Experience the holidays in Albany from a new perspective. Our guide includes all the must-see festive activities.
One of the most beloved events is Albany's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, where families gather to witness the beautiful illumination of the towering tree. Marvel at the dazzling light displays and holiday scenes during the Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park, which transforms Washington Park into a winter wonderland. And don't forget The Nutcracker by Northeast Ballet is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Albany
- Albany's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
- Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
- Holiday Market at the Empire State Plaza
- Melodies of Christmas
- Albany Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
- Capital Region CANstruction
Albany Holiday Light Displays
Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in historic Washington Park
Description:
The Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park illuminates Albany's historic Washington Park with a dazzling drive-through experience. Over 125 displays and 200,000 lights transform the park into a glowing canvas of holiday cheer. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized music as they cruise through the illuminated scenes. This event not only brightens the winter nights but also supports the Albany Police Athletic League's youth programs, continuing a tradition of community service that began in 1988.
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Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
Albany Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at the Empire State Plaza
What to Expect:
Outdoor market with New York State focus
Description:
The Holiday Market at the Empire State Plaza showcases the best of New York State's artisans and producers. Set against the backdrop of Albany's iconic government complex, this outdoor market features over 100 vendors offering locally-made gifts, foods, and crafts. Visitors can sample regional delicacies while browsing unique holiday gifts. The market's location at the Empire State Plaza connects shoppers to a significant piece of New York's governmental history, designed by architect Wallace Harrison in the 1960s as a symbol of the state's progressive vision.
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Holiday Market at the Empire State Plaza
Albany Holiday Giving Opportunities
Capital Region CANstruction
What to Expect:
Competitive sculpture building using canned goods
Description:
Capital Region CANstruction challenges local architects, engineers, and students to create massive sculptures using only canned food items. These impressive structures, often standing over 10 feet tall, showcase creativity while addressing food insecurity. Visitors can vote for their favorite designs, adding an interactive element to the exhibit. After the event, all canned goods are donated to local food banks, providing thousands of meals to those in need. This innovative approach to charitable giving has been part of Albany's holiday season since 1998, combining art, engineering, and community service.
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Albany Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Melodies of Christmas
What to Expect:
Benefit concert supporting children's hospital
Description:
Melodies of Christmas unites top-tier performers for a cause, supporting the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. This concert series showcases a diverse range of musical styles, from classical orchestrations to contemporary pop interpretations of holiday favorites. Attendees can enjoy performances by the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale, adding youthful energy to the event. Since its inception in 1980, Melodies of Christmas has raised over $8 million for pediatric cancer care, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
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Albany Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Symphony performance with guest soloists
Description:
The Albany Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert elevates the season with a sophisticated musical experience. This performance blends traditional carols with lesser-known holiday compositions, creating a unique auditory journey. Guest soloists from around the world join the orchestra, adding international flair to the Capital Region's celebration. You can immerse yourself in the rich, full sound of a professional orchestra performing in the historic Palace Theatre, a venue that has been at the heart of Albany's cultural scene since 1931.
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Albany Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Albany Other Holiday Activities
Albany's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree decorating
Description:
Albany's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting transforms the city center into a beacon of holiday spirit. Residents contribute ornaments, creating a truly community-driven spectacle. You can admire the towering evergreen adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and personalized decorations. This tradition dates back to 1915, making it one of the oldest continuous tree lighting ceremonies in the United States. The air fills with the aroma of hot cocoa as local choirs perform seasonal favorites, bringing the community together in a shared celebration of the season.
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Albany's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Nearby Events
The Nutcracker by Northeast Ballet (Schenectady)
What to Expect:
Local ballet company's interpretation of the classic
Description:
Northeast Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's timeless tale to life with a distinctly local flair in Schenectady. This production of The Nutcracker features intricate costumes and sets that pay homage to the region's Dutch heritage. Young audience members can participate in a special meet-and-greet with the Sugar Plum Fairy after the show. The company's interpretation has evolved over three decades, incorporating elements that reflect the changing face of the Capital Region while maintaining the ballet's classic charm.
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The Nutcracker by Northeast Ballet
Schenectady Holiday Parade (Schenectady)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Schenectady's Holiday Parade lights up the night with a procession of illuminated floats, marching bands, and costumed characters. As one of the largest nighttime parades in the Northeast, it draws spectators from across the region. You can watch as the parade winds through the historic Stockade District, blending modern holiday cheer with colonial-era architecture. This event has been a staple of Schenectady's holiday season since 1968, growing from a small community gathering to a major regional attraction that kicks off the festive season in style.
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Saratoga Victorian Streetwalk (Saratoga Springs)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday celebration
Description:
Saratoga Springs steps back in time with the Victorian Streetwalk, transforming Broadway into a 19th-century holiday scene. Costumed characters roam the streets, while shop windows display elaborate Victorian-inspired decorations. Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, experiencing the charm of a bygone era. This event not only celebrates the holiday season but also pays homage to Saratoga's heyday as a fashionable resort town in the late 1800s, when it was known as "the Queen of the Spas."
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Adirondack Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker (Glens Falls)
What to Expect:
Ballet performance with Adirondack-inspired sets
Description:
Adirondack Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker brings a regional twist to the classic ballet in Glens Falls. Unique set designs incorporate elements of the Adirondack landscape, transporting audiences to a winter wonderland reminiscent of the nearby mountains. Local dancers of all ages participate, creating a true community production. You can spot subtle nods to Adirondack culture throughout the performance, from lumberjack-inspired costumes to pine tree motifs. This adaptation has been delighting audiences since 1992, becoming an integral part of the region's holiday traditions.
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Adirondack Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker