The weekend gets its unofficial kick off in Thursday night, at Witherbee’s Carriage House with Mark Piper and the gang raising spirits with a sampling of Christmas favorites, among the regular Open Mic set featuring some of our area’s finest musicians.

Be sure to pick up your Christmas Tree at Sticks and Stones, all weekend long!

On Friday and Saturday stock up on some heavily discounted bargain gifts from The Towne Store, and enjoy 35 per cent off on all Carhart clothing from Curtis Lumber. Also check out Giant Mountain Studio for some last minute one of a kind style gifts. And for the beer lover in your life, our friends at the Paradox Brewery have a large range of clothing, glassware and beer pulls! Need a place to stay? Check out the Schroon Lake Place, right in the heart of Schroon.

On Saturday morning it’s the official celebration kick off with the Community Church Bazaar from 10 am to 2 pm.

Be sure to buy your tickets for some amazing Holiday Basket Raffle at Schroon Lake Area Chamber Office, from 11 am to 8 pm. All proceeds go to benefit the Christmas Express Project, to help under those in need of helping hand this season.

From 2pm to 5pm it’s the 2nd Annual Craft & Food Bazaar at Town Hall, from 2 pm - 5 pm. The official Tree Lighting, Caroling & Nativity Walk starts at the Town Park at 5pm. And, drum roll please, Santa arrives at the at the Strand Theater at 6pm, where he will be posing for pictures and hearing wish lists until 7:30pm, proudly sponsored by Uncle Larry and Aunty Liz McNamara. Around town check out -- from 6 pm to 8 pm ongoing activities with numerous musical acts, Cocoa & Cookies at Senior Center, Horse & Wagon Rides, Kids Crafts at Towne Store and Decorate your own Cupcake table! And to round out the weekend, catch up with old friends and new at the annual Schroon Lake Association Holiday Party, at Sticks and Stones from 2pm onwards. Please RSVP to grovepoint17@msn.com if you are coming.