“The place is magical during the holidays,” says the Whiteface Lodge’s executive chef Greg Sherman. Festive garlands and twinkling lights dangle from peeled-log beams; miniature mountain villages depict wintry scenes; and shiny wrapped packages ring Christmas trees and are stacked on fireplace mantels.

But it’s during the Lake Placid resort’s annual tree lighting, when a three-story evergreen in the lodge’s Kanu restaurant’s Great Camp–style dining room is illuminated, that Santa Claus makes an appearance, a brass quintet plays Christmas classics and Chef Sherman serves trays of cookies—Chris Kringle balls, candy-cane cookies, thumbprints and sugar-cookie cut-outs, all made from his mom’s holiday recipes. Sherman also prepares a “chocuterie” board, an assortment of sweet treats for kids to embellish their hot cocoa; for the adults there’s hard mulled cider. Outside, visitors can roast s’mores by the campfire or ice-skate on the resort’s rink.

The event, open to the public, happens December 12, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Find the Whiteface Lodge (518-523-0505, www.thewhitefacelodge.com) at 7 Whiteface Inn Lane, in Lake Placid.