A peek through the frosted windows of Kringle Kottage on the grounds of Fort William Henry Hotel in Lake George reveals a warm and cozy space with a glowing fireplace, a softly lit Christmas tree and evergreen garlands. A sideboard is laden with gingerbread houses and holiday goodies. A shelf of books fills one corner. Next to the fireplace, there is an overstuffed seat upholstered in green velvet. It is where Santa Claus visits with his special guests. On tracks suspended just below the ceiling, a train slowly circles the perimeter of the 10’ by 24’ cottage.
Wednesday evening, Kringle Kottage hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the “Visit with Santa” experience that is designed to meet the special needs of neurodivergent children and adults. The sensory-friendly Kringle Kottage was the vision of Adirondack Santa Roger Allan, who saw the need for a traditional Santa visit that was welcoming and comfortable for those who may be overwhelmed by the crowds, sights, and sounds of holiday celebrations.
“Kringle Cottage began with a very simple idea, that the magic of Christmas should be comfortable, accessible, and meaningful for every child, every adult, and every family for many years,” said Allan. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting families across the region as the Adirondack Santa, and as joyful as those encounters have been, I’ve also heard stories of families who skip holiday events because lights are too bright, crowds are too large, the noise is too overwhelming. Children who love Christmas but need a space that meets them where they are, adults who want the experience but have never truly had one because it just didn’t feel right for them, Kringle Kottage was created to fill that gap.”
Every detail of the cottage, from the layout to the lighting, Allan says, was designed to “welcome guests with comfort and care.” To help design a sensory-friendly space, Allan contacted Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), a Queensbury-based organization that advocates for people with disabilities. SAIL Director of Community Relations Cam Cardinale said, “When Santa called me, months ago now, it was an immediate yes to help any way we could on this project… we’re so excited that we were able to roll up our sleeves, provide some training and consultation for this project.”
Guests can book a private, 1:1 sensory-friendly visit with Santa at Kringle Kottage during the season, which runs from November 21 through December 23. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 12-4 p.m., appointments are reserved for guests with special needs and may be made online at https://www.kringlekottage.org/book-online.
Kringle Kottage will be open for public visits Friday and Saturday evenings, 5-8 p.m., and December 21-23, 5-8 p.m. All are welcome to drop by at these times.
Making Allan’s vision a reality was a collaborative effort. “[T]his project really reminds us why this region is so special,” says Gina Mintzer, Executive Director of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce. “When someone has a vision for something that meets a community need, people come together to make it happen. This cottage, and the magic of Santa, is a beautiful new addition to our holiday season, but it’s also a symbol of something deeper: accessibility, inclusivity, and connection.”
President and General Manager of Fort William Henry, Sam Luciano, said when first approached by Allan about the project, “I took a few minutes to understand the magnitude and the passion that was behind this project, and then I took a few more minutes to realize that this was a deep, meaningful thing for the community and for our area.”
Luciano continued, “It is a pleasure to have Kringle Kottage on these grounds… What excites us most is what it’ll mean for the families — a holiday visit that doesn’t require navigating through crowds, a place where neurodivergent children and adults can enjoy their moment with Santa without stress, a setting that reflects the passion and the inclusivity that defines our region. Lake George is known for many things, and as of today, it will be known for one more, a new holiday tradition built on kindness, collaboration, and the community.”
Kristin Howarth, Founder of the Upstate NY Autism Alliance, calls Kringle Kottage a “game-changer.” Her organization sponsors a one-day Sensory Santa experience, but appointments quickly fill. Kringle Kottage, with its multi-week schedule, will open up the Santa experience for so many families, Howarth says.
Many businesses and individuals contributed to the Kringle Kottage effort. Carl Weiner, owner of Sans Souci of Cleverdale, organized the project and put together the financing package. “When Roger first shared his ideas for Kringle Kottage,” said Weiner, “what struck me immediately was the purpose behind it: creating a safe space where families could have a holiday experience that felt safe, calm, and welcoming. It was a concept rooted in compassion, and it was clear from the start it was something our community needed. But, as many of us know, meaningful projects require both heart and resources, and this one required a great deal of both.”
Weiner headed up fundraising efforts and was able to raise more than $60,000 for the project from charitable foundations and friends.
Tyler Ennis of Premier Buildings of the Adirondacks offered sheds at a discounted price. Stephen Miller and Mike Hawley of ADK Creative Construction insulated the structure, built the front steps, added a ramp, and installed all the interior trims with materials donated by Northern Hardwoods.
Jesse Lane of Dex Electrical did electrical wiring, with most electrical components donated by Asko Electrical Supply. Peri Olson of Diesel & Lulu’s oversaw the interior design, and the Upstate Model Railroaders club donated the Polar Express Train. The Lake George Rotary Club provided and decorated the Christmas tree for the front porch.
Kringle Kottage is on the Fort William Henry Grounds, 48 Canada Street, Lake George. The Cottage is at the front of the South parking lot next to the Fort William Henry Conference Center.
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