Header Photo Courtesy of Colonie Center Mall.
 

Santa Claus has come to town! Before St. Nick stops by on Christmas Eve, children can meet him in person, let him know their Christmas wishes, and take photos at one of the many locations he’s paying a visit to throughout Albany County.

Visit Santa Throughout the Season

Santa will be spending some time at these locations all December long!

Colonie Center Mall

Take a break from holiday shopping at Colonie Center and stop by Santa’s Workshop to take a photo. Santa will be visiting every day this season until Christmas Eve, but it is recommended if you visit on the 24th to come early for shorter wait times and to give St. Nick more time to gather all the gifts.

Reserved time-slots are also available on December 10 for a sensory-friendly Santa experience. Additionally, pet photos with Santa are open on December 6 and December 13.

Crossgates Mall

While perusing Crossgates Mall this holiday season, visit the special guest from the North Pole Wednesday through Sunday each week through Christmas Eve. Santa will be at Crossgates to hear Christmas wishes and take photos on the lower level across from Apex Entertainment. Plus, with any photo purchase children will receive a special gift from Apex Entertainment and 110 Grill.

Stuyvesant Plaza

Stuyvesant Plaza is one of the merriest places to be each Sunday this holiday season. Meet Santa, take complimentary photos, and enjoy some holly jolly activities during the shopping center’s weekly Holiday Strolls through December 17. While at the Plaza for Santa, marvel at the festive window displays and vote for your favorite. Grab some hot cocoa and hand warmers for your stroll, and don’t miss an enchanting horse-drawn carriage ride. Santa can be found between G. Willikers Toy Shop and Warby Parker starting at 1 PM.

Stuyvesant Plaza also offers Sensory-Friendly Santa hours on December 10 and December 17.

Christmas Land in Altamont

Meet Santa at this holiday tradition in Altamont! Almost as magical as the North Pole itself, Christmas Land offers holiday cheer for the whole family Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 17. Bring Christmas wish lists and take photos with Santa, take a tour on a horse drawn carriage or train ride, marvel at light displays, enjoy tasty Christmas cookies by the fire pit, and craft some Christmas ornaments. Don’t leave all the gifting to Santa, stop by the Christmas Land Store for unique locally-made gifts.

Indian Ladder Farms

Spend some time with Santa during a special brunch at Indian Ladder Farms. Chat with St. Nick, snap some photos, enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, and take a tour of the farm on a holiday hayride. Brunches take place every Saturday in December, but spots are booking up fast so be sure to register soon!  

Santa will also be stopping by Indian Ladder Farm’s Howliday Ugly Sweater Party and Contest on Sunday, December 10. Bring your pet in their holiday best, prizes will be given out for different categories and Santa will be onsite to take pictures with you four-legged friend.

Special Santa Stops

Ten Broeck Mansion Holiday House

Holiday Open House at the Pruyn House

December 9
10 AM to 3 PM

Marvel at beautiful 1800's style holiday decor at the Pruyn House and take a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 9 between 10 AM and 3 PM. The Holiday Open House is also running on Friday, December 8 from 2 PM to 6 PM.

Community Holiday Party

December 16
Program begins at 10 AM; Santa arrives at 11 AM

Celebrate the holidays at this free event hosted by Capital Repertory Theatre! Stop by at 10 AM for a special story hour and take pics with St. Nick when he comes to visit starting at 11 AM. Children will also be able to pick out a toy in partnership with Toys for Tots while supplies last.

Ten Broeck Mansion's Tea Party & Sinterklaas Story Hour

December 16
11 AM

Known to the Dutch as Sinterklaas, enjoy a story hour led by St. Nick himself on the porch of the historic Ten Broeck Mansion on December 16! Ten Broeck is also hosting a tea party on the 16th where children will enjoy decaf tea and treats from around the world, learn about the history of the drink, and make their very own tea-box treasure box. Programs begin at 11 AM.

Deck the House with Santa

December 16
1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM 

Visit DICKS House of Sport for their inaugural holiday celebration on December 16. Book a Santa Workshop session at 1 PM, 4 PM or 7 PM and enjoy an afternoon reading stories with St. Nick, taking photos, drinking hot cocoa and snacking on Christmas cookies. Each child will have a special ornament picked out by Santa himself to decorate. Spots are booking up fast so make sure to register soon!

City of Cohoes Santa Tour

December 23
9:30 AM to 11 AM

Santa is taking a special tour through the City of Cohoes on the day before Christmas Eve! Be sure to spot Saint Nick along his route and then check out some local Cohoes businesses. Click the event link to find his route!