By Khalida Sarwari
By the time the dishes have been washed and put away on Thanksgiving night, some Americans are estimated to have eaten a full day’s worth of food in the course of one meal. So what better place to walk off those 3,000 extra calories than at Saratoga’s holiday open house? There’s a wine stroll involved, so that’s got to count as exercise, right?
The city’s popular Dickens-themed holiday event and wine stroll returns to Blaney Plaza on Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the city of Saratoga and Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, the event is a tradition in Saratoga that goes back 14 years. Residents from Saratoga and neighboring cities usually gather in the Village to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, taste local wines and start their shopping.
“The annual tree lighting and wine stroll is a wonderful Saratoga tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the holidays,” said Pat Martell, a Chamber event coordinator.
Decorated trees lining the street, brightly lit windows, carolers and people dressed in Dickensian costumes all are part of the fun on this night. Free horse-drawn carriage rides, a children’s fun zone with a bounce house and cookie-decorating activity are also on the evening’s agenda.
Mayor Howard Miller will kick off the event with holiday songs and the ceremonial tree lighting. Matt Masih, Rodrigo Teague and Whiskey Pass Neat will perform live Christmas carols. Craftspeople will also be selling unique handcrafted items, and the Chamber will be selling polyester snow for $5 a bag.
The wine stroll features 20 local wineries based in and around Saratoga. Each will be pouring wine served with sweet and savory munchies at various locations. Snacks such as popcorn and cotton candy will also be available.
For the first time this year, organizers are installing a 42-inch touchscreen in front of the carriage rides to give attendees a chance to create a holiday photo card. It will give them the option of viewing the photo immediately afterward and printing a copy, sharing it on social media or emailing it.
Another photo opportunity will be with Father Christmas and Santa Claus, who will both be strolling the street welcoming visitors.
Around the corner, the Saratoga History Museum will be showcasing a special holiday exhibit and offering cookies and hot cider as well as a performance of carols by the Skillet Lickers. The fire station will also hand out cookies and hot cider, along with offering the opportunity to meet local firefighters, while the Book-Go-Round will have its annual sale of gently used books from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets for the wine stroll are $40 but go up to $45 on the day of the event. They can be purchased at saratogachamber.org.
The Chamber is looking for people who can volunteer at this event and assist specifically with children’s activities, check-in and carriage rides. Shifts are two hours long, and volunteers who are 21 and older receive a discount on the wine stroll. For more information, call 408.867.0753 or email info@saratogachamber.org.
Link: Downtown open house, wine stroll to set the mood for holiday season
