From traditional tree lightings to ice skating at the Plaza, there are so many fun events happening in the Capital Region this time of year. Find out what’s new this weekend and get ready for some holiday cheer.
Celebrate the Holiday Season at These Upcoming Events
Here’s what’s going on in and around Albany:
- Downtown’s Shop & Savor smAlbany: Today through December 4
- Wintertime Wonderland: Today through December 5 (and other dates)
- 25th Annual Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park: Today through January 2
- Rotterdam’s 2nd Annual Christmas Market: Today through December 12
- 2021 City of Albany Tree Lighting: December 3
- 2021 Schenectady Festival of Trees: December 4 – 23
- Christmas Land in Altamont: December 4 – 5 (and other dates)
- 4th Annual Chili Chowder Stroll on Lark Street: December 4
- 2021 Troy Victorian Stroll Presented By the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce: December 5 – 31
- Great Train Extravaganza 2021: December 5
- New York State’s Holiday Tree Lighting: December 5
See the full events calendar >>
Ice Skating Updates, Photos with Santa, and More
Make Plans to Hit the Ice in the Capital Region
Ice skating is a fun way to spend the holiday season and winter in the Capital Region, and we have some exciting news about two local rinks. The Empire State Plaza’s free outdoor ice skating rink opens today, December 3, and it will remain open on Tuesdays – Sundays (holiday hours may vary). In addition, Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor will feature a new outdoor ice skating rink for the 2021-2022 winter season. The Schenectady River Rink is located at 221 Harborside Drive, opens December 10, and tickets are available now at flightonice.com/locations/schenectady-river-rink.
Visit the Schenectady Greenmarket at Its Winter Location
Looking to purchase some fresh produce, meats and eggs, baked goods, and other farmers market products? The popular Schenectady Greenmarket is moving indoors for its Winter Market season starting this Sunday, December 5. You can find the market inside Proctors on Sundays from 10:00am-2:00pm until the outdoor market resumes in spring.
Get Your Photo With Santa at Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center
‘Tis the season for photos with Santa Claus, and both Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center are ready to welcome families for their annual photo session. Santa’s Workshop at Crossgates Mall is located on the lower level near Apex Entertainment, and the latest schedule and pricing are available online. Colonie Center’s Santa Experience will be located by L.L. Bean, and hours of operation vary from now through December 24.
A New Wood-Fired Pizza Place Is Coming to Albany
If you’re a fan of wood-fired pizza, then stay tuned for the opening of Pizza Michelina, a new pizzeria that’s being developed at 376 Delaware Avenue in Albany. The Times Union reports that the new pizza place will feature a wood-fired Valoriani pizza oven and a room in the basement where the owners can go grow herbs and vegetables for the pizzas. A late winter opening is planned, and the business will focus mainly on takeout and delivery.
Enjoy craft beverages in the Capital Region >>
Sources:
- Times Union: Wood-fired pizzeria coming to Albany’s Delaware Avenue
