitors of Skaneateles can enjoy both wagon and carriage rides around the village that leave from the Sherwood Inn. These nostalgic rides are especially lovely when the town is dusted with snow!
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles/Facebook
Even the illuminated Christmas tree at the end of the town’s pier shows off the town’s festive spirit. It’s easy to see why there’s nothing more memorable than visiting this quaint Christmas village upstate during Skaneateles’ month-long Dickens Christmas event!
Lance Williams/Google To find out more about the Dickens Christmas event in Skaneateles and to see what it’s like to experience this magical Christmas village in New York during the holiday season, visit the City of Skaneateles website.
This sweet Christmas village in New York is truly something special, and we simply can’t get enough! Have you ever visited Skaneateles at Christmas? What was your favorite part? Let us know what you thought!
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY/Facebook
Dennis Loudon/Google
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles/Facebook
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles/Facebook
Lance Williams/Google
To find out more about the Dickens Christmas event in Skaneateles and to see what it’s like to experience this magical Christmas village in New York during the holiday season, visit the City of Skaneateles website.
To continue the holiday festivities, you’ll want to read about how the town of North Pole Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year In New York!
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Address: Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Towns in New York October 28, 2022 Jennifer What are the best holiday events in New York? Christmas in New York is positively magical! Whether in upstate New York or at the heart of the city, we’re fortunate that so many of our towns embrace the holiday spirit and play host to some of the sweetest Christmas festivals in New England. As you take our Christmas towns road trip through New York, you’ll find events like Frosty Fest in Ulster Park and the annual Bronx Zoo Lights. If you’re near Buffalo, these special events are for you! If immersing yourself in a forest of dazzling Christmas trees sounds like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, this Christmas tree forest in Hamburg, New York is an absolute dream. With gentle snowdrifts lining the paths, this delightful forest is especially beautiful! But if staying toasty warm on an especially chilly day sounds like the way to go, you can also explore a gorgeous indoor arboretum of Christmas trees in Oyster Bay. One thing is for sure: wherever you are, you’re sure to find a glittering Christmas village in New York to explore and plenty of colorful Christmas cheer everywhere you turn! What are the best winter activities in New York? Winter stretches far beyond the holiday season, and New Yorkers are prepared with endless things to do in winter to keep cabin fever away. Our state parks and reserves are worth a visit year-round, with many offering seasonal activities like snowshoeing and moonlit hikes. For a unique experience in Lake Placid, this peaceful winter gondola ride lets riders soak up New York’s snowy beauty without the chilly hike. Or, for some classic winter fun, our state’s rolling terrain is seemingly made for snow tubing! Then, take a hike to one of New York’s best frozen waterfalls. The options are endless!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Towns in New York
October 28, 2022
Jennifer
What are the best holiday events in New York? Christmas in New York is positively magical! Whether in upstate New York or at the heart of the city, we’re fortunate that so many of our towns embrace the holiday spirit and play host to some of the sweetest Christmas festivals in New England. As you take our Christmas towns road trip through New York, you’ll find events like Frosty Fest in Ulster Park and the annual Bronx Zoo Lights. If you’re near Buffalo, these special events are for you! If immersing yourself in a forest of dazzling Christmas trees sounds like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, this Christmas tree forest in Hamburg, New York is an absolute dream. With gentle snowdrifts lining the paths, this delightful forest is especially beautiful! But if staying toasty warm on an especially chilly day sounds like the way to go, you can also explore a gorgeous indoor arboretum of Christmas trees in Oyster Bay. One thing is for sure: wherever you are, you’re sure to find a glittering Christmas village in New York to explore and plenty of colorful Christmas cheer everywhere you turn! What are the best winter activities in New York? Winter stretches far beyond the holiday season, and New Yorkers are prepared with endless things to do in winter to keep cabin fever away. Our state parks and reserves are worth a visit year-round, with many offering seasonal activities like snowshoeing and moonlit hikes. For a unique experience in Lake Placid, this peaceful winter gondola ride lets riders soak up New York’s snowy beauty without the chilly hike. Or, for some classic winter fun, our state’s rolling terrain is seemingly made for snow tubing! Then, take a hike to one of New York’s best frozen waterfalls. The options are endless!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in New York is positively magical! Whether in upstate New York or at the heart of the city, we’re fortunate that so many of our towns embrace the holiday spirit and play host to some of the sweetest Christmas festivals in New England. As you take our Christmas towns road trip through New York, you’ll find events like Frosty Fest in Ulster Park and the annual Bronx Zoo Lights. If you’re near Buffalo, these special events are for you!
If immersing yourself in a forest of dazzling Christmas trees sounds like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, this Christmas tree forest in Hamburg, New York is an absolute dream. With gentle snowdrifts lining the paths, this delightful forest is especially beautiful! But if staying toasty warm on an especially chilly day sounds like the way to go, you can also explore a gorgeous indoor arboretum of Christmas trees in Oyster Bay.
One thing is for sure: wherever you are, you’re sure to find a glittering Christmas village in New York to explore and plenty of colorful Christmas cheer everywhere you turn!
What are the best winter activities in New York?
Winter stretches far beyond the holiday season, and New Yorkers are prepared with endless things to do in winter to keep cabin fever away. Our state parks and reserves are worth a visit year-round, with many offering seasonal activities like snowshoeing and moonlit hikes.
For a unique experience in Lake Placid, this peaceful winter gondola ride lets riders soak up New York’s snowy beauty without the chilly hike. Or, for some classic winter fun, our state’s rolling terrain is seemingly made for snow tubing! Then, take a hike to one of New York’s best frozen waterfalls. The options are endless!
