Full Speed Ahead to a Winter Weekend in Saratoga Springs!

While New York State is known for its extravagant holiday blowouts, there is one place in particular which has built its reputation on creating our annual favorites --  Winterfest, Chowderfest, Frozen Springs Classic and the Dance Flurry. If you're looking for a memorable weekend escape, let Amtrak take you to Saratoga Springs for these events and activities.

Winterfest

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Winterfest

(1.5 miles from the Saratoga
 Springs Amtrak station)

Providing you with this years best winter "Thing-to-do" in Saratoga Springs, the Spa City presents its highly-anticipated annual Winterfest. Revel in the spirit of winter with live music, wine tastings, special events, entertainment and of course, Chowderfest. Each year the event draws crowds of people from all across New York State eager to explore local crafts, dabble in beer samplings, and taste a variety of Chowders. Running the week of February 5th through the 14th, the Spa City invites you for a week of endless entertainment.

Chowderfest

(1.5 miles from the Saratoga

 Springs Amtrak station)

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Chowderfest

There is no better way to start off your stay in Spa City than with a cup of chowder at just $1 a cup. Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Featuring more than 90 vendors, including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers, who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers. The event takes place on February 6th, at 11:00 am, where you may pick up a ballot form, taste different soups and chowders (3 oz serving) and vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced at 6:30 pm that day. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs, as some establishments offer doggy chowder -- sorry cats.

The Dance Flurry

Image Courtesy of the Dance Flurry

(1.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a great weekend of dancing, dipping and whirling with thousands of other spirited dancers! In its 28th year, the Flurry Festival in Spa City has engaged thousands in dance and music from all over the world. The weekend long festival draws dancers of all ages, all abilities and all styles of dance. Dancers may participate in a variety of workshops and programs designed for all levels of experience. From waltzes to tango and swing to contra, the Flurry Festival features many styles of dance and draws a yearly attendance of over 5,000 participants. The festival also includes an array of performances, singing, workshops, concerts, jamming, crafts and more.

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Beer Week

Saratoga Beer Week

(1.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

Join fellow beer enthusiasts for a five-day city-wide beer celebration. From February 16-20th locals and visitors alike will enjoy quality tastings of local, regional and national brews. Experience the dozens of beer-centered events scheduled and venture around town to the local restaurants, shops, and hotels. Attend the fifth anniversary and see the best of what Saratoga has to offer.

Image Courtesy of the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic

Frozen Springs Classic

(2.6 miles from the Saratoga 

Springs Amtrak Station)

Take the ice from February 12-14th at the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Join other hockey lovers in a weekend of friendly competition and good old-fashioned pond hockey. Come as a team, or be a free agent. The schedule of events and full list of band performances and tournament rules will be posted closer to the date.

Take Amtrak to These Top Five Holiday Events and Traditions!

Winter is here and the celebrations can finally begin! Holiday events, shows, and attractions illuminate the entire City for all to enjoy! New York City is iconic for spreading the holiday spirit and creating long-lasting memories for people everywhere. Here's a list of the top five must see and/or do during the winter in New York City:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Image Courtesy of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

The most iconic yearly event in New York City is the traditional Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Tens of thousands of revelers fill the streets to embrace the iconic tree illuminate Rockefeller Plaza right in the heart of the City. This event has been acclaimed the world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. Available for viewing from now through early January,  a visit to revel in the tree and all of its beauty is truly a must this winter!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Radio City Christmas Spectacular

This year, give your loved ones a gift that will create new memories to be forever cherished! The legendary Rockettes are back with their unique song-and-dance extravaganza! Showcasing the shows most classic scenes including “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “New York at Christmas” with all new numbers, this show offers a more dynamic and more magical show than ever before.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Add to your winter visit with a fun and memorable experience at the World Famous Ice Skating Rink. Located at the base of the Rockefeller Center Tree, the rink is the perfect way to soak in all of the glorious City views. Millions of visitors center their trips to the City around watching skaters take a spin and twirl on the ice below the famous Christmas tree and gilded statue of Prometheus. Don’t stop there - wait in line to experience this glorious event for yourself.

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central

(1.1 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Patrick Cashin: Holiday Train
Show at Grand Central

Attend the 14th annual holiday train show presented by the New York Transit Museum through January 21, 2016. This popular exhibition features models of Metro-North, New York Central and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal. The Museum’s store and booths at holiday fairs also provide great gifts for your holiday shopping needs!

Winter Village at Bryant Park

(0.6 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Bryant Park Corporation

Enjoy free skating at The Rink, better known as the centerpiece of Bank of America's Winter Village at Bryant Park. This venue attracts thousands to one of New York City's spotlight events. Hosting more than 125 boutique-like shops which offer exquisite gifts - unique apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, local foods, and much more. The European inspired outdoor market features vendors from around the world, and housed in "jewel box" kiosks. After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Celsius, Ice Bites, or Bryant Park Grill.