There’s something truly magical about the holidays in Lake Placid. Snow blankets the Adirondacks, the smell of pine trees drifts through town and twinkling lights cast a warm glow on every storefront. At the heart of it all is Whiteface Lodge, a rustic-luxe retreat that wraps guests in comfort and cheer from the moment they arrive.
Think freshly baked cookies waiting in your suite each night, roaring fireplaces throughout the lodge, a grand holiday tree in Kanu restaurant and festive cocktails that taste like the season. Outside, the lodge’s private ice-skating rink sets the scene for memory-making, while nightly s’mores by the fire keep the nostalgia burning. Guests can cap the night with a holiday classic in the resort’s 56-seat movie theater –popcorn included. With extravagant seasonal décor and a spirit that welcomes guests and locals alike, Whiteface Lodge feels like the set of a Christmas movie brought to life.
While in Lake Placid, don’t miss:
- Holiday Village Stroll (Dec 12–14): A beloved local tradition featuring a skating party, scavenger hunt, photos with Santa and more.
- Dog Sled Rides: Be whisked across snow and ice by a team of energetic and beautiful dogs, surrounded by mountain views.
- Festive shopping at local makers’ markets and boutiques on Main Street.
- Get a Legacy Site Passport and visit the Olympic venues in Lake Placid.
- Sleigh rides through snow-covered woods.
- Just 12 miles from Lake Placid, Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, NY is a nostalgic Christmas village with classic rides, live shows and holiday magic that once inspired Walt Disney himself.
This is the kind of place where the holidays feel exactly as they should – cozy, joyful and straight out of a Christmas movie.
