Schenectady Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Schenectady and surrounding areas
Schenectady lights up the festive season with Christmas lights and holiday activities centered on Proctors and the Stockade district. Events like the 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade and Northeast Ballet's The Nutcracker at Proctors pair seasonal entertainment with winter festivals and festive markets. Stroll historic streets under twinkling lights, shop holiday markets, and enjoy family-friendly activities and performances that make the season feel magical across town.
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Christmas Markets
9 eventsVictorian-themed holiday street festival with a large Festival of Trees fundraiser.
Christmas Shows
8 eventsAward-winning dancers and Broadway-level sets
Christmas Lights
8 eventsMagical drive-through holiday lights display.
Other Christmas Activities
16 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
Northeast's largest nighttime holiday parade
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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
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A Christmas Carol
(Pittsfield)
Classic holiday theater production of A Christmas Carol.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Schenectady
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Schenectady.
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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.
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Schenectady Christmas FAQ
The 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade is a major event, known as the Northeast’s largest nighttime parade. The Festival of Trees and the Winter Village in downtown Schenectady are also key seasonal highlights.
Schenectady’s longstanding Holiday Parade and the Festival of Trees, where local groups decorate themed lighted trees, are cherished traditions that bring the community together each year.
Beloved neighborhood displays are scattered throughout Schenectady, with many residents participating in festive light displays that create inviting walking trails and drive-by routes.
The Schenectady County Historical Society hosts the Festival of Trees, a prime spot for local artisans and makers. Additionally, various neighborhood markets and craft fairs near Schenectady showcase local vendors throughout the holiday season.
Enjoying neighborhood light displays, attending the Holiday Parade, and visiting free or low-cost markets like the Winter Village offer budget-friendly ways to celebrate the season in Schenectady.
Families will enjoy the Holiday Parade, the Festival of Trees with its creative displays, and the Winter Village’s festive atmosphere, all offering activities and sights suitable for children.