After spending time with family on Thanksgiving, head out this weekend to check out what’s going on in Albany! Whether you’re looking to get further into the holiday spirit or you need a break from the festivities we’ve got you covered.
Festive Holiday Events
Thursday, November 24
While everyone looks forward to this major event every year this year is extra special, because it’s the 100th anniversary! There is no day-of registration this year for the 5K, 10K, or Grade School Mile, but you can register for the Turkey Walk up until 9:25am. And of course, spectators are free!
Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
Friday, November 25 to Monday, January 2
This is the opening weekend for the epic holiday lights in Washington Park! The price is $20 per car, with proceeds going towards juvenile crime prevention programs of the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL). Come out to see the amazing light displays, and make a stop at the Lakehouse before you go to visit with Santa and enjoy crafts and refreshments.
Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27
The Albany Institute of History & Art is hosting a holiday-themed event all weekend, with free admission! Activities include a photo with Santa, making your own ornaments, and more – you can even visit with a live reindeer on Friday and Saturday!
Sunday, November 27
Many look forward to this amazing group every year – the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! They’re performing at the Times Union Center for their Ghosts of Christmas Eve show, and tickets range from $44 to $75.
Christmas Land at Altamont Vineyard & Winery
Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, November 27
There is free admission to this fantastic holiday event. Come out for ornament decorating, Christmas cookie decorating, displays from local artisans and crafters, carolers, Santa, and more! Head over to Altamont Vineyard & Winery for some Christmas magic and wine tasting.
Walk It Off
Need to walk off all that food you ate on Thanksgiving? Check out these two events:
Saturday, November 26
The Albany Pine Bush is hosting a 2.6-mile “Waddle Walk” through rolling terrain. If it snows, they’ll snowshoe! Snowshoes will be provided for participants. This event is appropriate for ages eight and up, and costs $3.00 per person, or $5.00 per family.
Guided Walk: Wild Turkey Trail
Saturday, November 26
Consider heading out on a guided walk at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar to walk off those holiday pounds. They’re going to be checking out animal signs, holes, tracks, scat, nests, and other signs of wildlife along the hour-long walk on flat terrain.
ViaPort
Holiday-themed events not for you? Check out Via Aquarium or Via Entertainment in ViaPort, the former location of the Rotterdam Square Mall.
Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27
The Capital Region’s first aquarium is here! Via Aquarium opened on November 12th and the excitement is still buzzing. Be one of the first to check out this amazing new attraction with 2,500 fish and animals in 37 different exhibits, including two tunnel tanks! Tickets are $16 on weekdays, $19 on weekends; $10 for kids 4 to 17; and children 3 and under are free.
Via Entertainment
Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27
Via Entertainment is right next to Via Aquarium and is the ultimate entertainment experience. They have an arcade, bowling lanes, a restaurant, and can host live music or comedy events. Win tickets in the arcade and use them to get awesome prizes like cool toys and high tech gadgets!
Need more events to browse? Head over to the full events calendar.
