December 7, 2025
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Clayton, NY
Every child deserves the magic of Christmas. The 1000 Islands River Santa Festival is dedicated to bringing that magic, and much-needed support, to children and families across Northern New York, from Cape Vincent to Morristown and inland. Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that Christmas joy reaches as many households as possible.
This year marks the 10th annual event, and our commitment to the community is stronger than ever, with the community-wide collaborative event being led by the Clayton Rotary Club this year. While Santa's spectacular arrival by official boat escort is a highlight, our mission truly lies in the support we provide to local families. With your help, approximately 700 children will receive gifts this year.
Also, beyond the holidays, your vital support allows us to address critical community needs. We are proud to support vital initiatives like the Backpack Programs in T.I. Central, Alexandria Bay, LaFargeville, Hammond, and Morristown schools. These programs provide essential food assistance to hundreds of families in need. You also help us support Jefferson County food pantries, which serve thousands of families. Thank you for your role in this critical support.
Last year, the festival's 9th year, was a testament to the power of community support:
- Donors enabled us to purchase and deliver 700 gifts to deserving children.
- We donated more than $33,000 to organizations that directly support families and children, including five area school districts' "Backpack Programs."
- Additional beneficiaries included Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service, The Hearts for Youth afterschool program, The Reformed Church in Alexandria Bay, four local Food Pantries, PAYIT, Fisher’s Landing Fire Dept, and Clayton Fire Department.
The 1000 Islands River Santa Festival is more than just gift-giving; it's a true community celebration. This year's location for the event will be different — Santa will arrive at the Village Docks in Clayton on December 7th, and the event will be both on Riverside Drive and inside the Clayton Opera House. The beloved features of the Festival will remain the same — free food and drinks, crafts, festive music, petting zoo, and hay wagon rides.
Your generous contribution will directly translate into more gifts for children and increased support for families struggling with food insecurity in River communities. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of children and families.
1000 Islands River Santa Festival Committee