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Category - Holidays

Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade - Photo by James Cahill

How do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? Whether you hail from Irish ancestry or just want to get decked out in green, here are some St. Patrick's Day parades and festivals in New York State to make this holiday the best one yet. Céad míle fáilte to New York!

An aerial view of Sagamore Resort on the edge of bright blue Lake George with the Minne Ha Ha ship passing before it

Get ready for some eggcellent springtime fun with colorful events, festive brunches, and more across New York State. With Easter taking place April 5 and Passover from April 1 through April 9 this year, and events taking place the week before the both holidays, there’s tons of exciting opportunities to celebrate. Here’s where you can find holiday activities and events in the Empire State.

Lake Placid - Olympic Center

With so much to see and do in New York State, it’s tempting to add a few days to your getaway. But what if you could minimize dipping into those PTO days and maximize time spent exploring? We have your guide to the best ways to stretch those vacation days to make it a holiday to remember, taking up to 25 days of PTO and turning them into 57 days of getaway bliss through 2026. So what are you waiting for? Put in for that time off and start packing those bags! 

Lavishly decorated room with a large Christmas tree, red carpeted stairs, ornate wooden paneling, and elegant furniture at the Staatsburgh State Historic Site.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when New York State’s beautiful Gilded Age mansions and historic estates deck their halls with brightly lit trees, elegant wreaths, glittering ornaments, and festive garland.

A couple relaxes in an infinity pool at a modern, multi-story home with large windows and white siding under a cloudy, blue-gray sky.

Don’t let your PTO disappear at the end of the year. December is the perfect excuse to take a day off, or a few, and explore the incredible experiences New York State has waiting for you. Carve twists

Fireworks erupt in the sky during a New Year's Eve celebration in Buffalo's downtown

It’s time to celebrate the New Year in New York State! Welcome 2026 with a First Day hike at a state park or trail, explore a wildlife refuge, or drive through an amazing light display. Want to stay home while you toast to the new year? Enjoy virtual ball drops, and home-based family-friendly activities courtesy of New York attractions. 

A smiling family of four floats on inflatable tubes in a sunny indoor water park surrounded by lush plants, with colorful slides in the background.

Put down the books, and pack your bags! School’s out and adventure is in. If you’re looking to make memories on a fun, family-friendly getaway, New York has endless experiences for every age, holiday, and season. 

The Statue of Liberty and other landmarks made of plant material at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Experience the magic of the season this December in New York State with holly jolly events happening each day of the month to get you into the holiday spirit.

Aerial view of shops and a church in Lake Placid covered in snow with the Adirondack Mountains in the distance

Thanksgiving is a special time for family, friends, and celebration, so why not spend the holiday in the Empire State? There’s truly something for every type of traveler, whether you’re spending Thanksgiving solo on a self-care getaway to the Catskills, indulging in a delicious turkey dinner from a decadent dining room in Lake George, or admiring dazzling floats at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Gobble up this guide and plan an unforgettable Thanksgiving in New York State. 

Holiday market at night in Bryant Park with people browsing stalls under lit trees.

What do you buy for the person who has everything? Holiday markets are sprouting up across New York, where local art, specialty crafts, and gourmet food and drink make the gift-giving season a breeze. Here are the markets to hit before the season's over!