'Tis the season for holiday parties! Host your special event at a festive hotel, cozy restaurant or merry event space in Albany County. Spots are booking up fast, so be sure to reach out ASAP to secure your date for this year. Or, use this list as inspiration for next year's holiday gathering!

Looking for catering for your celebration? We've also rounded up some Albany County caterers to bring some delectable dishes to your festivities no matter the venue. Keep reading for the details. 

The Back Room Lounge 

The Back Room Lounge, operated by O’Toole’s Restaurant Pub, is nestled on Central Avenue in Colonie. Guests can relax on comfortable sofas next to the cozy fireplace, mingle throughout the 2,100 square foot event space or enjoy a drink at the full service bar. Choose from a variety of event packages with delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and appetizer options. During the holiday season, the space is decorated with festive garlands and sparkling trees.  Call (518) 464-1200 to book your spot today! 

 

The Kenmore Ballroom 

Celebrate the season at the breathtaking Kenmore Ballroom. Housed in the historic Rain-Bo Room, a nightclub where Frank Sinatra, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington played, The Kenmore Ballroom fuses modern elegance with historic charm. Rent the entire ballroom for a large holiday celebration. Hosting a more intimate gathering? The Kenmore offers a flexible floorplan to accommodate any number of guests. Call (518) 469-6102 or email hello@thekenmoreballroom.com to start planning your event today! 

 

The Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel 

Book your holiday party at the landmark hotel! The halls and event spaces will be decked out for the season ensuring that the atmosphere for your party is merry and bright. Choose from two beautiful indoor courtyards, three modern ballrooms, and Mr. D's enchanting dining areas. Guests will love the holiday food and beverage packages featuring the beloved Desmond Bread Pudding with English Custard. Or make your own menu with the help of the Desmond planners. Call (518) 640-6171 to reserve your space today.

 

The Albany Institute of History & Art 

Bring your holiday party to the next level with an after-hours, guided tour of the Albany Institute of History & Art. This is a great way to learn more about Albany's rich history while bonding as a staff. The Institute has a wide range of event spaces accommodating any group size and delicious menu items from approved caterers. Book your party in the Key Cultural Center designed with meetings in mind, the quaint, historic Rice House evoking the elegance of 1800's Albany, or immerse yourself within the galleries in the institute's atrium. Learn more about each space and rental rates here. Get into contact about the rental spaces by calling the Development Office at (518) 463-4478 ext. 418.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Yono's Restaurant

Book your holiday party in one of the beautiful event spaces offered by Yono's Restaurant through the end of the year. The expert chefs at Yono's can offer a world-class dining experience for parties both large and small. With no set menu or package, the team will work with you to create a personalized menu and experience complete with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, delicous entrees, and desserts. Book your party by contacting (518) 436-7747 or info@yonos.com

 

Dino Bar-B-Que Hudson Room
Photo Credit: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Troy
 

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Troy

Venture over the river to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Troy for your next holiday party. Book the private Hudson Room which can accommodate up to 45 guests, offers spectacular riverside views and a private deck area. And of course, enjoy mouth-watering bar-b-que entrees and cozy dishes from their catering menu. Book your event through their website or by contacting (518) 308-0401.

 

The Century House 

The Century House, tucked in Latham, is a festive place to host your holiday party. The historic hotel has a variety of rooms available, perfect for the size of any holiday party from small to large. The Century House serves up award-winning cuisine that party goers will rave about. Plus, the cozy hotel and restaurant are dressed in holiday style with glistening decorations around every corner! Call (518) 785-1857 for more information. 

 

Olde English Pub 

Plan your party at the Olde English Pub for an extra dose of holiday cheer. The cozy pub transforms into a festive wonderland with twinkling ornaments hanging over the bar, brightly lit garlands and glittering holiday trees. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and delicious eats in the merry and bright atmosphere. Call (518) 434-6533 for information on private parties

 

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen 

Host your holiday party at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Located in the heart of downtown Albany on North Pearl Street, the eatery is a festive spot for a holiday gathering. Well-known for serving up delicious dishes comprised of farm-fresh ingredients, The Hollow can work with you to create custom menus for your event. Plus, The Hollow has dietary restrictions covered with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Call (917) 279-8817 or email dpthehollow@gmail.com to speak with Dora about options for your special event. 

 

City Beer Hall

Host your holiday celebrations at the City Beer Hall! The historic building can accomadate parties of 15 to 200 guests and has a multitude of distinct event spaces. Enjoy a warm and rustic feel to your celebration in the Rodeo Room, travel back to the 1920's with their classy Speakeasy 518 space, or celebrate in their cozy Main Hall. Contact events@thecitybeerhall.com to book space today! 

Catering 

Mazzone Hospitality

Peruse Mazzone Hospitality's 2023 Holiday Catering Menu with greeting cocktail choices such as a sugar cookie martini or spiced apple sangria to main dishes such as salmon, short ribs, or a vegetarian cauliflower "steak." You can't have the holidays without dessert; menu options include pie, cookies, and cocoa. Book Mazzone Hospitality for your holiday party catering through their website, by phone (518) 690-0293 or by email kaylar@mazzonehospitality.com

Nicole's Catering

The experts at Nicole's Catering can help bring holiday cheer to your event. With offerings from cozy chicken parmesan and stuffed eggplant to fresh baked cookies and gluten-free dessert there's something on the menu for everyone. Book Nicole's Catering by sending an email to info@nicolescatering or by calling (518) 436-4952.

Crafted Catering & Events

Enjoy delicious Farm-to-Table offerings from Crafted Catering & Events. The team can provide dishes, display equipment, service and culinary staff for your next holiday gathering. Contact them through their website, by emailing sales@craftedcateringandevents.com or by calling (518) 595-3223. 

Bonus: Capture the Memories with a Photo Booth by Smile Lounge Interactive 

Leave with fun, photo souvenirs by booking Smile Lounge Interactive for your holiday party photo booth! Smile Lounge works with you to create a customized experience complete with unlimited prints, unlimited photo sessions, and a variety of fun and festive props.