The holiday season is coming quicker than you think, many New Yorkers (just like us), are already starting to search for charming escapes from the city to soak in festive cheer.
Because sure, snapping photos at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is cool and all, but nothing beats a trip Upstate to a snow-covered, magical Christmas town.
Especially this one upstate village, which has been getting extra attention this year.
Skaneateles, NY, a picture-perfect lake town on the Finger Lakes, has been named one of the most festive downtowns in the U.S. in a recent list by WorldAtlas, and honestly it’s one of New York’s best kept secrets.
Earlier this year it was named one of the most stress-free weekend retreats, so it’s no shock that its Victorian charm, glimmering lights reflecting on the lake, and immersive holiday traditions intensifies even moreso during the Christmas season.
The town itself sits along the clear waters of Skaneateles Lake, and its historic downtown glows with white lights, wreaths, and seasonal decorations throughout November and December.
Streets are filled with carolers, brass bands, and the unmistakable scent of chestnuts roasting— creating a multi-sensory holiday experience that really only NYC rivals during peak times.
The crown jewel: Skaneateles’ Dickens Christmas Festival
At the heart of the town’s festivenes is the beloved Dickens Christmas festival, which this year runs on weekends from November 28 through December 21, 2025, with a special event on Christmas Eve!
Each weekend, the village quite literally steps back in time to 1842 England, when Queen Victoria arrives with Charles Dickens himself, who’s gathering inspiration for A Christmas Carol.
Over 40 costumed characters — including Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Queen Victoria, and Charles Dickens himself — roam the streets, interact with visitors, and bring classic tales to life through pop-up performances, musical numbers, and live storytelling.
This year also marks the debut of Tarin Campanella as Queen Victoria, succeeding longtime performer Maria DeMitchell, adding a fresh face to one of the festival’s most beloved traditions, according to the event’s page.
Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the twinkling village, join the twice-daily “Midday Revels” carol sing-alongs at the gazebo, or catch “trunk shows” where Dickens and Washington Irving reenact their famous tales with help from the audience.
The festival even kicks off with the “World’s Smallest Christmas Parade,” officially ushering in the season the day after Thanksgiving.
Local businesses and volunteers make the entire celebration feel like a community-wide production—complete with free roasted chestnuts, Byrne Dairy eggnog, and Father Christmas himself handing out treats from the Masonic Temple porch.
More festive fun & family traditions
Beyond the Dickens cast, Skaneateles offers endless ways to soak up the magic!
Highlights include the annual “Skaneateles Sings” event on December 5, featuring a candlelit tree lighting, caroling with the Dickens characters, and live music throughout the village.
On December 11, the popular “Shop, Sip & Stroll” night invites visitors to enjoy extended shopping hours, festive drinks, and cozy holiday treats.
Later in the season, Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball (December 21) brings English country dancing, live musicians, and plenty of 19th-century flair.
Families can also join the snowman-building contest in Clift Park or attend a live performance of Miracle on 34th Street at the Auburn Public Theater on December 13—because yes, the holiday magic extends far beyond the main street.
Since Skaneateles is about a 5 hour ride away from NYC, we highly suggest extending your trip into a weekend experience with one of the town’s cozy and luxurious escapes.
The Mirbeau Inn & Spa provides a Forbes Four-Star lakeside retreat with spa treatments perfect for winter relaxation, while The Sherwood Inn, a local landmark dating back to 1807, serves hearty meals and fireside drinks that feel straight out of a classic holiday film.
🎅 For more information on the Dickens Christmas celebration head here!
🎄 To learn more about each downtown’s holiday festiveness, head here!