Favorite local holiday traditions?

empire state plaza ice skating 2012Colleen asks via Twitter:

I just moved to Albany. Other than the park lights and skating, what are your favorite Albany holiday traditions?

So, got some local holiday traditions you'd like to suggest to Colleen? Please share! You can help her feel more at home in her new town.

Comments

Santa Speedo

Definitely Santa Speedo! I can't run this year due to an injury but will be a scantily clad volunteer. My friend is also the leader of SantaCon the same day.

many activities are already over (lighting of tree at capitol, speedo santa run, schenectady parade...) but I will still enjoy the Festival of Trees in Schenectady and Saratoga First Night!! it's SO MUCH FUN! you must go.

The Nutcracker at Proctor's

Screening of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Palace Theater. One of my favorite nights of the year.

Why, the Albany Berkshire Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" at The Egg, of course! Sunday, Dec. 16.

Also the Troy Victorian Stroll, but that was last weekend.

The Polar Express out of Saratoga if you have young children, and throwing the kids in the car after dinner and driving to Apple Blossom Lane.

Bonster, it appears that 3 different groups of people have all been organizing a SantaCon event, and as it turns out, they will all be taking place this Saturday evening on Lark Street. Our group will also be heading down to the City Beer Hall towards the end of the night for a Dominick the Donkey pinata beating and costume contest. I hope you have your Santa Suit ready... it's going to be EPIC!!!

Here in Ballston Spa, we love our Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. AND YOU'RE IN LUCK! It starts tonight (Friday) @ 6:30 pm.

It's also a First Friday so there will be music and activities at many of the stores and restaurants. Fun for all ages :)

This Historic Albany Foundation's Holiday House Tour.
It's this Sunday, December 9th.

The tour takes visitors from neighborhood to neighborhood highlighting the very best in Albany's architecture, holiday decor and ongoing preservation efforts.

http://www.historic-albany.org/hht.html

Santa Speedo is not over! It's Saturday! Definitely worth checking that out.

Shopping area farmers markets this time of year is festive, too - especially the Tight Knit craft/gift market as part of the Troy Farmers Market.

The 38th annual Nowell Sing We Clear concert in Altamont is tomorrow (Dec. 8th) at 3 PM.
http://www.oldsongs.org/concerts.html

Chris Shaw and Bridget Ball do their annual Mountain Snow and Mistletoe shows at the Egg on Sat. Dec. 15th at 8 PM and Sun. Dec.16th at 2 PM.
http://www.theegg.org/events/1096

Nothing beats the Speedo Sprint. It puts a huge gin on my face. It really makes me appreciate living in that neighborhood.

The Troy Victorian Stroll is nice- that was last Sunday, the same day as our plaza tree-lighting.

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