Albany Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Albany and surrounding areas
Albany welcomes Winter 2025 with glittering Holiday lights and an array of holiday activities across the city from the Empire State Plaza to Lark Street. Catch Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Ebenezer Scrooge or the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet and attend the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony to feel the seasonal spirit. Whether you’re exploring festive markets, finding family things to do, or joining winter festivals downtown, Albany’s recognizable sites and historic neighborhoods offer plenty of lights, live performances, and cozy seasonal experiences.
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Christmas Markets
11 eventsVictorian-themed holiday street festival with a large Festival of Trees fundraiser.
Christmas Lights
10 eventsMagical drive-through holiday lights display.
Christmas Shows
9 eventsAward-winning dancers and Broadway-level sets
Other Christmas Activities
17 eventsNortheast's largest nighttime holiday parade
Editor's Picks (6)
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NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
(Pittsfield)
Award-winning dancers and Broadway-level sets
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Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk Weekend
(Saratoga Springs)
Victorian-themed holiday street festival with a large Festival of Trees fundraiser.
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56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade
(Schenectady)
Northeast's largest nighttime holiday parade
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A Christmas Carol
(Pittsfield)
Classic holiday theater production of A Christmas Carol.
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Saratoga New Year's Eve 2025
(Saratoga Springs)
Multi-venue New Year's Eve celebration with headline acts.
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2025 Saratoga Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Saratoga Springs)
Annual tree lighting ceremony
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Albany
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Albany.
Albany New Year's Eve Bar Crawl
New Year's Eve bar crawl across Albany
Albany Capital Region Holiday Dining Options
Comprehensive guide to holiday dining specials in the Capital Region.
Saratoga New Year's Eve 2025
Multi-venue New Year's Eve celebration with headline acts.
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Albany
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Also Near Albany
Albany Christmas FAQ
The City of Albany Tree Lighting and the Holiday Market are among the largest annual events, drawing crowds for festive ceremonies and shopping.
Albany’s tree lighting in Academy Park and the tradition of holiday lights in Washington Park have been long-standing local favorites.
Krumkill Road and the Washington Park area are known for their festive home displays and community spirit during the holidays.
Downtown Albany, community centers, and seasonal pop-ups around the city are great places to find Christmas markets and local artisans.
Free light displays, neighborhood walks, and the City of Albany Tree Lighting are excellent budget-friendly options for holiday fun.
Magic of Lights, Lights at the Lake, and the Holiday Market all offer family-friendly experiences with activities for children.