7 Memorable Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Jay, NY

holidays in Jay NY

The tight knit Adirondack community of Jay, NY offers many opportunities for locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the holiday season. If you plan to spend the holidays in Jay, prepare to make the most of your visit to this quaint community and take advantage of easy access to fun activities to make your festivities unique and memorable. Below are a few ideas to get you started on planning your visit.

7 Memorable Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Jay, NY

1. Get in the Holiday Spirit at Christmas in the Forks

Christmas In The Forks offers a classic celebration of the holidays, Adirondack style! 2024 is the 20th anniversary of this popular multi-day event that occurs the first weekend of December. Christmas in the Forks includes a holiday parade, tree lighting, fireworks, meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fun run, music and cookie decorating, and more. This year’s schedule has not been released, but will be available closer to the event date on the Christmas in the Forks Facebook page.

2. Experience NewVida Preserve

The NewVida Preserve is one of the newest additions to the community of Jay. NewVida is a 2,000 acre preserve that was formally known as Paleface Ski Mountain. This preserve has been beautifully restored with a lodge, restaurant, bar, gym, wellness center, and over 35 miles of trails and stunning views! It has become a staple of the community, offering a little something for everyone. Some NewVida experiences that might add an extra special touch to your holidays in Jay:

  • Enjoy a wonderful meal at the main lodge restaurant, view menu
  • Have a drink or hot toddy at the Craft Bar with live music on Friday and Saturdays
  • Visit the wellness center to relax and unwind with yoga, pilates, massage and reiki

NewVida Preserve offers additional services and benefits to members, lodging and day pass guests, including outdoor adventures, pool and spa experiences. Visit the NewVida website to learn more.

3. Hit The Slopes or Take A Gondola Ride at Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is just a short 5 to 10 minute drive away from the Jay region of the Adirondacks. Whiteface is a one-of-a-kind ski and snowboard mountain that offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels. Additionally, it holds the distinction of highest vertical in the East to challenge even the most experienced riders.

While Whiteface is a wonderful mountain for skiing and snowboarding, it also offers some spectacular views to make your holidays in Jay even more memorable. Scenic mountainscapes can be viewed by skiers and riders all up and down the mountain. Non-skiers can opt to take a gondola ride to the top of Little Whiteface. Just a short walk from the top of the gondola is a viewing deck with remarkable views of Lake Placid lake and the bustling village of Lake Placid. Views from the other side of the mountain include Wilmington, the High Peaks, and on super clear day, the shores of Lake Champlain.

For an extra dose of holiday fun, be sure to check out Santa Sunday if you are in town that weekend!

4. Head Out for a Nature Walk or Hike

Visiting the Adirondacks to celebrate the holidays in Jay offers a great chance to explore and find new favorite spots in town or in the backcountry. Grab your hiking boots, cross country skis or snowshoes, depending on the weather, and spend the day discovering a new trail. If you enjoy birding and wildlife watching, grab your binoculars to look for abundant fauna in the area.

If staying in the front country is more your speed, the Jay Covered Bridge, originally built in 1857 and restored in 2006, provides a great place to walk, take in scenery and snap a few group photos. The covered bridge allows pedestrian and bicycle traffic only, and spans over the East Branch of the Ausable River. It is an ideal place for a stroll or to get some photos that capture a piece of history and the natural beauty of the Ausable.

If hiking further into the backcountry is your goal, the Jay region provides the perfect base camp with several trailheads within a short drive. Wilmington, NY is a 5-10 minute drive from Jay and offers a mixture of trail challenges from easy to more difficult. Also, the Keene region is a 15-20 minute drive away. This area is home to many of the Adirondack High Peaks and the perfect place to begin your winter 46’er.

5. Get Festive at a Local Library

Libraries in the Adirondacks are community hubs, and great places to join in on community events and enjoy the festivities of the season. From musical performances, holiday sales, cookie swaps, and festive crafts, local libraries offer much more than just books. Seasonal library events are sure to delight holiday revelers of all ages!

The Au Sable Forks Free Library in Au Sable Forks is holding a Festival of the Wreaths, showcasing wreaths decorated by local businesses and community members. Wreaths are available for viewing and raffle through Dec. 8. Just upstream on the Ausable River, the Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay is holding its annual Holiday Sale of new and gently used items from Nov. 30 – Dec. 24. Visit library websites for hours.

6. Catch A Show or Performance

There are three theaters in the Jay area with a variety of shows and performances to be enjoyed throughout the year. This holiday season, there are a few performances on offer throughout November and December. Click on theater and performance links below for more information.

7. Browse Local Shops & Galleries for Handmade Gifts

Jay is home to many talented artists as well as several galleries and studios.  Make a day of visiting more than one to browse local pottery, paintings, photography and other interesting finds.  Be sure to leave time to chat with the artists, and learn about their creative endeavors in the Adirondacks.

These are just a few ideas to help you plan your holidays in Jay, and make some fantastic holiday memories in the Adirondacks. If you are looking for lodging in the Jay area, contact our Adirondack Premier Properties office at (518) 523-3333 to find the perfect vacation rental!

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