Visit Skaneateles, the One Christmas Town in New York That’s Simply a Must Visit This Season

Every year as the holidays approach, you may start planning how to make the most of the Christmas season, and how best to enjoy the many attractions and holiday experiences our state has to offer. From strolling through cozy Christmas towns in New York to taking in the dazzling array of Christmas lights adorning our charming Main Streets, there's no shortage of things to do in New York, even when the temperature drops! In fact, no matter where you live in the Empire State, it's nearly impossible to feel like you aren't living inside of a picture-perfect snow globe once the winter season rolls around. This year, if you're ready to experience what it's like to step into one of New York's most enchanting and festive Christmas towns, see why we can't get enough of this town and experience a Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, NY during the Christmas season.

Situated at the northern of Skaneateles Lake, the picturesque village of Skaneateles, New York may be popular to visit during the summertime but come winter, this place is nothing short of magical.

Once the end of November rolls around, Skaneateles quite literally takes a page out of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol and offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

A delightful tradition that has been going on for over 25 years now, the Dickens Christmas event here in town puts you in a sea of 50 characters straight out of A Christmas Carol, and other recognizable faces like Charles Dickens and Father Christmas too!

Typically taking place every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas, you can head to Skaneateles to see all the different costumed characters in town and Victorian-themed decorations, and to experience things like Christmas carol sing-alongs at the town's gazebo.

Businesses and shops all throughout town join in on the fun each year, with things like live events at the Skaneateles Library, visits with Father Christmas at the Masonic Temple, breakfast with Santa at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo (a favorite family event), and even holiday story readings by Mother Goose in town!

As the holidays inch closer, popular places in town, like the Sherwood Inn, begin to look like something out of your favorite Christmas movie.

With decorations strung about all throughout the town, you won't believe your eyes as you take it all in!

Something else to keep in mind: visitors of Skaneateles at Christmas can enjoy both wagon and horse-drawn carriage rides around the village that leave from the Sherwood Inn. These nostalgic rides are especially lovely when the town is dusted with snow!

Even the illuminated Christmas tree at the end of the town's pier shows off the town's festive spirit. It's easy to see why there's nothing more memorable than visiting this quaint Christmas village upstate during Skaneateles' month-long Dickens Christmas event!

To find out more about the Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, New York, including dates and times, and to see what it's like to experience this magical Christmas village in New York during the holiday season, visit the City of Skaneateles website.

This sweet Christmas village in New York is truly something special, and we simply can't get enough! Have you ever visited Skaneateles at Christmas? What was your favorite part?

To continue the holiday festivities, you'll want to read about the town of North Pole, New York. And don't forget to check out our ultimate gift-giving guide!

Do you have a favorite place you'd like to see in a future post? Use our nominations page to let us know!