Find Upcoming Events You Might Not Know About Close to Saratoga

Snowy scenes, crisp air, warm fires, and fun events! That’s what winter is all about, and you can find a slew of seasonal happenings close to Saratoga in neighboring Washington County.

No need to wait for summer – get out there and enjoy all our area has to offer right now. From winter festivals to winter sports, you’re guaranteed to stay entertained and active. Just imagine sledding down massive hills, ice skating among a backdrop of snow-covered fields, and warming up with s’mores by a bonfire.

Check out the highlighted winter events below and then mark you calendars!

Experience the Ultimate Winter Celebration at Winterfest

Winterfest in Jackson, February 2nd

Photo provided by Washington County Public Health

It’s an entire festival celebrating the season! Happening at Lake Lauderdale in Jackson, you can enjoy all the winter activities you can imagine at Winterfest. Think ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding – there’s even on-ice games like ice bowling. You can also try out ice fishing, no fishing license required, and embark on a horse drawn wagon ride.

Bonus: Explore Jackson & Nearby Towns!

Did you know? The rural town of Jackson is called “The Teapot Town” because the town’s shape strikingly resembles a teapot. Located just about halfway between Saratoga Springs and Manchester, Vermont, you can find historic covered bridges, a number of lakes and cottages, and lush farmland in Jackson.

Easton, close to Jackson, bordering on Schuylerville and Greenwich, is also a treasure trove of farmland, history, and outdoor recreation. The town runs right along the Hudson River for prime fishing opportunities.

And there is also White Creek, which comprises the Mt. Tom State Forest and Chestnut Woods State Forest, the latter of which is right on the Vermont border.

As you’re out and about celebrating winter, make a point to take a drive through these unspoiled areas and make the most of getting away from it all.

Bring the Whole Family Out for a Winter Hike, Picnic & More

Camp Little Notch – Open House/Open Hike in Fort Ann, January 26th & February 23rd

Photo credit: Tess Lecuyer

Camp Little Notch in Fort Ann is hosting two days of an Open House/Open Hike on January 26th and February 23rd. These events are all about taking the time to soak in the beauty around us. There will be a winter picnic and hike, and dogs are welcome.

Attend a Winter-Themed Party for a Great Cause

Music From Salem’s Heart of Winter Party in Greenwich, February 8th

Photo provided

Most of the events highlighted here involve getting outdoors. Here’s a winter-themed get together that’s in the warm indoors – the Heart of Winter Party at Gather 103 in Greenwich. This is an annual fundraising event with a raffle and a silent auction of gift certificates to area restaurants, shops, and artists.

Enjoy festive beverages and sweet treats as you listen to tunes from Music From Salem, which is a year-round series of concerts, open rehearsals, workshops, and seminars for musicians. This event kicks off their 2019 season.

Take a Chilling Dip & Find More Cool Happenings at a Festival

Whitehall WinterFest in Whitehall, February 16th

Note: The Whitehall Chamber is still finalizing the date for Winterfest. Stay tuned for an update as soon as it becomes available!

Here’s another winter festival to enjoy – the Whitehall Winterfest! This festival has everything fun and wintry – a Penguin Dip in the water, a bonfire with s’mores, sledding, free hot soup and beverages, and live music performances from the Stony Creek Band and Whiskey River Band. Of course, any Whitehall event wouldn’t be complete without some Bigfoot fun – Bigfoot researcher Paul Bartholomew will be on site.

Discover Animal Tracks in a Nature Preserve

Animal Tracking in East Hebron, February 18th

Wouldn’t it be cool if, while you’re out and about on winter hikes, you could recognize the animal tracks you see? Attend this Animal Tracking event and maybe you can! The Pember Nature Preserve is hosting this get together where the group will learn about animal tracks and signs before heading out on a hike.

Keep These Winter Events in Mind for Next Year!

Check Out a Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Explore a Museum

Moonlit Snowshoe Tour in Fort Edward, January 19th

The Rogers Island Visitors Center is hosting a Moonlit Snowshoe Tour. This is their second year doing this event. Guests embark on not only a tour of the property, but also of the museum and the island itself. You’ll get in some solid exercise on gorgeous terrain, and you’ll learn about the important role Rogers Island played in the French and Indian War.

Embark on a Moonlit Hike Followed by a Bonfire

Full Moon XC Ski & Hike in Greenwich, January 20th

Photo provided

This moonlit hike is also happening for the second time – the Full Moon XC Ski and Hike at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in Greenwich allows you to ski, snowshoe, or simply walk around the property which, as you can see above, is absolutely stunning. This event is family-friendly, so bring the kids out.

Learn About Owls on a Winter Walk

Owl Talk & Walk in East Hebron, January 20th

Love owls? Who doesn’t? Learn more about these majestic creatures at the Owl Walk & Talk, happening at the Pember Nature Preserve in East Hebron. The event will begin with a discussion about owls followed by an evening hike, and the night will round off with some hot cocoa.