The Bog at Paul Smith’s ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

Winter’s almost here, and on its tails, the brand new year! Just as we are getting used to being cozy in the 4pm darkness, the days will soon begin their march back into the light. Thanks to our lovely small-town vibe of creative activity and beautiful quiet, we have lots to engage with this season, whether it’s music, yoga, writing groups, storytelling, enjoying a great cup of coffee with friends, or skiing out in the wilderness. Read on for more ideas!

WINTERFEST 2025 WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

An excellent winter festival was enjoyed by all on December 6th! We had a record number of people in all of our businesses and partaking in the numerous activities offered by everyone in town. THANK YOU to everyone who put so much effort into making this a special day, and to our event planner extraordinaire, Austin Martin, for crushing it with his first WWCA event!

GREET THE NEW YEAR AT THE WESTPORT LIBRARY!

The Westport Library, Dec 2025 ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

Begin the new year at the beautiful, serene Westport Library! They are hosting an open house from 12-3pm on New Year’s Day, where you can enjoy the library, your community, and toast the new year. The writer’s group continues every Thursday from 4-6pm, and Monday Night Movies every monday at 7pm.

THE MILL MAKES HEADLINES WITH NEW COMEDY LINEUP!

Taylor Haskins and Catherine Ross. Photo by Luke Awtry, Seven Days

The Mill is at it again, with the addition of comedy to its long list of uplifting entertainments. Read the full Seven Days article here! Ring in the new season on Saturday December 20 with Taylor Haskins’ annual meditative Solo Solstice performance, with special guest Felix Haskins! Then on Saturday January 3, come out and support young performers at the fundraiser for the Depot Theatre Academy, ‘the Miscast Cabaret’.

LIMBER UP FOR THE CHANGING SEASONS WITH YOGA AT THE MILL!

DEPOT THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2026 LINEUP!

New Artistic Director Aaron Jodoin. Photo courtesy of the Depot Theatre

This new season is full of fresh excitement! Kicking off the new lineup will be the Depot Theatre Academy’s “Hades Town: Teen Edition” by Anais Mitchell, followed by “Ride the Cyclone” (High school edition) by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond. Mainstage productions will be “ Tick Tick …Boom!” by Jonathan Larson, "Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help" by Katie Forgette, and "Ring of Fire," created by Richard Maltby Jr. Find the full details of the summer’s performances in this article by the SUN Community News!

SCORE YOUR FRESH BAGELS FOR 2026 AT JAMBS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE!

“Our Holiday Menu is now online for preorders. The market date is Saturday, December 20th for on Farm pickup and at the Saranac Lake Farmers' Markets. 

We're featuring: sourdough breads, seasonal treats, pasta, ravioli, a whole grain cake and... Kimmy's Krakkers making their return just in time for the holidays! 

Order here: https://www.triplegreenjadefarm.com/farm-store/

Thanks everyone!”

NEW EXHIBIT OF FARMER’S ART OPENING AT WHITCOMB’S ARTS!

From Whitcomb’s: “ Whitcomb’s Arts is pleased to present, “Harvest: The Art of Local Farmers.” The exhibition celebrates the creativity and imagination of farmer-artists and runs from January 8 through March 21 with an opening reception with the artists on Friday, January 9 from 5-7pm. Gallery hours are Thurs, Fri and Sat from 11-3.

Whitcomb’s is also offering a Dance Jam the 2nd Weds of each month, and the Whallonsburg Grange Hall has a full schedule of music and movies to keep us hopping all winter!

CELEBRATE THE RETURNING LIGHT WITH CATS AT THE LUMINARIA WALK DEC 21!

Twin Valleys Luminaria Walk - Photo courtesy of CATS

Join Champlain Area Trails for a Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk at Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center on Sunday, December 21st, Between 4 and 8 PM!

  Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the first official day of winter with a self-guided walk (or snowshoe, weather permitting) and a bonfire.

Winter fun for all ages! We welcome you to Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center to enjoy a special luminaria walk through our trails. We will have a bonfire to warm up around and roast marshmallows. This is a family-friendly, well-lit event with shorter trails and rewarding views of the pond and winter woods. 

Get outside and join the “First-Day Hike” tradition on January 1! Check out the list of great hikes and more information on the CATS website. See you out there!

WINTON’S TAVERN TO CLOSE FOR THE WINTER DEC 20 (WE’LL MISS YOU!)

Photo courtesy of Winton’s Tavern

From Winton’s : “Announcement: Winton's will close for the winter season this Saturday, December 20th. We have had a wonderful year and appreciate every single person who have supported us and came through our doors. Be on the lookout for end of the season specials we will be running this week. We will reopen in March 2026!” Thank you to the Severance family for running such an active, welcoming and reliable business in Westport! Can’t wait for March to arrive! Enjoy the winter!

Wishing everyone a joyful solstice and a happy, healthy new year!

~the WWCA team

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-Newsletter Editor: Catherine Seidenberg