News Article

10 Free Things to do this December in Albany NY

December 1, 2024

December has arrived and so has another month of unbelievable free events for you to enjoy this holiday season! From tree lightings and holiday markets to bingo and evening movies, the City of Albany is filled with amazing free events for you to experience this month!

12/03: Nine Pingo

Experience one of America’s favorite games with a fun twist! Recurring every first and third Tuesday of every month, join Nine Pin Cider Works at 929 Broadway for a fun and free night of Nine Pingo! From 6:00pm to 8:00pm you can play a game of bingo, taste some delicious cider, and win some incredible prizes! However, to win big, be prepared to test your skills at a tabletop ninepins skills quiz!

A building with green signage for Nine Pin Cider Works and a brown brick wall with a painted rose mural in an urban setting. Snow is on the ground.

A building with columns is lit up at night. A Christmas tree decorated with colorful lights stands in the foreground.

12/05: City of Albany Tree Lighting

Kicking off the holiday season is the City of Albany’s annual holiday tree lighting! With giveaways, live performances, delicious warm drinks, and yummy treats, this free family-friendly event is a must-visit! Join Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and other local organizations on Thursday December 5^th at Academy Park at 5:00pm for a magical evening you are sure to enjoy! And don’t forget on-street parking in the City of Albany is free after 5:00pm on weekdays and all day on weekends!

12/06: Holiday Market

Looking to get some last-minute shopping done? Stroll down to the 2024 Holiday Market! Held at Union Station in conjunction with the annual Hot Chocolate Stroll, this free event features local vendors, hot chocolate, music, and plenty of holiday surprises! Visit this historic space at 575 Broadway from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on December 6^th or 11:00am to 3:00pm on December 7^th to enjoy this enchanting event! Off-Street Parking is available at the Riverfront Garage, located directly behind Union Station.

Street view of an ornate stone building with arched windows, flanked by trees. A green traffic light and parking sign are in the foreground. It is a cloudy day.

Street corner with a brick building featuring a "Barn" sign. Cars are parked nearby, and trees are visible in the background. A one-way street sign is in the foreground.

12/06: Gifted Winter Market

Calling all art lovers! On the first Friday in December, join the Albany Barn for their Gifted Winter Market! This annual event features local artists and artwork, local vendors, music, an art unveiling, and more! Guests can also enjoy free cookies and coffee all night long! Stop by The Albany Barn on the December 6^th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm to experience this holiday art spectacular!

12/07: A Big Gay Holiday Market Popup

It’s time to let your pride flag fly! A Big Gay Market is back and better than ever with an incredible event happening this month. Held at Common Roots Brewing in Quackenbush Square on Saturday December 7^th from 11:00am until 3:00pm, this one-of-a-kind market is a crafts fair and LGBTQIA+ safe place rolled into one! Showcasing accepting local vendors and sponsors, this free event is the perfect place to be your authentic self while shopping for some LGBTQIA+ friendly presents! Free on-street parking is available along both Broadway and Spencer Street with additional paid parking available at the nearby Quackenbush Garage and Lot!

Brick building labeled "Common Roots Brewing Company Albany Outpost," with snow on the ground and trees nearby.

A decorated Christmas tree is surrounded by fences on a snowy plaza, with two flags and tall buildings in the background.

12/08: New York State’s Holiday Tree Lighting

It’s time for another exciting tree lighting! Set in the Empire State Plaza is the 2024 New York State Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival; an all-day Christmas festival featuring several events to get you in the holiday spirit! Starting at 12:00pm and running until 8:00pm, guests can enjoy ice skating, food trucks, carriage rides, caroling, a meet and great with Santa Claus, and more! At 4:00pm, you can even catch a performance from world famous TubaChristmas! With the official tree lighting and fireworks happening at 5:15pm, this free holiday event is the place to be on Sunday, December 8^th! And don’t forget that on-street parking near the Empire State Plaza is free all day on weekends.

12/09: Home Alone Movie Showing

You aren’t going to want to be left at home for this one! Starring Macaulay Culkin as the mischievous Kevin McCallister, “Home Alone” is one of the world’s favorite Christmas movies! On December 9^th at 7:00pm, you and your family can enjoy this holiday favorite for free at the Palace Theater in Downtown Albany. Doors open at 6:00pm and off-street parking is available in the nearby Quackenbush Garage!

A historic theater with a large "Palace" marquee brightly lit in the daytime. The marquee advertises a movie called "Superpets" with a July release date. Cars are parked nearby.

Street view of Lark Hall corner with brick buildings, a maroon awning reading "Lark Street," and visible street signs for Hudson Ave and Lark St. Orange cones line the sidewalk.

12/13: Capital Zen

It’s time for another free rocking show at The Eleven! Capital Zen is making their debut at one of the Capital Region’s newest live venues on December 13^th from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. For over 10 years, this New England band has been making waves with their mix of rock, funk, hip-hop, and prog, while recreating popular songs. Stop by The Eleven at Lark Hall to jam with Capital Zen and experience a show you’ll never forget!

12/14: Albany Twilight Market

The Capital Region’s favorite unorthodox market is back for one last time this year, just in time for the holiday season! With some of the best creators and artists specializing in the dark arts and peculiarities, the Albany Twilight Market is a must-visit site for one-of-a-kind gifts, presents, and surprises! This family friendly free event is open to the public and you can find it on December 14^th at the historic Washington Park Lakehouse from 5:00pm until 9:00pm.

Large outdoor amphitheater with a terracotta roof, arched stage, and surrounding green landscape under a clear blue sky.

A brick building with tall columns is partially visible through lush green trees and a grassy hill, with a brick wall and fence in the foreground.

12/21: Children’s Holiday Program

The Ten Broeck Mansion is back with the perfect kid-friendly holiday event to cap off the Christmas season! On December 21^stat 11:00am, take a trip to the Mansion to experience the Children’s Holiday Program! Families can enjoy story time with the legendary Sinterklaas, holiday ornament making, a tour of the remarkable Ten Broeck Mansion and more holiday fun! This free event fills up quickly so be sure to register beforehand.

There are countless events for you and your loved ones this enjoy in Albany, New York this holiday season and so many of them are free! Be sure to check out our events calendar to stay updated on everything going on in New York’s Capital City!