Experience the Best 2025-2026 Winter Events In & Near Albany, NY
The heart of the Capital Region comes alive each winter with a variety of exciting events for all to enjoy. From gliding across the ice at the Empire "Skate" Plaza to sipping seasonal cocktails at an ice bar or savoring the best at food and drink festivals, there’s something for everyone. Read on for a full breakdown of the can’t-miss 2025-2026 winter events in and near Albany, NY.
Empire "Skate" Plaza
Dates: December 5, 2025 - March 2026
Go ice skating with family and friends at the Empire "Skate" Plaza in Albany. Opening Day is Friday, December 5, 2025. The rink will be open 10AM-6PM, and closed for maintenance 1:30PM-2:30PM. Afterwards, the rink will be open Tuesdays - Sundays throughout winter (as weather permits).
The Empire "Skate" Plaza welcomes all, and admission is free. Skate rentals are available for a small fee whenever the ice skating rink is open, and they are free on Saturdays courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets.
Grafton Lakes Winter Fest
Date: 2026 Dates TBA
Bring the whole family to the annual Grafton Lakes Winter Festival at Grafton Lakes State Park.
The festival will feature outdoor events along with a variety of indoor exhibits to check out, food vendors, and family-friendly recreational activities. Admission is free, and the event typically runs from 11:30am-3:00pm.
Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival
Dates: January 22 - 24, 2026
Taste delicious offerings from the top local restaurants at the Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy three days of food-related events and competitions, including the Slider Slam!, the Grand Tastings & Seminars, and the Grand Gala.
New York Craft Brewers Festival
Date: January 24, 2026
The New York State Craft Brewers Festival will be held at the Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel on Saturday, January 24, from 4:00pm-8:00pm.
This popular event brings together more than 50 breweries from every region of the state. It's especially fun for all beer lovers, as you'll be able to discover new styles, flavors, and brands, all in one place. Savory eats will also be available for purchase from local food vendors.
Downtown Schenectady Soup Stroll
Date: January 31, 2026
Come to downtown Schenectady for the annual Soup Stroll on Saturday, January 31 from 11:00am-4:00pm. Participating restaurants will offer their best soups for only $1 per serving. It's a great way to spend a cold winter day!
Fire & Ice Bar at The Mill on Round Lake
Dates: February 6 - February 7, 2026; February 13 - 14, 2026; February 20 - 21, 2026
Don't miss the annual Fire & Ice Bar at The Mill on Round Lake this winter! Ice bars are some of the coolest events of the season, and The Mill features the longest ice bar in the Capital Region.
Enjoy drink specials, a live DJ, ice activities, and more over three weekends.
Albany Wine & Chocolate Festival
Date: February 14, 2026
Plan on sampling some of the best wines & chocolate in the Capital Region at the Albany Wine & Chocolate Festival. It will take place at the Desmond Hotel in Albany on February 14th from 1:00pm-8:00pm. There will be unlimited samples, and you may purchase a bottle of your favorite wine at a great price.
If you aren't interested in wine, the festival is including distilleries and cideries too!
Saratoga Chowderfest
Date: February 7, 2026
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest on Saturday, February 7! This beloved winter tradition invites thousands to indulge in 4 oz. samples of chowder from over 80 Saratoga County restaurants, all for just $2 each.
Stroll through downtown Saratoga to enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and exclusive Chowderfest merchandise, including collectible shirts and hats. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the best chowder and help crown the crowd favorite.
Albany County's Annual Winter Festival
Date: 2026 Dates TBA
Step into a winter wonderland at Albany County’s Annual Winter Festival! This event is your ticket to a day packed with snowy fun and heartwarming activities the whole family will enjoy, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more.
There will also be plenty of food and drinks available, including coffee and hot chocolate to keep you warm.
Schenectady County Restaurant Week
Dates: February 23 - March 1, 2026
Delicious multi-course meals await at various participating restaurants during Schenectady County Restaurant Week! This event is brought to us by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and the Chamber of Schenectady County.
Check out the full Albany events calendar >>
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