To say that 2020 has brought a lot of changes would be gross understatement. Everyday life has changed massively. As a society, we have adapted to COVID-19 regulations. We’ve tested the limits of creativity – drive by birthday celebrations, socially distanced graduation ceremonies, no contact trick or treating, intimate Thanksgiving gatherings. You name it, we have found a way to keep some semblance of traditions.

This Christmas poses similar challenges. With COVID cases on the rise, how do we balance our need maintain health and safety with our desire to continue to celebrate the spirit of Christmas? In the Ticonderoga area, our local businesses and organizations have been inventive in finding ways to provide services and schedule events in a way that respects holiday traditions, while keeping safety a priority.

Events

The Christmas season is usually chock full of events and parties. While this year is much quieter, there are still safe events you can attend or participate in from the comfort of your own home.

The Ticonderoga Historical Society is hosting their annual Festival of Trees at the Hancock House – a local favorite tradition. They welcome the public to tour four floors of seasonal trees, exhibits, and displays. They are open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. COVID guidelines apply. Masks and contact information are required for access. Call ahead to schedule a visit!

Fort Ticonderoga continues their Digital History Series with programs such as, “All is Calm?: Uncovering the Christmas Day Incident at Ticonderoga, 1776” and “Virtual Holiday Drinks and Drama.”

The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is offering their Holiday Season Trektacular, where guests can take part in special VIP tours, with photographs taken in each room of the recreated sets of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Activities

For many of us, Christmas traditions are all about spending time with family. The Ticonderoga area is well placed in the heart of the Adirondacks, making it an ideal place to get outside with your family and create new memories.

Snowmobiling in the Ticonderoga area is a wonderful holiday activity. The Adirondack Trailriders is the local snowmobile club that provides groomed and marked trails for your recreational needs. While your sled may not go as fast as Santa’s, this trail system will bring you to places Santa can only wish to see!

If you are looking to make a trek that could rival the wise men's, check out any number of the hiking and snowshoeing trails in the region. Champlain Area Trails, the LaChute River Trail, the Lake George Land Conservancy and the Crown Point State Historic Site all have wonderful trails for you to enjoy on foot or snowshoe!

We all know Santa will not come to your house until everyone is asleep. If you need a way to tire out your kids before bedtime we suggest going sledding at the Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park. Zipping down the hill and trudging back up over and over will have them seeing visions of sugar plums long before Santa comes down your chimney! Think snow!

Shopping

Christmas would not be the same without the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Our local retailers are committed to helping you safely find the perfect treasures for your loved ones. While all retailers are requiring social distancing, face masks and proper hand sanitization, many are going the extra mile to ensure you are able to shop in the safest way possible. Scheduling private shopping opportunities, creating virtual tours of their stores and offering online shopping availability are just some of the ways local business owners are ensuring you can shop safely and smartly.

Dining

Restaurants in the Ticonderoga area are doing everything they can to ensure your dining experience is safe and enjoyable. Whether you choose to order your "Who Hash" as takeout or dine in for "Roast Beast," you can rest assured that your health and safety is of the upmost importance to each establishment.

Holiday Preparations

As you are making your final preparations for your Christmas festivities, consider coming to the Ticonderoga area and taking advantage of the opportunities shopping small can afford you. Order your Christmas ham or turkey from one of our farms and check out the unique selection and wide variety of items at Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-op. Grab a bottle of wine for your holiday meal or a bottle of champagne to toast the New Year at Montcalm Liquors. Your guests at your holiday table will thank you!

COVID-19 may change how we celebrate the holidays this year, but the Ticonderoga area is ready to help you embrace your family traditions in new ways or begin new ones. The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help you plan the holidays in a safe and healthy way! Check out our business directory for a complete list of restaurants, retailers, and attractions. Happy holidays and best wishes for 2021!