All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

Between Christmas and Hanukkah, this weekend is a little light in the stuff to do department, but if you scratch the surface a bit, there's some fun stuff there.

After the jump, a few things we thought you might want to try.

Got something else planned? It's the season for sharing.

Whatever you're up to, have a fantastic holiday weekend!

It's a Wonderful Life
The Palace's movie series is showing the classic Christmas It's a Wonderful Life Friday night. Sure, you've probably it before (or, at least, parts of it between commercial breaks) -- but it's fun to see it on the big screen in an old theater. 7 pm - $5 adults / $3 kids

A spoonful of sugar
This one isn't until Monday, but it's a holiday weekend, so we thought it was worth mentioning here. The Palace also has a screening of Mary Poppins coming up -- a family matinee at 3 pm on Boxing Day (you know, the day after Christmas).

More Nutcracker
If you haven't had a chance to see The Nutcracker this year, you can catch a screening of a performance by the renowned Bolshoi Ballet on the giant screen at Proctors today and Monday. 4:30 pm and 7 pm each day - $15 adults / $10 kids

Catch a movie
Holiday movie season is here and the theaters are open on Christmas Day.

Music

Tonight: Pony in the Pancake at Valentine's
Their annual Christmas show. Also on the bill: Neversink, Jim Flynn, Kevin Prockup. 8 pm - $5

Tonight: Jewmongous at Caffe Lena
"Unkosher" comedy music. "Not appropriate for kids unless you're training them to be sailors." He's also the guy who co-wrote the theme song for the Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? TV show. 8 pm - $18 ahead / $20 at the door

Ugly sweaters and beer
Grab your ugliest holiday sweater and do the Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl in Saratoga tonight. Remember to bring a designated driver. It starts and City Tavern. 5 pm - $20

UAlbany basketball
The UAlbany men's basketball team faces Dartmouth at home Friday. Tip time is 2 pm. Gerardo Suero keeps tearing it up -- he's averaging 21 points/game, which places him in the top 15 nationally for scoring average.

Kid Stuff: Great Toys From Our Childhood
If the holidays make you nostalgic for Slinkies, yo-yos, Pez dispensers and all those great old toys you grew up with, check out the "Kid Stuff" exhibit at The Albany Institute of History and Art. Closed Sunday.

Holiday Shopping
Seriously? OK, we're not sure we can help you at this point, but we'll try. The Tight Knit Market at the Troy Farmers' Market is open on Saturday (lots of locally hand made goodies) and The Holiday Shop at The Arts Center (fun gifts made by regional artists). And here are some other fun, local gift ideas. Also, if you're looking for something yummy to bring to a holiday gathering, here are a few ideas.

Holiday Light Displays
+ The Capital Holiday Lights are open in Albany's Washington Park. Tonight and Saturday from 6-10 pm $15 per car, $25 per van (The Lake House will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, but the drive through the light show is open.)

+ Quick Response's light display in Round Lake (map). Horse and wagon rides and visits with Santa and refreshments. 5:30 pm to 9 pm - free.

Have some eggnog
Read this first.

Bake some cookies
Sugar cookies? Again? How about some of the best chocolate chips you've ever had, instead? Here are two of the best chocolate chip cookie recipes you're likely to find (at least until the year 2040) and some interesting info to go along with them.

Farmers' markets
Farmers' markets are open this Saturday in Troy and Saratoga this weekend. The Greenmarket in Schenectady is NOT open this Sunday.

Brunch
Take a break from the holiday craziness with a relaxing brunch. Here are a few fun brunch options and some great diner breakfast stops.

Yule log
Need an extra dose of festivity? Or, just a chuckle? Turn on the Yule Log while you're wrapping the presents. Don't forget your 3D glasses.

Just take a break
Take some time out to spend with the people you love, and appreciate the good stuff.

Proctors is also an AOA advertiser.