Sammy Yelle of the Smoke Show Fire Co. performs a dance at one of several showings during the North Country New Year celebrations on Dec. 31, 2024 at Riverside Park. (Enterprise photo — Grace McIntyre)

SARANAC LAKE — The community of Saranac Lake will be hosting its North Country New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m. Residents and visitors from across the North Country and the Adirondacks are encouraged to take part in the festivities.

The event offers a family-oriented celebration focused on arts, culture and community. Local, regional and guest artists will provide various entertainment and music across multiple downtown locations, showcasing a blend of talent and creativity to celebrate the new year in style.

North Country New Year admission is $20 per person, $15 for seniors and free for children under 18. Access to venues during North Country New Year is available by purchasing a specially designed sticker which serves as the event pass. The stickers can be purchased in person at Sparkle Village on Dec. 6 and 7; or purchased from Dec. 8 to Dec. 30 at northcountrynewyear.com and picked up at the Harrietstown Town Hall with proof of purchase. Admission stickers can also be purchased in-person throughout the day at the Harrietstown Town Hall on Dec. 31. Admission is also available for purchase at the Saranac Lake Civic Center and Petrova Elementary School on Dec. 31, beginning at 5 p.m. (cash only).

Throughout the evening, venues throughout downtown Saranac Lake will feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, music, dance lessons, local food, comedy shows and rides on the Adirondack Carousel.

Grammy-nominated band Professor Louie and the Crowmatix, from Woodstock, will be headlining North Country New Year at the Harrietstown Town Hall auditorium beginning at 8 p.m. with their mix of rock, Americana and blues. At Petrova Elementary School, families can enjoy kids’ activities including balloon animals, Circus with Sammy, caricatures by Joe Ferris, face painting, live performances by Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza, and a special visit from the Adirondack Sky Center planetarium. Historic Saranac Lake will host a vintage game night at the Saranac Lake Laboratory Museum. Participants are also invited to lace up for ice skating at the Saranac Lake Civic Center.

According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Saranac Lake Marketing Manager Ashley Garwood, organizers are excited about this year’s activities and entertainment lineup.

“Our event committee has been working all year to plan and secure entertainment, plan activities and encourage local businesses and organizations to take part in North Country New Year,” she said in a press release. “New Year’s Eve is always a magical time, especially with our beautiful, snowy village and its warm, welcoming venues. We’re thrilled to be able to create another memorable experience for residents, families, and visitors to welcome the New Year.”

The evening features a number of other activities taking place throughout downtown including:

¯ Caricatures and face painting

¯ Comedy by longtime favorites Moody McCarthy and Completely Stranded

¯ Magician Alakazam performs at 6 p.m.

¯ Local music from The Allens

¯ ’50s/’60s revivalists Frankie & the Moonlighters

¯ Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir

¯ Fire dancing by Smoke Show Fire Co.

¯ At 10 p.m. attendees will be treated to a fireworks display, welcoming 2026.

The mission of North Country New Year is to create a family-friendly New Year’s Eve experience for the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, as well as the surrounding region. Organizers are always looking for volunteers. Those interested should contact volunteer coordinator Christine Farah at director@slareachamber.org or 518-891-1990.