By Elizabeth Lemire
As we navigate momentous change — from AI advancements to robots once found only in our favorite cartoons – Mohawk Valley Living invites you to embrace nostalgia this season. Take a break from the mayhem to rediscover the simplicity of yesteryear.
We hope to give you opportunities to watch the wonder on children’s faces as they take in the season, explore age-old traditions, spend time with family and friends, and seek out special gifts for everyone on your list – whether handmade by you or thoughtfully chosen from a local Mohawk Valley business.
Happy holidays to you and yours, and may these “Holiday Happenings” inspire moments of meaningful connection.
Christmas in Little Falls
Historic Downtown, Little Falls, NY
December 12–13, 2025
Little Falls scratches our nostalgic itch in its very being. This charming historic setting on the Erie Canal corridor knows how to celebrate. Enjoy their “Soup Fest,” “Reindeer Run,” horse-drawn wagon rides, and a glorious “Celebration of Lights” in Canal Place.Their tree‑lighting ceremony gives us our own Rockefeller Center moment right here in the Mohawk Valley. For a more detailed schedule of events, go to thedailypost.digital.
Glimmer Nights
Fenimore Farm & Country Village, Cooperstown
December 1–28 | 5:30–9:00 PM
Bundle up and experience Fenimore Farm aglow! Stroll along the illuminated pathways of “Glimmer Nights,” a self-guided walking tour that transforms the museum’s Country Village into a dazzling winter wonderland. Advance tickets recommended at: fenimorefarm.org/glimmernights.
Each weekend features a special theme:
Dec 6–7: Dickens Nights
Enjoy live performances from A Christmas Carol, costumed characters, and caroling throughout the village.
Dec 11–14: Wassail Nights
Sip complimentary warm wassail or cider from Fly Creek Cider Mill, explore the lights, ride the carousel, and browse the Holiday Market for artisan gifts.
Dec 20: Solstice Night
A night for adults, featuring crafts, wreath-making, a bonfire, and cozy seasonal drinks.
Dec 27–28: Winter Wonderland Closing
Family-friendly fun with snowman building, meet-and-greets with “ice queens,” and tractor rides.
Not So Tiny Nutcracker
Oneida County History Center, 1608 Genesee Street, Utica
December 1–January 10 | Tuesday–Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
See an impressive display of nutcrackers from around the world! Immerse yourself in a whimsical world where every intricately crafted nutcracker tells a unique story. This year’s collection welcomes a series of historical nutcrackers, including Baron von Steuben (Drillmaster of the Continental Army), Lucy Carlile Watson (Utica suffragist), Jesse Williams (inventor of the first U.S. cheese factory), F. X. Matt I (founder of the West End Brewing Company), and Chauncey E. Goodrich (a horticulturist who had broad agricultural impact by developing potato varieties that helped mitigate potato diseases).
Gingerbread Village
Turning Stone Casino, Verona
December 1-January 1
Gingerbread houses are a cherished tradition for many families. For those who prefer to admire them rather than bake and make their own, Turning Stone’s display will delight all generations with its elaborate villages and mind-blowing detail. These sweet creations have been named among the country’s top gingerbread displays year after year. Find them near the main entrance of the resort by The Commons shopping boutiques.
The Polar Express
Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica
December 4–7, 11–14, and 18–21
Step into holiday magic aboard the Adirondack Railroad on “The Polar Express.” This cozy 2-hour journey includes pajama-friendly attire, hot chocolate, cookies, and a festive stop at the “North Pole,” where Santa himself boards, and presents each family with the first gift of Christmas: the iconic silver bell. Book early—tickets go fast! adirondackrr.com
Lavender & Lights
Spring Creek Lavender, 8879 Trenton Falls Prospect Rd., Remsen
December 5–7, 12–14, 18–23
Discover the beauty of the season in a slower, simpler way. Lavender & Lights offers a moment to breathe and be together. Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights, inhale the scent of lavender and pine in the crisp evening air, snuggle with the farm’s friendly goats, and linger by the fire with hot chocolate and a freshly roasted s’more. Details at springcreeklavenderny.com.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Sharon Springs
December 5–7, 12–14, 19–21
Don’t miss historic Sharon Springs this holiday season, where charming shops abound with holiday treasures. From partridges to golden rings, every corner of the village holds a little holiday magic. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” invites everyone to shop, eat, drink, and be merry. Participating retailers will offer a “spend $30, receive $5” promotion, which, in the words of local retailer Eileen Harcourt, owner of EH Rural Provisions, “captures the true essence of holiday sharing—meeting new and old friends and giving back.”
Zoobilee
Utica Zoo, Utica
December 6 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Step into a holiday jubilee at the Utica Zoo, where twinkling lights, live music, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus create a warm, old-fashioned celebration. Cozy up by campfires for roasted marshmallows, sip cocoa, and discover how the zoo’s animals adapt to winter. Watch out—the Grinch may sneak in for a mischievous visit! Photo ops await for you to choose naughty or nice.
Wassailing Weekends
Fly Creek Cider Mill Tasting Room, 288 Goose Street, Fly Creek
December 6–7 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
December 13–14 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
December 20–21 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The earliest reports of wassail, a traditional cider-based holiday drink, date back to the 1300s. Carolers would carry bowls of hot wassail from house to house during the holidays, wishing friends good health and luck in the coming year. Bill Michaels, the Mill owner, was inspired to revive these traditions during a hectic holiday season. Learn to make your own wassail; check someone off your gift list by packaging the ingredients with special spices from Fly Creek Cider Mill to ensure your wassail is the toast of your party or a perfect holiday gift.
Christmas in Esperance
123 Church Street, Esperance
December 6 | 10:00 AM
Experience the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas inside an 1800s one-room schoolhouse at the Esperance Historical Museum. Stroll through beautifully decorated Christmas trees, shop for handcrafted gifts, and enjoy homemade “Chocolate Jumbles” — a regional cookie, filled with spice and tradition dating back to 1916. Hear Christmas carols on the piano at the Esperance Presbyterian Church. If you have children in tow, the North Pole mailbox will be receiving letters, with each child receiving a special reply from Santa.
Santa Claus Express
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad, Milford
December 6–7 | 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM
December 13–14 | 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM
December 20–21 | 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM
Bursting with colorful lights and festive garland, the train is a holiday spectacle even before it departs the station. Santa and Mrs. Claus will entertain kids of all ages on board with holiday music and seasonal refreshments. Watch Santa work his magic by bringing a small gift labeled with your child’s name to the “Reindeer Shack” behind the Depot on the day of your ride.
Duration: Approximately 2½ hours
Advance tickets available at lrhs.com/santa-claus-express.
Cookie Decorating
Brimstone Bakery, 922 Chestnut Street, Sharon Springs
December 13 | 11 AM – 2 PM
Brimstone sins are worth it. New York City & San Francisco-based chef, Anthony Leberto, will be sharing his creativity this season with free cookie decorating. Complimentary hot chocolate is available to sip slowly and savor as you enjoy the festive atmosphere and escape the holiday hustle.
Also happening is Brimstone Brunch on Saturdays in December, with the final one on Christmas Eve.
Glass-Blowing Workshop
Montezuma Winery, Cooperstown
December 13 | 4:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–6:00 PM
Step into the warmth of the season at Montezuma Winery and try your hand at the art of glassblowing. You’ll shape and color your glass just as craftspeople did generations ago. Your registration includes a festive holiday cocktail featuring Montezuma’s signature wine and an heirloom ornament. Tickets are available at: montezumawinery.com/events.
Munson Holiday Art Market, Utica
December 11 | 12:00–7:00 PM
December 12 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Find one-of-a-kind gifts, meet local creators, and experience Munson’s vibrant arts community. Browse original artwork and handcrafted goods by Pratt Munson students, Munson faculty and staff, and community art students.
Munson’s Holiday Open House
Fountain Elms, Utica
December 11 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Step back in time and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal with a festive journey back to the elegance of the canal’s heyday. The “Victorian Yuletide: Fancy Goods” exhibit showcases opulent furnishings and holiday décor that once adorned homes during the canal boom.
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the wintry grounds, then warm up with cookies and hot chocolate at the Terrace Café. In the Root Court, craft your own ornament from recycled materials, decorate cookies with your own custom kit, tap your toes to live music, and browse unique gifts at the Art Market and Museum Shop.
The “Victorian Yuletide: Fancy Goods” exhibit will be on display through January 4.
Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tours
Hyde Hall, Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown
December 12 | 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM
December 13 | 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM
Hyde Hall, a magnificent mansion built between 1817 and 1834 for a wealthy Englishman named George Clarke, invites you to transcend time and experience the season as it was celebrated 200 years ago. Immerse yourself in festive cheer as you discover historical holiday customs and explore Hyde Hall adorned with lush greenery and flickering candlelight. Take in the home’s stunning view of Otsego Lake, a feature virtually unchanged since the early 19th century.
Christmas in Schoharie at the Old Stone Fort, 145 Fort Road, Schoharie
December 13 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Historians will share 18th-century holiday traditions; children and their families can explore how these relate to our own. Throughout the day, enjoy carolers filling the air with classic holiday tunes, participate in a “Jumble/Jumbo Cookie Contest” (visit theoldstonefort.org for details), and warm up at a special hot chocolate bar. Browse unique, historically themed gifts at the museum store, where you’ll find Dutch and German Christmas decorations, traditional wooden toys, regional history books, and natural stone jewelry.
Santa’s Magical Visit & Tree Lighting
The Root Farm, Sauquoit
December 13 | 3:30–5:30 PM
These four sheep feel like they belong in a verse of The Twelve Days of Christmas—sorry, calling birds! If you haven’t experienced The Root Farm, ’tis the season! Enjoy live animals, Santa’s Magical Visit™, ornament decorating, Christmas carolers, locally-made gifts, a Christmas tree lighting and many untold surprises—don’t miss!
Bank of Utica New Year’s Eve Party, 222 Genesee Street, Utica
December 31 | 6:30 PM – 12:15 AM
Skip the Times Square crowd and celebrate locally as the iconic Bank of Utica tower counts down to midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display to ring in 2026. Enjoy live music from The Shawn Smith Band, J-Easy, and Soul Injection; street performers; a bonfire warm-up; the UPD/UFD Chili Cook-Off; and drinks from Saranac and Utica Coffee. Local restaurants and food trucks will serve throughout the evening.
Sounds of the Season
Historic St. John’s Midnight Mass
240 Bleeker Street, Utica
December 24 | 10:30 PM
Standing ovations aren’t typically associated with church — but the voices, organ, and instrumental accompaniment in the choir loft at Historic St. John’s certainly earn them. If singing and solemnity are what you’re after, the Midnight Mass is worth the visit. Pat Marthage, a recently retired district attorney, has a voice so beautiful that people crane their necks to catch a glimpse of the person behind it. All are welcome to enjoy the sounds of the season.
