Planning a trip to Albany for the holidays? There’s no better place than traveling to the Capital District for outstanding holiday events and festivals throughout November and December to get you in the season spirit. From era-inspired celebrations to gorgeous light displays, there’s plenty of places to visit and things to do this holiday season in Albany.

Enjoy A Holiday Parade

Be on hand for the 49th Daily Gazette Holiday Parade on November 18, bringing all of the spectacle and magic of Christmas to the streets of Schenectady, New York, just a short drive east of Albany. There will be beautifully decorated floats with streaming lights, dancers, bands, and more to brighten the streets with holiday cheer!

Tour Beautiful Light Displays

Starting November 24, you can view over 100 lighted displays and scenes throughout Washington Park in Albany for the Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights drive-through. After you visit this stunning display, you can enjoy plenty of crafts, food, and drinks, and even meet Santa himself! Admission varies based on the vehicle.

Go Ice Skating

As winter nears, the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany will become the Empire “Skate” Plaza. This outdoor skating rink, which is open daily and free to the public until March, is a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit and is perfect for experienced skaters and anyone looking to learn. The rink also holds events, like ice-skating lessons and a tree lighting. Skate rentals are $3 for kids 12 & under and $4 for adults. The rink opens December 2.

Step Back In Time For A Classic Christmas

For one day out of the year, the city of Troy, New York becomes a Victorian-style holiday celebration for the 34th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll, complete with carolers, ice sculptures, live entertainment, refreshments, and much more! This free holiday event is only a short drive north of Albany. Visit Troy on December 3 for this exciting, all-day event.

Visit A Holiday Wonderland

From late-November through December, head to Christmas Land LLC in Altamont, New York, just a short drive east of Albany, for ornament decorating, light displays, train and carriage rides, kids activities, refreshments, and much more! And before you go, get a picture with the man in red himself, Santa Clause! Admission is free.

Catch A Holiday Show

No holiday season is complete without a live rendition of The Nutcracker, and like years past, this famous show will run at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady on December 2. Enjoy the thrills and wonderful music of this historic play as the Northeast Ballet creates a fantastic start to the beginning of the holiday season.

Tour our charming Albany accommodations and view our packages & specials at The Morgan State House to get your holiday getaway to Upstate NY started!