Plan your holiday adventure in Schenectady with our comprehensive event guide. From Schenectady old-timers to newcomers, our guide ensures you make the most of the holidays.
Experience the nostalgia of the Victorian Holidays Celebration, where the charm of the Victorian era comes alive with festive displays and activities. Delight in the sparkling lights and festive floats during the Schenectady Holiday Parade, creating a joyful atmosphere. And the Capital Holiday Lights in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting display of holiday lights throughout the park. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Schenectady
See these and even more events listed below!Schenectady Other Holiday Activities
Schenectady Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest nighttime holiday parade in the Northeast
Description:
Schenectady's Holiday Parade illuminates the night with dazzling floats and performances. As the largest nighttime holiday parade in the Northeast, it draws thousands of spectators annually. The parade route winds through the historic Stockade District, showcasing Schenectady's rich Dutch colonial heritage. Marvel at the intricate light displays adorning each float as they glide past. You can join in the festivities by decorating yourself with glow sticks and light-up accessories. This beloved tradition dates back to 1968 and has grown into a regional spectacle that kicks off the holiday season in grand style.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcases creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Schenectady's Festival of Trees transforms the Schenectady County Historical Society into a forest of creativity. Local businesses, schools, and community groups showcase their ingenuity by decorating trees in unique themes. This event highlights the community spirit of Schenectady, a city known for its innovative history as the former headquarters of General Electric. Admire trees adorned with everything from vintage electronics to handmade ornaments representing diverse cultures. You can vote for your favorite tree, participating in a friendly competition that brings the community together. The festival serves as a fundraiser for local charities, continuing Schenectady's tradition of technological innovation and social responsibility.
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SantaCon Schenectady
What to Expect:
Charity pub crawl with hundreds of Santas
Description:
SantaCon Schenectady floods the streets with a sea of red suits and white beards. This lively charity pub crawl sees hundreds of participants dressed as Santa Claus visiting local bars and restaurants. The event injects holiday cheer into Schenectady's revitalized downtown area, which has undergone significant development in recent years. Join the crowd in belting out holiday tunes as you move from venue to venue. You can participate in themed contests at each stop, competing for prizes and bragging rights. SantaCon supports local charities, embodying the giving spirit of the season while showcasing Schenectady's vibrant nightlife scene.
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Nearby Events
Victorian Holidays Celebration (Saratoga Springs)
What to Expect:
Authentic Victorian-era holiday traditions and costumes
Description:
Step back in time at Saratoga Springs' Victorian Holidays Celebration. This immersive event transports visitors to the 19th century, complete with period-accurate costumes and decorations. Saratoga Springs, known for its mineral springs, became a popular resort town during the Victorian era. Stroll through streets lined with gas lamps and participate in traditional parlor games. The air fills with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, a popular Victorian treat. Experience firsthand how the holidays were celebrated over 150 years ago in this charming upstate New York town.
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Victorian Holidays Celebration
Capital Holiday Lights in the Park (Albany)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in historic Washington Park
Description:
Albany's Capital Holiday Lights in the Park transforms the historic Washington Park into a glowing spectacle. This drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy elaborate light displays from the comfort of their vehicles. Washington Park, designed in the 1870s, serves as a picturesque backdrop for the twinkling lights. Tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music as you cruise through the illuminated scenes. The event supports the Albany Police Athletic League, continuing a tradition of community service that dates back to the park's inception.
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Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles (Skaneateles)
What to Expect:
Interactive street theater bringing Dickens' characters to life
Description:
Skaneateles transforms into a living Victorian novel during Dickens Christmas. This unique event features costumed actors portraying characters from Charles Dickens' works, interacting with visitors on the streets. The picturesque lakeside village provides an ideal setting for this 19th-century revival. Watch as Tiny Tim and Scrooge roam the sidewalks, engaging in impromptu performances. You can even join a horse-drawn wagon ride around the town. Skaneateles, founded in 1833, embraces its historical charm during this event, offering a glimpse into the era that inspired Dickens' beloved Christmas tales.
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Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles
Albany Holiday Market (Albany)
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and sustainable gift options
Description:
Albany's Holiday Market spotlights the Capital Region's creative talent and commitment to sustainability. This eco-conscious market features handcrafted goods from local artisans, emphasizing unique and environmentally friendly gift options. The market takes place in downtown Albany, a area that has been a center of commerce since the city's founding in 1614. Peruse stalls offering everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to locally sourced gourmet treats. You can chat with makers about their craft and learn about sustainable practices. The market embodies Albany's blend of historical significance and modern environmental awareness.
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Troy Victorian Stroll (Troy)
What to Expect:
Entire downtown transforms into a Victorian-era streetscape
Description:
Troy's Victorian Stroll envelops the entire downtown in 19th-century charm. This immersive event sees the streets of Troy lined with costumed performers, horse-drawn carriages, and pop-up street performances. Troy's well-preserved 19th-century architecture provides an authentic backdrop for this historical revival. Listen to the clip-clop of horses' hooves on cobblestone streets as you explore the transformed cityscape. You can participate in traditional Victorian games or watch demonstrations of period crafts. The stroll celebrates Troy's significant role during the Industrial Revolution, when it was known as "The Collar City" for its shirt collar manufacturing industry.
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Great Train Extravaganza (Albany)
What to Expect:
Massive model train displays and rare collectibles
Description:
Albany's Great Train Extravaganza chugs into town with an impressive array of model trains and railroad memorabilia. This event draws train enthusiasts from across the Northeast to marvel at intricate layouts and rare collectibles. The show pays homage to Albany's rich railroad history, including its role as a major hub during the heyday of rail travel. Examine detailed miniature landscapes complete with tiny towns and working signals. You can even operate some of the model trains yourself, experiencing the thrill of controlling these miniature marvels. The extravaganza also features seminars on model railroading techniques, fostering a community of hobbyists and preserving railroad heritage.
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Holiday Greens Show (Albany)
What to Expect:
Showcases creative floral designs in a historic mansion
Description:
Albany's Holiday Greens Show brings nature indoors at the historic Ten Broeck Mansion. This unique event features stunning floral arrangements and creative uses of greenery throughout the 18th-century home. The mansion, built in 1797, provides a grand setting for these natural masterpieces. Inhale the fresh scent of pine and cedar as you wander through rooms adorned with innovative designs. You can learn about historical and modern floral arranging techniques from expert demonstrators. The show celebrates Albany's long-standing tradition of horticulture, dating back to the city's early Dutch settlers who introduced many plant species to the region.
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Albany Symphony's The Magic of Christmas (Albany)
What to Expect:
Combines classical orchestra with modern holiday favorites
Description:
Albany Symphony's The Magic of Christmas concert blends classical masterpieces with contemporary holiday tunes. This musical extravaganza features the full symphony orchestra performing alongside guest vocalists and local choirs. The concert takes place in the historic Palace Theatre, an opulent 1930s movie palace that now serves as a premier performance venue. Listen to the rich, full sound of the orchestra as they tackle both traditional carols and modern holiday hits. You can sing along to your favorite seasonal songs, accompanied by world-class musicians. The event celebrates Albany's long-standing commitment to the arts, dating back to the formation of the Albany Symphony in 1930.
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Albany Symphony's The Magic of Christmas