'Tis the season to grab your favorite sweater, scarf, & hot cocoa and hit the town! Albany, NY has some of the best holiday events that are only a short drive away from Anderson Offices! Check out the following Albany holiday events happening this month and beyond.
1. Annual Holiday Lights in the Park
Each year, Washington Park in Albany, NY hosts a grand display of holiday lights. Not only is this light show extraordinary, but Covid friendly as well. You can easily buy the tickets online, or simply drive up to the ticket window once you enter the show. The lights are lit from November 27th - January 3rd and it costs $25 per passenger vehicle. Upon arrival, you will show/buy your tickets at the entry booth then drive through the show. You can sit in your car and play your favorite Christmas music as you drive under the lights. I promise you, it's a sight 100% worth the money. In addition to the light show, you are welcome to the food vendors along the drive and can even submit letters to Santa at the entrance of the holiday lights.
2. Christmas Land LLC
Christmas in the Capital Region is not the same without Christmas Land in Altamont, NY! This is the perfect place to bring kids as they can enjoy photos with Santa Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more holiday activities. They are open this season on Saturdays and Sundays from November 28th - December 20th. This perfect Christmas spot allows you to begin the holiday season with your family, enjoying all the traditions home to the Albany area. Check out their Facebook page for constant updates on their events, hours, and more!
3. Schenectady Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees in Schenectady is another way to celebrate the holiday season. Traditionally, the evergreen fir tree has been used to celebrate Christmas for thousands of years. We continue to decorate our trees to honor those in which we listen to and look up to (and to watch them twinkle of course!). At the Festival of Trees, you'll find different trees decorated from classic to a little eccentric Christmas styles. They are open through December and tickets cost $6 for adults over the age of 12. The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for, and a partnership between , the Schenectady County Historical Society and the YWCA North-Eastern NY.
4. Troy Victorian Stroll
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Victorian Stroll was instead a "Stroll Season" from December 6th - 20th. People were encouraged to take a trip to downtown Troy, explore the city's beautifully decorated storefronts, and support local businesses. Traditionally, the Troy Victorian Stroll features people dressed in Victorian period attire with the addition of live music, an arts and crafts show, and more holiday fun. This has been a long-lasting tradition to thousands of members of the Capital Region and people from all over the state. There's even a fun Bingo game involved! Here, you can play along by keeping track of the businesses you visit and support on your Bingo card, and if you complete your card and submit it to "stroll@renscochamber.com", you'll be entered to win a downtown Troy holiday prize pack. Let the fun begin!
5. Schenectady Holiday Parade
While last year's parade was cancelled, the streets of Schenectady are typically lit up with lights and decorations for the big parade. Giant floats pass down the street and have rightfully claimed to be the 'largest nighttime holiday parade in the Northeast'. It is held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and people from all over come to watch. This year's expected attendance is 20,000 people, so make sure you get there early for the best spot on November 20th! The pre-parade festival begins just down the road on Jay Street around 2:00pm. This festival features balloon artists, food vendors, face painters, live music, crafters, and businesses in the area. Be sure to come out early, grab a good parking spot, drink some hot cocoa, and enjoy the holiday festivities!