Festive vibes are ramping up in Albany and the Capital Region! Check out these seven fun holiday events (including a Thanksgiving dinner giveaway!) over the weekend, along with several non-holiday things to do.
Experience Fun & Festivities With These Holiday Events
2022 Schenectady Holiday Parade
November 19
Don’t miss one of the biggest holiday events of the season! The Schenectady Holiday Parade begins at 5 PM, and this year’s theme is “Dream Big.” Come early to hear Ryan Cabrera and Girl Blue at the mainstage before the parade begins, and then snag your spot and watch the glittering floats pass by!
Holiday Makers Market at Arlene’s
November 19
Pick up gifts for your family at the Holiday Makers Market at Arlene’s. The market features handmade crafts and food by local makers. Admission is free!
November 19
The Albany Train Show is an amazing way to get into the holiday spirit. The show will feature multiple model train setups, over 100 vendors selling trains and train-related items, appraisers, and even a train doctor to take care of your ailing engines.
November 20
50+ vendors and crafters will be present at this annual holiday craft fair in Troy. The first 100 shoppers will be entered into a special door prize drawing, and if you bring an unwrapped toy to donate, you’ll receive 5 free raffle tickets.
November 19-20
Visit Colonie Center on Saturday or Sunday for the 25th Annual CBA Craft Fair, where over 130 vendors will offer handmade treasures for purchase, including candles, spices, jewelry baskets, clothing, carved items, and much more. Get all your holiday shopping done in one place!
November 19-20
Bring your kiddos to an unbelievably magical experience in Schenectady! Wintertime Wonderland features a variety of attractions, including an ice maze, Santa’s Post Office, a gingerbread house, Santa’s Workshop, and an amazing light show.
The Big Give Back: 1,000 Meals to Be Distributed in Albany
The 3rd Annual Big Give Back will be held this Sunday, November 20, with 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to be handed out to those in need. The meals will include 1 frozen turkey and 5 sides, and the giveaway will be first come/first serve.
The Big Give Back will take place from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at 224 S Pearl St in Albany in the Board of Elections parking lot. There will also be separate lines for walk-up attendees and those who are able to drive up. This amazing initiative is spearheaded by two Downtown Albany business partners, Kris Roglieri and William ‘Tragedy’ Yager. Check it out if you or someone you know is in need of a meal for Thanksgiving!
Other Fun Events Happening This Weekend
November 18
Celebrate and support LGBTQ+ visibility during this exciting event, put on by The Pride Center of the Capital Region. This year’s theme is The Rainbow Age: A New Era of Visibility, and the gala will have food, dancing, drinking, a silent and live auction, and special entertainment.
November 19
Join the 4th annual CNYS Black Expo to honor and celebrate Capital Region change makers and leaders! The expo will feature workshops, ceremonies, and much more, including film screenings and live music.
Collar City Clay Guild Pottery Market
November 18-19
This is the prime event for pottery lovers in the Capital Region! Local potters will be selling everything from jewelry to sculptures to functional items, all one-of-a-kind and handmade. Stop by and find something unique and beautiful to take home.
Schenectady JCC Jewish Fall Film Festival – Tiger Within
Through November 20
Take some time over the weekend to see this touching and beautiful film, focused on the unlikely bond formed between a Holocaust survivor and a homeless teenager as they each search for hope and purpose.
