A History of the Victorian Street Walk

The Victorian Street Walk started in 1985. The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association works with city leaders to close off Broadway welcoming thousands of people to come out to kick off the Christmas season, with carolers, live performances, food, and a visit from Santa.

Originally the Victorian Street Walk has taken place over one night with numerous events happening in and around downtown Saratoga Springs. People enjoyed the entertainment and the decorations, while also appreciating the stunning architecture and rich history of the downtown buildings, many of which date back to the 1800s.

In 2020, the DBA started working with the fire department and helped Santa travel in and out of local neighborhoods to safely wish them a happy holiday.

And, in 2021, The Annual Victorian Streetwalk Transforms to Weekend Long Event.

In an effort to preserve the holiday tradition of the Victorian Streetwalk, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association extended the annual one-night event to a weekend-long event. It took place from Thursday December 2nd – December 5th.

The weekend began with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 2, with Santa Claus, atop a firetruck, will light the 27-foot downtown holiday tree, along with Mayor Meg Kelly, surrounded by carolers from The Charlton School.

The tree lighting will took place at 6:00 p.m. and Santa remained atop the fire truck to greet children until 7:00 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will be LIVE streamed on Facebook @downtownsaratogasprings from 6:00-7:00pm.

The event continued Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th from 5:00-8:00 pm with live music, entertainment, and strolling performers throughout the downtown area. Performers included Jacksland, Sonny Daye, Tim Wechgelaer, Shenendahowa Treble Choir, St. Paul’s Carolers and more. Entertainment will also include Sparkles the Juggler, Victor the Balloon Artist and others!

In addition, the Salvation Army offered hot chocolate from the parking lot at the Spa City Motor Lodge on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, December 5th from 12:00-4:00 pm there were live performances by John Terleckey, Racing City Chorus, John and Orion Kribs, Acadia Rae Hoola Hooper, Dance Factory, to name a few.

On Sunday, shoppers were invited to bring their holiday gifts purchased downtown to the Arcade Building at 376 Broadway, from 12:00-4:00, when volunteers from The Charlton School will be there to wrap them.

New to 2021's Victorian Streetwalk event was a Scavenger Hunt!

Fifteen downtown store-front windows will showcase Resin Plaques created by the students from The Charlton School. Those who successfully complete the hunt were entered to win a prize package valued at over $200.

While Santa wasn't in his cottage in 2021, his traditional downtown home will once again sit on Broadway next to the Holiday tree. Local children were invited to bring their letters to Santa and deposit them in Santa’s mailbox on the front of the cottage.

As an alternative to in-person visits with Santa, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association brought Santa to the children of Saratoga Springs!

On six dates prior to Christmas, children were invited to catch a glimpse of Santa as he traveled through Saratoga neighborhoods atop a Tower Ladder fire truck, provided by King Enterprises.

The 2021 Victorian Streetwalk Weekend is generously supported by the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District and the Adirondack Trust Company. A long list of event supporters included Ayco Personal Financial Management, City of Saratoga Springs, Discover Saratoga, King Enterprises, Universal Preservation Hall, G. Willikers Toys, Celtic Treasures, Uncommon Grounds and Menges and Curtis and includes media sponsors Star Radio, Saratoga Today, and Saratoga’s Best. Without their partnership, this event truly would not have been possible.