2025 Guide to Holiday Events & Experiences in Albany County
'Tis the season to be jolly! Whether you are a visitor or a local, this season is a festive time of year to discover Albany.
Scroll on for merry ways to celebrate the season including historic holiday celebrations, tree lightings, festive strolls and holiday crafting. Happy Holidays!
Historic Holiday Celebrations
St. Nicholas Day Celebration
Saturday, December 6
11 AM to 3 PM
Have you heard of St. Nicholas Day? Step back in time at Crailo State Historic Site to celebrate the medieval saint's day brought to the Hudson River Valley by the Dutch colonists. The entire museum will be open for the festive holiday event. Make sure to head down to Crailo's cellar kitchen to watch interpreters prepare traditional 17th and 18th century seasonal treats with the open-hearth fireplace. Plus, there will be live music, crafts, and a visit from St. Nicholas himself.
Ten Broeck Mansion Holiday House
Multiple dates in December
Ten Broeck Mansion is dressed in holiday style with sparkling lights, illuminated trees and bright garlands! Sign up for a Holiday House Tour to admire the historic mansion's halls and parlors trimmed with festive decorations. 25-minute walk-through tours are offered on Thursdays through Sundays and special 50-minute tours (exploring all 3 levels!) are on Thursdays and Fridays. Bring your little ones on Saturday, December 13 to meet Sinterklaas for story time.
Holiday Open House at the Pruyn House
December 5 from 10 AM to 6 PM
December 6 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Get in the holiday spirit amongst 1800's inspired holiday decorations at the historic Pruyn House. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and punch and don't miss out on photos with Sinterklaas on Saturday!
Twelfth Night Celebrations
Saturday, January 3
11 AM to 3 PM at Crailo State Historic Site, 3 PM to 7 PM at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
The holiday merriment continues until January at Crailo State Historic Site and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site. Celebrate Henry Knox's late 1775/1776 journey transporting artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, then revel in the holiday traditions of the past with live music, traditional fare, a bonfire and more. Venture across the river where the Knox story and holiday celebration continues at Schuyler Mansion with more live music, an open house, traditional fare, bonfires, and wassail toasts! These celebrations are a great way to wrap up your holiday season!
Tree Lightings & Festive Light Displays
2025 City of Albany Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5
5 PM to 7 PM
Albany is all spruced up for the holiday season! Academy Park, located across the street from City Hall, will be aglow with a glittering holiday tree and festive inflatables. Enjoy a holly and jolly tree lighting ceremony with performances by Albany High School's Albanettes and Troubadours. Enjoy free take home holiday craft bags and refreshments from Cider Belly Donuts, La Empanada Llama and Albany High School Abrookin Center Culinary students.
Library Lights Gazebo Lighting Ceremony
December 5
6 PM
See the holidays come alight at the Altamont Village Gazebo in Orsini Park. Each light strung along the gazebo will honor the memory of a lost loved one. To dedicate a light, fill out this form. Each dedication costs $5, all proceeds benefit the Altamont Free Library.
City of Cohoes Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 29
5 PM to 7 PM
The City of Cohoes is making the season bright with their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This free event in Silliman Park features music, food, gifts, and a visit from Santa.
City of Watervliet Annual Tree Lighting
November 29
5 PM to 6:30 PM
Venture to Veterans Memorial Park in Watervliet for their annual holiday tree lighting ceremony! The festivities are complete with Christmas carols, horse drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa and a souvenir ornament gifted to each family.
New York State Holiday Tree Lighting and Firework Festival
December 7
12 PM to 8 PM
Celebrate the season at the beautiful Empire State Plaza with free activities including the official ceremony and tree lighting, fireworks, demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, carvings by The Ice Farm, performances by Holiday Tubas, photo opportunities with Santa Claus at Cornerstone at the Plaza, and more!
Our Angels Remembered Holiday Trees at Westland Hills
Visit Westland Hills Baseball and Softball Park for a very special display of 108 brightly decorated Christmas trees that will remain on view through New Year's. Each tree is dedicated to a lost loved one, honoring them this holiday season.
Festive Strolls
Shop Small Stroll at Stuyvesant Plaza
Saturday, November 29
11 PM to 2 PM
Support your favorite locally owned shops and boutiques while enjoying a delightful stroll through the Plaza. Upon arrival, check in on The Lawn to receive your Stroll Card (your passport to shop small) and a special welcome gift to kick off your day. As you explore participating retailers, collect stamps from each stop. Collect four or more stamps along your journey to be entered into our Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway, valued at over $250 and brimming with seasonal goodies and gifts from our small business community.
Winter Light Walk
Thursdays & Fridays for the month of December and December 23
6 PM to 8 PM
Join the Pine Hollow Arboretum for their annual holiday event. During this magical evening, wonder around the arboretum which will be whimsically illuminated. Warm up in our Founder's historic mid-century home with a roaring wood fire, hot chocolate bar, craft for kids and hot vegetarian chili.
Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll
December 6
11 AM to 3 PM
Experience the hustle and bustle of the season during the fifth Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll. Presented by the Downtown Albany BID, purchase a ticket to receive a passport to sip and savor gourmet beverages from participating locations and vote for your favorite! Each ticket includes a souvenir mug!
Albany Barn House of Joy Walk
December 13
12 PM to 1:30 PM
Join the Albany Barn for a special guided tour of the Houses of Joy throughout Downtown Albany! Enjoy a joyful walk in conjunction with the flast Deck The Hall-bany Holiday Markets & Festivals and experience this amazing public art project scheduled between an action-packed day of shopping, entertainment, and holiday cheer at both Quackenbush Square & Clinton Market Collective.
Downtown Decorating Contest
24/7, through January 2
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the capital city! Take a stroll throughout downtown Albany and admire the businesses decked out in festive displays. Place a vote online or in person at the Downtown Albany BID's office for your favorite to be entered in a drawing for a $50 Downtown Albany Gift Card.
Holiday Crafting
Holiday Craft and Sips at Nine Pin
Enjoy a complimentary cider and some holiday crafting workshops at Nine Pin all December long! On December 11, participate in a charcuterie workshop and on December 13, learn how to make Blown Glass Ornaments! Assemble a team and compete for the title of best gingerbread house builders in Albany during the cidery's Great Gingerbread Build-Off on December 20.
Holiday Crafting at the Thacher Nature Center
Children can get ready for Thanksgiving with a few different education and crafting days at the Thacher Park Nature Center. On December 13 learn to craft with upcycled jewelry. Make watercolor holiday cards on December 14 and December 21!
Stained Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop at Shaker Heritage Society
Discover the magic of stained glass in this fun, beginner-friendly workshop! You’ll create your very own gnome and tree ornament to brighten your home or give as a heartfelt gift on December 6!
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