Visit Saratoga Springs, NY
Holiday lights on Broadway, mineral baths in a 1935 bathhouse, cross-country ski trails and skating in Spa State Park, and a folk club where Bob Dylan once played.
Train, plane or car
| Mode | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Fly to Albany (ALB) | 26 mi, about 35 min drive | Flights from NYC about $100–$250 one-way; from Chicago, Atlanta or Dallas about $200–$400 (varies by season) |
| 🚆 Amtrak to Saratoga Springs | Station at 26 Station Lane, walkable to downtown | From NYC Moynihan Train Hall: $96–$125, about 3.5–4.5 hrs |
| 🚗 Uber from ALB | About 26 mi, 35–40 min | $65–$85 (about $50–$60 off-peak) |
Best value: the train
Amtrak from New York (from $96) beats flying plus an Uber (about $165+), and the station is walkable to downtown. If you are flying in from far away, Albany is the practical choice.
Where to stay
Book it here:
- Gideon Putnam Resort & SpaIn Spa State Park
- The Adelphi HotelOn Broadway
- Holiday Inn Saratoga SpringsNear downtown
Three hotels for a Saratoga Christmas
Book early: the holiday week fills fast.
Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa
A Georgian-style resort inside Saratoga Spa State Park, steps from the Roosevelt Baths, the ski trails and the skating rink.
The Adelphi Hotel
A restored Victorian landmark on Broadway, home to Morrissey's and Salt & Char, decorated for the holidays.
Saratoga in December
Saratoga Spa State Park
12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, and an outdoor ice rink near the Victoria Pool. Snowshoe rentals are available on site (about $10/day).
Inside the park, soak in one of 42 private mineral baths at the historic 1935 Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Book ahead.
Caffè Lena
The oldest continuously running folk music venue in the U.S. (Bob Dylan played here at 19). Check the winter schedule for holiday shows.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The history of American thoroughbred racing, open year-round, Wed–Sat, 10 am–4 pm.
Holiday shopping on Broadway
Boutiques, galleries and gift shops downtown. Check the Saratoga Springs City Center calendar for holiday markets.
Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.
A cozy stop for handcrafted teas and local honey on a snowy afternoon.
Dec 22–26, 2026: Christmas in Saratoga Springs
Day 1 · Arrival & downtown
Tue, Dec 22Afternoon
- Downtown holiday light walk: Broadway and Congress Park are decked out in festive lights. Stroll the shops and boutiques.
- Saratoga Tea & Honey Co. for handcrafted teas and local honey.
Dinner
- Hamlet & Ghost: speakeasy-style cocktails and seasonal dishes, a winter favorite.
- Or 15 Church: upscale contemporary American, perfect for a special occasion.
Day 2 · Spa & nature
Wed, Dec 23Morning
- Saratoga Spa State Park: cross-country ski, snowshoe or skate.
- Roosevelt Baths & Spa: a private mineral bath. Book ahead.
Lunch
- Hattie's Restaurant: beloved Southern comfort food near Congress Park, open since 1938.
Afternoon
- National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (Wed–Sat, 10 am–4 pm).
Dinner
- Osteria Danny: highly rated Italian; try the chicken vodka rigatoni.
- Or The Wishing Well: classic fine dining a short drive north in Gansevoort.
Day 3 · Christmas Eve
Thu, Dec 24Book holiday dinners early: the best tables fill fast for Christmas Eve.
Morning
- Holiday gift shopping at the local boutiques on Broadway.
- Saratoga Automobile Museum: vintage cars in an elegant setting.
Lunch
- Olde Bryan Inn: historic tavern famous for oven-roasted turkey and prime rib.
Afternoon
- Caffè Lena: check the winter schedule for Christmas Eve performances.
Dinner
- Seneca: New American with a wood-fired grill, one of the top-rated spots in town.
- Or Morrissey's Lounge & Bistro inside The Adelphi Hotel: wood-fired pizza and crudo.
Day 4 · Christmas Day
Fri, Dec 25Many places close or shorten hours on Christmas Day. Call ahead to confirm.
Morning
- A quiet stroll through Congress Park: frozen fountains and snow-covered paths.
- Warm up at Saratoga Tea & Honey (check holiday hours).
Lunch
- Comfort Kitchen: casual and friendly for a relaxed holiday lunch.
- Or Sweet Mimi's Cafe & Bakery for brunch and pastries.
Afternoon
- Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College (check holiday hours).
Dinner
- Salt & Char: classic steakhouse with signature cuts and seafood.
- Or Druthers Brewing Company: wood-fired pizza and local brews.
Day 5 · Boxing Day & departure
Sat, Dec 26Morning
- One last cross-country ski or snowshoe at Spa State Park or the nearby Wilton Wildlife Preserve.
- Saratoga Farmers' Market: open Saturdays Dec–April, 9:30 am–1:30 pm.
Lunch
- Bocage Champagne Bar: a light, elegant lunch with champagne.
- Or Familiar Creature: a dark, cozy wine bar with great cocktails.
Afternoon
- Depart.
Top restaurants
Quick reference
- 15 ChurchContemporary American
- Hamlet & GhostSeasonal / cocktails
- Osteria DannyItalian
- SenecaNew American, wood-fired grill
- The Wishing WellFine dining, Gansevoort
- Morrissey's (The Adelphi)Wood-fired / bistro
- Salt & CharSteakhouse
- Hattie'sSouthern comfort
- Olde Bryan InnAmerican, historic
- Druthers BrewingPizza / craft beer
Book Roosevelt Baths, 15 Church, Seneca and The Wishing Well well in advance for the holiday week; they fill up fast.
Saratoga Springs, NY in pictures
Plan your Saratoga Christmas
Tell us your dates and we will book the train, the inn, the mineral bath and the holiday dinners.
Prices, hours and event dates change. Confirm with hotels, restaurants and venues before you travel.