Festive Season Kicks Off: Top December Events Brighten Upstate New York

Upstate New York — December 2025

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As the holiday season settles over Upstate New York, cities and towns across the region are rolling out some of their most beloved winter traditions. From dazzling light displays to outdoor adventures and festive performances, residents and visitors have no shortage of ways to celebrate the final month of the year.

Holiday Events and Light Displays Illuminate the Region

Communities are embracing the season with a variety of holiday festivals and markets. Saratoga Springs’ annual Victorian Streetwalk once again transforms downtown into a nostalgic winter village, complete with carolers, twinkling lights, and costumed entertainers. Nearby, Kingston’s Snowflake Festival draws families with its mix of holiday activities and small-town charm. In the Adirondacks, “Wild Lights” returns, offering visitors an immersive nighttime walk through illuminated forest paths and whimsical installations.

Winter Outdoor Activities Welcome the Cold

December also marks the unofficial start of winter recreation in Upstate New York. The ice rink at Albany’s Empire State Plaza has opened for the season, providing free skating with a stunning view of the Capitol. Across the Adirondacks and Catskills, ski resorts are preparing for the first major snowfalls, hoping to open slopes, snowshoe trails, and tubing runs by mid-month. Holiday-themed train rides are also underway on regional rail lines, giving passengers a cozy, scenic way to experience the season.

Performances Bring Seasonal Cheer

Arts organizations throughout the region are filling December calendars with concerts, plays, and dance productions. Capital Region venues are hosting classical holiday concerts, including choral showcases and traditional performances of The Nutcracker. This year also marks the final run of “The McKrells Christmas,” a longtime Albany favorite known for its lively mix of music and holiday spirit.

With festive traditions in full swing, Upstate New York is offering a little something for everyone this December—whether it’s gliding on a winter rink, taking in a holiday show, or wandering through a glowing forest of lights.