Enjoy Holiday Fun in Clifton Park, NY: Santa Sightings, Trees, and Local Joy
’Tis the season for sparkling lights, Santa sightings, Christmas traditions, and festive community events. From craft nights to winter markets, there’s no shortage of holiday fun in Clifton Park, NY throughout November and December.
Local businesses and community groups offer plenty of ways to celebrate. Plan ahead and make the most of the season right here in town and in neighboring spots like Halfmoon, Ballston Lake, and Mechanicville.
Holiday Shopping in Clifton Park: Unique Gifts and Local Finds
Start your holiday season with a visit to Wit’s End Giftique on Route 9. This locally owned shop is known for upscale gifts, seasonal home décor, and jewelry.
One visitor called it the "coolest place on the planet for all things holiday related," noting the Radko hand-blown ornaments as a standout. The shop is full of gift options, stationery, candles, food items, and other unique finds for the season.
Clifton Park Center Mall offers name-brand stores, popular chains, and Santa photos during the holidays too. Shoppers will also find seasonal deals around Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, both excellent opportunities to support local businesses.
Festive Drinks and Cozy Holiday Dining
Seasonal menus and holiday cocktails make local dining extra inviting this time of year. These Clifton Park favorites are great for casual nights out, meetups with friends, or unwinding after a day of shopping.
30 Park
Seasonal cocktails and cozy meals are part of the holiday experience in Clifton Park. 30 Park on Clifton Country Road often features rotating drink specials throughout the season. The setting is warm and casual, ideal for a night out or a holiday gathering.
One recent guest said, “We had a great time at 30 Park! Delicious drinks and food, and outstanding service. Grace our bartender was excellent and very knowledgeable.”
Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar
Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar, located in Clifton Park Center, offers an inviting atmosphere with a wide selection of wines and seasonal pairings. Their menu often features local ingredients and specials that change with the season.
“The best wood fired pizza in town,” said one diner who enjoyed the friendly bartenders and relaxed setting. They noted that happy hour prices are solid and liked watching the staff “work their magic” behind the bar.
Magical Moments With Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa and Mrs. Claus are making several appearances in and around Clifton Park this season. From traditional photo ops to themed events, here are the top places to meet them.
Breakfast With Santa and Mrs. Claus – Clifton Park Elks Lodge
The Twin Bridges Rotary hosts their annual Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The event takes place at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge in Ballston Lake, with two seatings at 8:30 and 10:00 AM.
Tickets are $15 per person, and children under 3 are free. Guests will enjoy a full breakfast, holiday activities, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Advance registration is required through the Twin Bridges Rotary website.
Jingle Bell Bash – Halfmoon Town Hall
Also on December 6, families can head to Halfmoon Town Hall for the Jingle Bell Bash from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. This free event includes horse-drawn sleigh rides, crafts, holiday characters, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event features balloon artists, face painting, music, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere for all ages. It's hosted by the Halfmoon Celebrations Association and is one of the area's most well-attended holiday events.
An Evening With Mrs. Claus – Halfmoon Town Hall Lobby
On Friday, December 12, 2025, Mrs. Claus will visit the Halfmoon Town Hall Lobby for a special evening of stories, songs, and cookies. This event is designed for children ages 5 to 10 and is limited to 50 participants.
Each child receives milk and a cookie, along with a free gift. Reservations open November 21 by email through the Halfmoon Celebrations Association. Spots typically fill quickly for this relaxed, story-focused evening.
Santa at Clifton Park Center Mall
Santa will return to Clifton Park Center Mall in late November and will be available through Christmas Eve. Located in the Center Court area, Santa meets with families daily and photo packages are available for purchase.
Reservations are not required but may be helpful on busy weekends. Many local families visit this location year after year, making it a go-to for traditional holiday portraits.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops in the Clifton Park area is hosting Santa’s Wonderland from November 2 through December 24. Visitors can receive a free 4x6 photo with Santa and explore a North Pole-inspired setup with holiday crafts and games.
Online reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to seven days in advance at basspro.com. This experience is free and typically draws a steady crowd throughout the season.
Dazzling Light Displays at Santa's Playland
One of the most anticipated Christmas activities in the Clifton Park area is Santa’s Playland at Quick Response in Round Lake. This free, drive-through light display features animated decorations synchronized to festive music, offering a fun and memorable experience for families.
The event runs Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM throughout the season. Visitors can enjoy the show from the warmth of their vehicle while taking in thousands of lights and cheerful scenes.
Create Holiday Magic at Art in Mind Studio Workshops
Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio in Glenville offers hands-on holiday art classes throughout the season. Workshops are designed for adults and teens, with a few all-ages options as well.
Expect offerings like Watercolor Holiday Cards, Paint and Sip Snowy Nights, or Holiday Tabletop Charcuterie Board painting sessions. These events are a great way to get creative and bring home something handmade for the holidays.
One family visiting the area joined a Winter Wonderland Paint & Sip class and shared that it was “so much fun.” They found the session relaxing and appreciated how the instructor “encouraged us to make our paintings our own.” The class was welcoming and casual, with a group of friendly participants that made the evening even more enjoyable.
Pick Out the Perfect Tree at Ellms Family Farm
Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa is a popular destination for real Christmas trees. The farm offers several types including Fraser Fir, Balsam, and Blue Spruce, and provides a welcoming, family-oriented environment.
Tree shopping at Ellms includes free hot cocoa, saws for cutting your own tree, and tractor-pulled rides out to the tree fields.
“We’ve purchased our family Christmas tree here for the past 7 or 8 years,” shared one regular. They mentioned the wide selection, reasonable pricing, and how the maps of each field help identify tree sizes quickly. For many, this experience marks the start of the season.
Watch the CPKC Holiday Train Roll Into Mechanicville
The CPKC Holiday Train returns to Mechanicville on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The event takes place from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM at 300 Park Avenue and includes a free outdoor concert by Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell.
This annual event supports local food banks and encourages guests to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations. Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised over $26 million and collected more than 5.4 million pounds of food across North America.
Arrive early for parking and to find a good spot. The festive train, live music, and focus on giving make this a highlight of the season.
Plan Your Holiday Fun in Clifton Park Today
With Santa sightings, light shows, art classes, tree farms, and community festivals, there’s no need to travel far to enjoy the season. Local families and visitors alike can build their own holiday traditions right here in the Clifton Park area.
Start planning now and make the most of the holiday season with events and experiences that bring people together.
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