7 Festive Delights Awaiting You This Christmas in Albany

From dazzling lights to heartwarming festivities, discover the seven best ways to celebrate the season in Albany.

1. Candy Cane Crawl

Delight your tastebuds with peppermint goodness on Albany’s Candy Cane Crawl. Enjoy specialty coffee, confections, and cocktails from local restaurants in Albany. For your enjoyment the Candy Cane Crawl doubles as a holiday bingo game. Pick up your bingo card from the Albany Welcome Center or participating local partners to get started. Try 3 holiday specials in a row and win a limited-edition tumbler cup that pays tribute to the Candy Cane Birthplace, Albany.

2. It's A Wonderful Life Play

See a classic Christmas story brought to life at Theatre Albany’s production of It’s A Wonderful Life. Grab your popcorn and settle into the downtown theater to enjoy the nostalgia of the popular Christmas tale. This show is a one-weekend special, purchase tickets here. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 11th.

3. Santa Claus Exhibit

If seeing Santa is a tradition for your family, take the tradition to the next level with a visit to the Santa Claus exhibit at Thronateeska Heritage Center. Wander through hundreds of Santas beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving. While you’re there sneak a peek at other memorabilia from Bobs Candy including the iconic candy truck.

4. Peppermint Pops Concert

Embrace the Christmas season with this Albany tradition- Peppermint Pops! Inside the historic Albany Municipal Auditorium, the Albany Symphony Orchestra performs songs from beloved Christmas movies. This event is free and as festive as they come!

5. Celebration of Lights

Albany’s Downtown will host our annual Celebration of Lights on Saturday, December 7th. This year’s theme is Toyland Fantasy. Expect delicious bites from food trucks, eclectic Christmas vendors, live entertainment, and a fun-filled parade.

6. Holiday Lights Caravan

For a casual Christmas night out, grab a cozy drink from our coffee shops that are open late and set off for a magical drive through Albany's beautifully decorated homes, twinkling with Christmas lights! Visiting family? Plan a Christmas Eve drive through Albany's historic neighborhood Rawson Circle to see their legendary luminaries.

7. Santa Sightings

Santa & his pal the Grinch will be making stops around Albany this December. See Santa at Smallcakes Cupcakery's annual Cupcakes with Santa event on December 14th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Show off your decorating skills and come with all of your Christmas spirit! Silver Belles will also be there to customize ornaments for you and your family!