Albany Celebrates A Capital Holiday Season with Very Special Events
Albany, N.Y. — During the holiday season, there are magical shows to see, a wonderland of lights to tour, and a wealth of special events to savor. For very special shopping, there are the Holiday Gift Expo at the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Chocolate Expo at the New York State Museum and the Shaker Craft Fair at the Shaker Heritage Society.
Great performances include Elton John with Billy Joel and the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the Times Union Center, My Fair Lady at Capital Repertory Theatre and the Albany Symphony’s Magic of Christmas at the Palace Theater. Holiday shows at The Egg include Cherish the Ladies and The Nutcracker. Scrooge in Concert and d the Vienna Choir Boys are at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes the stage at Cohoes Music Hall, while Disney on Ice Presents Celebrations at the Times Union Center.
There are fabulous festivals including the Festival of Trees at the Woman’s Club, Winter WonderLARK with the 4th Annual Santa Speedo Sprint, and Albany Winterfest that transforms downtown Albany into a magical celebration of fun.
In historic Washington Park, the 13th Annual Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights is underway and downtown Albany’s entertainment corridor is lighted with musical instruments for the annual Symphony of Lights.
For the most up-to-date information about these and other special events in New York’s Capital City, as well as special getaway packages to celebrate the season, visit http://www.albany.org/
13th Annual Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights
Thru Jan. 2
Washington Park
Enter New Scotland and Madison Avenues
Albany, NY
Benefit for the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL)
Times: Sunday thru Thursday from 6 to 9 pm.; Friday and Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m.
Admission: $15 per car | $25 per limousine or 15-passenger van | $75 per bus
New lights show with more than 125 illuminated scenes with the theme, Celebrate Our Differences. After the drive through the lights, the Lake House has crafters, refreshments and lots of surprises.
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“Uncharted” Art Exhibition and Talk
Thru 12/13/2009
University at Albany Art Museum
1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222
{518) 442-4035
Set against the larger context of travel and discovery, this exhibition considers the potentialities and perils of navigating unfamiliar waters. Featuring work by Radcliffe Bailey, Olaf Breuning, Anna Conway, Mark Essen, Adam Frelin, Valerie Hegarty, David Herbert, Emre Huner, Matt Leines, and Cameron Martin. For details visit: http://www.albany.edu/museum/home.
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Dinner and Trolley through Capital Holiday Lights
12/1/2009 Thru 12/21/2009
Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys
P.O. Box 446
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 462-3825
Times: Vary based in dinner location.
Admission: Varies based on dinner location
Gather up family and friends and enjoy dinner in one of Albany’s fabulous restaurants and a tour of Capital Holiday Lights aboard the Holly Trolley. Dinner locations include Dale Miller, Marche at 74 State Street, Franklin’s Tower, Nicole’s, Ristorante Paradiso, Yono’s, Brown Derby, Orchard Tavern, LeSerre,
Reservations (required) and more information at http://www.albanyaquaducks.com/.
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Shaker Christmas Craft Fair
Thru 12/19/2009
Shaker Heritage Society
875 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12211
(518) 456-7890
Times: 10am-4pm
Admission: Free
Over 50 regional crafters are represented, offering thousands of items.
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My Fair Lady
Thru 12/20/2009
Capital Repertory Theatre
111 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 462-4531
Times: Vary.
Web site: http://www.capitalrep.org/
The enduring story the cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, who is transformed into a high society debutante by the gruff British linguist, Henry Higgins.
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Symphony of Lights
Thru 1/7/2010
Sponsored by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District
522 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-2143
The downtown streets are aglow with more than 50 brightly lighted musical instruments along Pear Street’s entertainment corridor — from Madison to Clinton Avenue.
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Holiday Caroling in Cohoes
12/2/2009
Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys
P.O. Box 446
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 462-3825
Time: Departs at 6 PM from Harmony House Marketplace, 188 Remsen Street, Cohoes
Admission: $35 Adults | $33 Seniors | $30 Children (ages 4-15)
Carol in the season starting at Harmony House Marketplace with a wine and cheese reception, then caroling and special stops to see the interiors of some wonderful structures. After the tour, time for dessert.
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Moving North: The Great Migration to New York State
12/2/2009
New York State Museum Cultural Education Center
3023 Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 474-5877
Time: 7 PM
Admission: FREE
Between 1910 and 1970, more than 1.3 million African Americans left the rural South and moved to New York’s urban centers. Dr. Jennifer Lemak, senior historian of African American history, discusses how these migrants transformed New York politics, economics, and culture throughout the 20th century.
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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
12/3/2009-12/20/2009
Cohoes Music Hall
58 Remsen Street
Cohoes, NY 12047
(518) 237-5858
Times: Thur/Fri/Sat. at 8 PM and Sat/Sun at 3 PM
Admission: Varies.
The classic tale of a strong-willed woman, Belle, who breaks the spell that turned a handsome prince into a monstrous beast.
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Jim Breuer
12/4/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $37.50
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Holiday Gift Fair
12/4/2009 & 12/5/2009
Albany Institute of History and Art
125 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
Hours: 5-9 PM on Friday; 10 AM-5 PM on Saturday
(518) 463-4478
Bring your shopping list to the Albany Institute’s two-day Holiday Gift Expo. More than 30 vendor presentations throughout the museum will showcase beautiful and distinctive gifts by local craftspeople, jewelers and artists.
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Snow Queen
12/5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20/2009
Steamer 10 Theatre
500 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 438-5503
TIMES: 3 p.m. on 12/5, 6 12, 13, 19, 20 and 11 AM on 12/6, 13, 20
ADMISSION: $10 (Advance), $12 (At door)
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale where little Gerta braves the frigid north to rescue her friend Kai from the Snow Queen so that spring can come to the world.
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My Fair Lady and Lights in the Park Tour
12/5/2009
Organized by the Albany Aqua ducks & Trolleys
P.O. Box 446
Albany, NY 12201
(518_462-3825
Time: Starts with the 2:30 p.m. performance of My Fair Lady at Capital Repertory Theater. Boarding at Cap Rep for tour of the lights. Cookies and hot chocolate served on board
Admission: $45 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations required.
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A Very Special Holiday Trolley
12/5/2009
Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys
P.O. Box 446
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 462-3825
Time: Departs at 1:45 PM from the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center at Quackenbush Square
Admission: $30.00
Hop on board as the Trolleys take you to The Woman’s Club Festival of Tree, the Albany Institute’s Holiday Gift Expo and then a tour of Capital Holiday Lights
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Celebrate the Season — Teas and Trees
Thru 12/6/2009
Woman’s Club of Albany
725 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 465-3626
Times: Vary
Admission: Varies
Festivities include champagne gala on Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM at $75 per person; Victorian Afternoon Tea on Dec. 6 from 2-4 PM at $5 per person and the Festival of Trees Open House on Dec. 5 from 10 AM-2 PM at $5 per person. Please Note: The building is not yet handicapped accessible.
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Trolley to A Taste of Cohoes
12/9/2009
Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys
P.O. Box 446
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 462-3825
Time: Departs at 6 PM from Harmony House Marketplace, 88 Remsen Street, Cohoes
Admission: $42 Adults | $40 Seniors
Starts with a wine and cheese reception at Harmony House, and then stops at Smith’s, the Black Cat Ale House and Joe’s Tavern to sample the fare.
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Scrooge, In Concert
12/11/2009
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
30 Second Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 273-8945
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $42, $35, $$28, $25
Dickens’ spirited tale of a miser’s redemption at Christmas gets a musical remaking in the New York Stage Originals’ orchestral production.
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The Magic of Christmas
Presented by the Albany Symphony Orchestra
12/5/2009 & 12/6/2009
Palace Performing Arts Center
19 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-3334
Dates/Times: 12/5/2009 at 7:30 PM, 12/6/2009 at 3 PM
Admission: Varies
Festive favorites and spectacular surprises with Conductor David Alan Miller.
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The Nutcracker
12/5/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 2:30 and 7:30 PM
Admission: Varies.
The Malta Ballet Company presents this magical holiday classic. Special guest performances by the New York City Ballet’s Rachel Rutherford and American Ballet Theater’s David Hallberg.
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The Subdudes
12/5/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $28
Famous for their original, New Orleans-inspired blend of blues, folk, R&B, country, Cajun, funk, gospel, and rock n´ roll.
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Chocolate Expo and Holiday Gift Market
12/6/2009
New York State Museum Cultural Education Center
3023 Cultural Education Center
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 474-5877
Times: 11 AM-4:30 PM
Admission: FREE
Enjoy the finest chocolates, desserts, specialty foods, and holiday gifts the region has to offer.
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The Sippy Cups
12/6/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 3 PM
Admission: $12
Giant Balloons, confetti, aerialists and more in this family show.
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Over the Rhine, Vienna Teng & Alex Wong
12/6/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: $28
A special holiday show with folk and pop, classical and jazz overtones.
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Elton John & Billy Joel: Face 2 Face
12/7/2009
Times Union Center
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-2000
http://timesunioncenter-albany.com/
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Varies.
Rescheduled from July.
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Holiday Northeast Art and Craft Show
12/7/2009 - 12/11/2009
Empire State Plaza
North Concourse
Albany, NY
Presented by: Northeast Show Promoters (518) 786-1529
Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
A juried arts & crafts show featuring 75 professional craft exhibitors from throughout the northeast.
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Cherish the Ladies
12/8/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: $27.50
Holiday show presented by the Irish American Heritage Museum.
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The Jerry Douglas Band with John Gates and Maura O’Connell
12/11/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $34.50
An evening of folk-rock and holiday music.
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3rd Annual Winter WonderLARK
12/12/2009
Presented by Lark Street BID
245 Lark St
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 434-3861
Times: Noon to 5 PM
This event includes the 4th Annual Santa Speedo Sprint, crafts, Santa and
Trolley rides through Washington Park.
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A Sinatra Christmas
12/12/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 3 PM
Admission: $30, $25 (Seniors and Veterans)
The Joey Thomas Big Band pays tribute to Sinatra and his music on his birthday.
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Jim Gaffigan Live!
12/12/2009
Palace Performing Arts Center
19 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-3334
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $42.75, $35.75
Jim Gaffigan is the true comedic triple threat, having achieved major milestones in stand-up, acting and writing.
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Mountain Snow and Mistletoe
12/12/2009 & 12/13/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 8 PM on Saturday and 2 PM on Sunday.
Admission: $24
A concert of holiday songs and stories with Christopher Shaw and Bridget Ball.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra
12/13/2009
Times Union Center
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-2000
Time: 2:30 and 7:30 PM
Admission: Varies.
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Annual Holiday House Tour
12/13/2009
Presented by Historic Albany Foundation
89 Lexington Ave.
Albany, NY 12206
(518) 465-0876
Times: Noon - 5 PM
Tour an entirely new selection of a dozen uniquely decorated private homes in the Washington Park and Pine Hills neighborhoods, the elegant Fort Orange Club, the First Presbyterian Church of Albany and its magnificent Tiffany stained glass windows and the Festival of Trees, at the Woman´s Club of Albany.
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The Derek Trucks Band
12/13/1009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Varies.
Shannon McNally opens the concert for Derk Trucks’ musical journey through jazz, rock, blues, Latin and R&B.
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Disney on Ice Presents “Celebrations!”
12/16/2009-12/20/2009
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-2000
Times: Vary.
Admission: Varies
Join Mickey and the gang for a jam-paced celebration of favorite holidays.
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Albany WinterFest 2009
12/19/2009
Presented by City of Albany Office of Special Events and Volunteer Services
Office of Special Events
City Hall Room 402
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 434-2032
Times: Downtown Albany: Noon - 5:00pm
5:00 PM Albany´s “Last Run” 5k Run
Admission: FREE
Downtown Albany is transformed into a magical celebration of fun with indoor and outdoor excitement including interactive games, music, live animals and a variety of family-friendly performances. The Kid´s Jingle Jog, Last Run 5K and fabulous fireworks will round out the day. FREE (registration fees for Jingle Jog and 5K).
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Zucchini Brothers Holiday Show
12/19/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 2 PM.
Admission: $10
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Nacre Dane - Christmas Oratorio
12/19/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: $25, $20 (Students, Seniors)
This historic work tells the tale of the Nativity through Modern Dance.
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Vienna Choir Boys
12/20/2009
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
30 Second Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 273-8945
Time: 7 PM
Admission: $40, $35, $32, $25
One of the oldest boys’ choirs in the world with superb vocalists, violinists and pianists celebrate the season in the acoustically perfect Hall.
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The Nutcracker
12/20/2009
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
PO Box 2065
Albany, NY 12223
(518) 473-1064
Time: 3:30 and 7:30 PM
Admission: Varies
Performed by the Albany Berkshire Ballet.
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Holiday Happenings at the NYS Museum
12/26/2009 thru 12/30/2009
New York State Museum Cultural Education Center
3023 Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 474-5877
Times: 1P.M. - 4P.M.
Admission: FREE
Fun, exciting activities throughout the week. Explore the Museum’s unique exhibits and learn more about the world around you.
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WWE Raw
12/26/2009
Times Union Center
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 487-2000
http://timesunioncenter-albany.com/
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Varies
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First Night Funny - The Four Sides of 40
12/12/2009
Palace Performing Arts Center
19 Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-3334
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $25 (Advance), $35 (Day of show)
Featuring Lenny Marcus, Patty Rosborough, Al Ducharme and Eric McMahon — a special way to help ring in the New Year.
On-Going Events
Hudson River Panorama: 400 Years of Historic Art and Culture
Thru 1/3/2010
Albany Institute of History and Art
125 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 463-4478
Times: Wed.-Sun. 10 AM-5 PM; Sunday, Noon-5 PM. Tuesday, Registered Groups only. Closed Monday and major holidays.
Admission: Adults $10| Seniors $8|. Students w/ID $8.| Children 6-12, $6 | Children under 6, free.
This unprecedented, year-long exhibit commemorates Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the river that bears his name, and the remarkable narrative of the people, events and ideas that shaped the Capital Region. Features hundreds of artworks, artifacts and rare archival from the Institute’s renowned collection.
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1609 Exhibit — Hudson 400
Thru 3/31/2010
New York State Museum
Cultural Education Center
Madison Avenue
Albany, NY
(518) 474-5877
This new exhibition re-examines Henry Hudson’s voyage, myths that surround it and the legacies of Hudson’s unexpected discovery. In addition to artifacts from throughout the NYS Office of Cultural Education, the exhibit features paintings by the Capital Region’s expert historical artist L. F. Tantillo.
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Art Meets History - Celebrating 400 Years
Thru12/31/2009
Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center
25 Quackenbush Square
Corner of Broadway & Clinton Ave.)
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 434-0405
http://accvb@albany.org
Times: Monday - Friday, 9: AM - 4 PM Saturday - Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM
The 300-member Colonie Art League presents approximately 100 original works of art featuring themes and scenes celebrating Albany´s Quadricentennial.
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Downtown Albany Bike Tour
Thru 12/31/2009
Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center
25 Quackenbush Square
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 434-0405
Two tours encompass downtown from Quackenbush Square to the New York State Capitol and Washington Park to the Empire State Plaza. Brochures available at Visitors Center.
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CONTACT:
Michele Vennard, President and CEO
(518) 434-1217 x300
Please Note:
Use of italics in event denotes a Hudson 400 Event.
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