Skaneateles is the cutest town that you have to visit during the Christmas season in Upstate New York! I really feel like this town fully embraces the holidays with music filling the streets while snow is perfectly dusting over the frozen lake.

In this blog, discover my favorite places to stop every time I visit Skaneateles, inspired by my recent trips during the holiday season. You’ll be sure to add this cute town to your Christmas / winter bucket list!

Favorite Bakery in Skaneateles

Skaneateles Bakery has one of the best chai’s I’ve tried here in Central New York, so when we came during the week of Christmas in 2020, I obviously had to order one. I decided on a dirty chai latte with almond milk and their turkey club sandwich.

I couldn’t tell you what it was, but I’d been feening for BLT’s and turkey clubs all of break. I didn’t even know that they sold sandwiches – I thought they just had specialty coffee and pastries! Their sandwiches definitely hit the spot and I would totally go back again for lunch!

Exploring the Shops in Skaneateles

After we were done eating, we walked around downtown Skaneateles and did some last minute Christmas shopping. Skaneateles is normally a cute little town, but since it had just snowed and it was the Christmas season, the town was was radiating with Christmas spirit.

About an hour into walking, we noticed they were playing Christmas music outside! My mom and I kept saying how we felt like we were living in our own Hallmark movie.

To make it even better, my mom overheard a conversation of two old friends reconnecting after years – they seemed like old lovers! A few nights later, we caught a Hallmark movie on TV with the exact same plot!

Where to Have Lunch or Dinner

My go-to spot for lunch or dinner here would be the Bluewater Grill. I’ve been here a few times now and I feel like it’s just a classic on-the-lake restaurant with great options.

When I came to Skaneateles during the week of Christmas in 2022, my mom and I shared their lobster dip & pita, and I had their salmon BLT for lunch. It was so tasty!

I recommend arriving early because you will definitely have to wait a little bit for a table.

Skaneateles is most definitely the place to be during the Christmas season! I totally recommend planning a day trip here for the holidays next year – and also go in the summer because the town is just as cute!