Local Guide, Updated Yearly
Capital Region Christmas Light Displays And Holiday Events
We spend every December on Capital Region rooflines, so we get asked constantly where to take the kids. Here is the list we actually give people: drive-throughs, walk-throughs, parades and tree lightings from Albany out to Saratoga, Schenectady and Troy. Season windows are month ranges because exact dates move every year. Tap through to each organizer for this year's schedule.
Last reviewed August 2026. Know a display we missed? Email info@capitalprolighting.com and we will add it.
Rooflines, wreaths and entries
Classic warm white C9
Multi color C9 rooflines
Light Displays
Displays you visit for the lights themselves. Drive-throughs are the warm option with small kids.
Magic of Lights
PaidAltamont Fairgrounds, Altamont
The largest drive-through display in the region. You stay in the car, tune the radio, and roll through tunnels and animated scenes. Tickets are per vehicle and cheaper on weeknights.
- Type:
- Drive-through
- Season:
- November through early January
- Host:
- Magic of Lights
Santa's Playland
Free2077 Route 9, Round Lake
A free drive-through display off Route 9 that has become a Saratoga County tradition. Donations go to charity, so bring a few dollars.
- Type:
- Drive-through
- Season:
- November through early January
- Host:
- Quick Response
Christmas Land
Paid3068 Furbeck Road, Altamont
A walk-through light experience with photo spots. Good pick for younger kids who want to be out of the car.
- Type:
- Walk-through
- Season:
- November through December
- Host:
- Christmas Land LLC
Holiday Lights On Hillside
Free16 Hillside Avenue, Village of Colonie, Colonie
One home, an enormous display, and a repeat winner of the Village of Colonie light contest. Proof of what a single roofline can do. Park respectfully and give to the collection box.
- Type:
- Walk-through
- Season:
- Late November through December
- Host:
- Private display, benefits charity
Troy Victorian Stroll
FreeDowntown Troy, Troy
Downtown Troy in period costume, with carolers, storefronts and street performers. The best looking holiday streetscape in the Capital Region.
- Type:
- Walk-through
- Season:
- Early December, one Sunday
- Host:
- Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Victorian Streetwalk
FreeBroadway, Saratoga Springs
Broadway closes down for music on every corner, horse drawn carriages and late shopping. Go early, parking fills fast.
- Type:
- Walk-through
- Season:
- Early December, one Thursday evening
- Host:
- Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association
Wintertime Wonderland
PaidVia Port mall, Schenectady
Indoor holiday activities and photos with Santa. The reliable rain and cold backup plan.
- Type:
- Walk-through
- Season:
- December
- Host:
- Via Port Rotterdam
Parades And Tree Lightings
One night events that open the season. Dates shift each year, so check the organizer before you go.
New York State Tree Lighting
FreeEmpire State Plaza, Albany
The state tree lighting on the Plaza, usually with fireworks. The Plaza concourse is indoors if the weather turns.
- Type:
- Tree lighting
- Season:
- Early December
- Host:
- NYS Office of General Services
City Of Albany Tree Lighting
FreeAcademy Park, Albany
A smaller, family sized ceremony downtown across from City Hall.
- Type:
- Tree lighting
- Season:
- Early December
- Host:
- City of Albany
Schenectady County Holiday Parade
FreeState Street, Schenectady
Floats, bands and Santa down State Street to kick the season off in the Electric City.
- Type:
- Parade
- Season:
- Late November
- Host:
- Schenectady County
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade
FreeMilton Avenue, Ballston Spa
A small village parade with a genuinely small town feel. Village shops stay open after.
- Type:
- Parade
- Season:
- Early December
- Host:
- Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association
North Greenbush Holiday Parade And Tree Lighting
FreeMain Avenue, North Greenbush
Town parade followed by the tree lighting. Easy stop for Rensselaer County families.
- Type:
- Parade
- Season:
- Early December
- Host:
- Town of North Greenbush
Town Traditions Worth Driving For
Bethlehem and Delmar
The town holds a holiday parade and tree lighting at the Four Corners in Delmar in early December.
Clifton Park
A Holiday Memories memorial tree lighting takes place at Abele Memorial Park in late November or early December.
Niskayuna
Annual tree lighting at the Town Hall gazebo, often with the Niskayuna High School choir.
Village of Colonie
Runs an annual residential light and display contest. Worth driving the village streets even without a map.
Want Your Own House On The List?
The homes people slow down for are almost always lit from the roofline. We do Christmas light installation with takedown and storage included, and permanent outdoor lighting that stays up year round and changes color from your phone. Check the cost calculator to see where your roofline lands.
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