Plan a Festive Day Trip in Albany County, New York | Itinerary

Festive fun awaits in Albany County!

If you're looking to plan a day trip packed with holiday spirit and wintertime fun, then Albany County is the perfect destination. A December day trip promises free and fun winter activities, delicious seasonal treats, festive backdrops, dazzling lights, enchanting shows, and plenty of gifts for everyone on your list. So, follow along with our festive day trip itinerary and make Albany County your home for the holidays!

Morning

Start your day with a seasonal breakfast at one of Albany County's cafes and restaurants. Cider Belly Donuts offers festive doughnut flavors from hot chocolate cannoli to eggnog to gingerbread. For a seasonal pick-me-up, Peaches Cafe in Stuyvesant Plaza is serving up a candy cane hot chocolate and a shortbread cookie latte, while Iron Gate Cafe offers a gingerbread latte and peppermint syrup to add to any drink. For the month of December, The Skinny Pancake has added a chocolate peppermint blizzard crepe, hazelnut hot chocolate, and a gingerbread milkshake to their menu. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, head over to Excelsior Pub, serving gingerbread pancakes until 4 PM!

After you've fueled up with breakfast, head out to one of Albany County's shopping districts or centers to find gifts for everyone on your list!

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In the city of Albany, the shops along Broadway near the SUNY Building downtown offer vintage gems, locally crafted items, and Albany-themed souvenirs. Shop at The Vandy Thrift Shoppe, The Bevy Vintage Collective, and Fort Orange General Store. Head over to Lark Street for a unique mix of gift shops and small businesses including Elissa Halloran Designs, Lark Street Records, and for the craft beverage enthusiast, New Scotland Spirits.

Or venture out to Remsen Street in Cohoes for more locally owned shops including Remsen Street Flea Market.

For big-name stores in Albany, head over to Crossgates Mall, Colonie Center, and Stuyvesant Plaza. All offer special deals and hours this holiday season. Colonie Center hosts pop-up vendor markets each weekend of December, and for extra festive flair, Sundays at Stuyvesant Plaza offer special, Holiday Strolls

Afternoon

Once you finish your shopping list and you check it twice, wander through downtown Albany and do some "window shopping." Explore the enchanting window displays of shops and businesses taking part in the Downtown Albany BID's Downtown Decorating Contest. Vote for your favorite for a chance to win a $50 downtown Albany gift card. Locations include Albany Symphony, Fort Orange General Store, The Palace Theatre and more!

Next, it's not winter in Albany without a visit to the Empire State Plaza Ice Skating Rink! Bundle up and strap on your skates. This free ice rink is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 AM to 6 PM. Skate amongst Albany's landmark buildings, the Plaza's holiday tree and holiday decor, and listen to favorite festive tunes. Then warm up with refreshments in the glass pavilion next to the rink.

If you work up an appetite on the ice, Albany offers plenty of restaurants decked out for the season. Enjoy a late lunch at Common Roots Brewing Company and eat near their cozy fireplace and holiday tree. Olde English Pub always goes all out on decor for the holiday season. dp An American Brasserie is also decked out, and new for this year, the restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays, 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Or check off another stop for the Downtown Decorating Contest and eat at Loch & Quay or Pearl Street Diner, both decorated with festive window displays.

Evening

As the sun starts to set, light up the night on an immersive journey through Magic of Lights at the Altamont Fairgrounds. This drive-through light display is a wonder for all ages featuring dozens of glittering lights and digital animations. Favorite characters from Barbie to Mr. Potato Head to Rudolph and of course Santa come alight along the trail. Unwind and enjoy the magic of the season as your day trip starts to come to a close. Magic of Lights runs from 5:30 PM to 9 PM, daily through January 4!

It's showtime! If you're looking for one last thing to do before heading home for a long winter's nap, snag some tickets for one of the county's holiday performances taking place throughout December.

Head over to Cohoes Music Hall for a musical twist on the nostalgic tale of A Christmas Story. The Playhouse Stage Company presents A Christmas Story: The Musical, with performances Wednesdays through Sundays until December 22. Join Ralphie and his family for hilarious moments and musical acts in this performance based on the beloved holiday classic. Performances are at 7 PM, Wednesday through Saturday. If you'd like to catch the show a little earlier in your day trip, attend a 2 PM matinee on Saturday or Sunday.

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What do Sherlock and Scrooge have in common? Now through December 22, the stories of both these well-known characters intertwine at Capital Repertory Theatre in A Sherlock Carol. This murder mystery holiday comedy sees Sherlock Holmes take on the peculiar case of Ebenezer Scrooge's death. With the help of the ghosts of Christmas future, present, and past, watch as Sherlock unravels this curious Christmastime mystery. Catch this production, running daily excluding Mondays, with performances at 7:30 PM Tuesday through Thursday and 8 PM on Friday and Saturday. If you'd rather see a matinee during your day trip, additional performances take place at 3 PM on Saturdays and 2 PM on Sundays.

Bonus

Plan your trip around Albany’s festive events! Throughout December, Albany County hosts exciting holiday happenings like Ten Broeck Mansion’s Holiday House, Evening Capitol Tours for the Holidays, and The New York State Museum's Annual Capital Kwanzaa Celebration. Check out the Holiday category of our Events Calendar to see what exciting events align with your trip!