Written by Carly Hawes; Edited by Sandy Caligiore
Lake Placid – This two-time Winter Olympic host is a popular destination year-round, not only because of its stunning Adirondack scenery, but also because Lake Placid hosts a variety of different sporting events and lively holiday celebrations that the entire family can enjoy.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there will be plenty of fun to be had in Lake Placid. There are events still to come that you absolutely won’t want to miss. Make the Mirror Lake Inn your headquarters as we are located right in the midst of it all.
Here’s a roundup of what’s ahead in this Upstate New York region.
Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest
Brews, brats, oompah, gondola rides, arts and crafts and much more Sept. 27-28 at the Olympic Mountain. This is a family friendly event held against the backdrop of fall colors. Please note – if you want a gondola ride to the top of Little Whiteface, get there early.
WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Lake Placid will once again host the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series for the penultimate round. Complete with cross-country trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg that were newly built in 2024, along with a downhill course now underway at Whiteface Mountain ready for the 2025 event, there’s plenty to look forward to as a spectator. The event runs from October 2-5. Each day is packed full with different training sessions and races, so it’s worth checking the event schedule before planning your trip.
Flaming Leaves Festival
The U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined National Championships return to Lake Placid this year, from October 11-12. In addition to the big sporting event, you’ll be treated to live music performances, and plenty of local vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. It’s the perfect opportunity to both enjoy the skiing action and the buzz of Lake Placid’s vibrant local culture as the foliage change hits peak.
Lake Placid Film Festival
Commencing October 30, the Lake Placid Film Festival is a four-day celebration of award-winning cinema, showcasing feature films, shorts, and hosting a number of expert panels and fun mixers. Whether you’re keen to learn more about filmmaking, meet industry professionals, or simply want to enjoy excellent cinema – there’s something for everyone at the 2025 film festival.
The countdown to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games is on! Top skaters from across the world, including U.S. champions and world medalists, will compete at the three-day competition in women’s, men’s, pairs and ice dance.
With the inaugural Skate America held in Lake Placid in 1979, this marks the sixth time Skate America will be held in Lake Placid — and the first time since 2017! This is also the third time Skate America will take place in Lake Placid in an Olympic season.
Holiday Village Stroll
In December, Lake Placid is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. If you’re heading here for a holiday break, be sure to check out the holiday village stroll that runs December 12-14. The village is fun for everyone, offering festive food and drinks, ice skating, scavenger hunts and the opportunity to meet Santa. Be sure to make the tree lighting ceremony on December 13 – it’s a truly special way to welcome in the Christmas season.
Other events of note:
–Oct. 11 / Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon, 1oK and 5K races
–Nov. 28-29 / Adirondack Invitational Hockey featuring 4 NCAA Division I schools
–Dec. 19-21 / FIL World Cup luge – part of the 2026 Olympic qualification process
Experience the magic of Lake Placid
There are always lots of fun activities and events taking place at Lake Placid, and the vast majority are child-friendly – just be sure to check local guidelines and event health and safety advice to ensure stress-free family fun.
So long as you plan your trip in advance, you can make sure you get to experience every event on your list – with plenty of time left over to explore everything else that Lake Placid has to offer.
Author Info: Carly Hawes
A keen solo traveler, Carly loves to make sure her travels coincide with different seasonal events so she can really get a feel for the local area. She enjoys meeting new people and finding out what they love about their home.