Here are some suggestions for events and activities happening this post-Thanksgiving weekend in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. It's Small Business Saturday, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here's the weather report to help with planning.
Watervliet Christmas tree lighting
It's going to be lit in Watervliet this weekend.
Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck for the city of Watervliet’s Christmas tree lighting, scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park.
The event features a horse-drawn wagon, hot chocolate, homemade soup and cookies. The Watervliet-Colonie Elks and Arsenal City Kids will provide backpacks to kids.
This year, the city will give out a Christmas ornament featuring the Erie Canal to highlight the 200th anniversary of the building of the canal, which started in the area.
Army vs. UTSA
Army West Point football plays its regular season finale this weekend.
The Black Knights will look to get back on track at home against UTSA. Head coach Jeff Monken says despite the loss to Notre Dame, he believes this group will not let it dragged them down the rest of the way.
Senior day is set for noon Saturday at Michie Stadium. It may determine whether Army or Tulane will host the AAC championship game.
FireWolves Home Opener
The Albany FireWolves open their professional box lacrosse season at 7 p.m. Saturday in the MVP Arena in downtown Albany.
The FireWolves are hosting the Saskatchewan Rush, and blessed with the return of several key players, but also some exciting additions.
For more on that, and to hear what head coach Glenn Clark has to say, click here.
For the team roster, tickets and more, check the team’s website.
Holiday Makers Market
Nine Pin Ciderworks’ Holiday Makers Market is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Tasting Room. The event brings together area artisans and handcrafted goods at 929 Broadway, Albany.
Visitors can enjoy a cider or two in the Albany Tasting Room
For more information, visit the Nine Pin website.
Sugar Loaf Holiday Festival
The Sugar Loaf Holiday Festival is a daylong event filled with family fun and activities.
Festivities are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, 231 Creamery Pond Road in Chester, Orange County.
Enjoy time with Santa, holiday movie screenings, a tractor train pull and more.
The event is free. For more information, click here.
Lite Up the Village
Village of Lake George officials will “Lite Up the Village” at its annual event set for 6:25 p.m. Saturday at Shepard Park. Celebrations actually begin at 3 p.m. with music, a crazy and ugly sweater contest and holiday music.
New this year is the addition of Lights at the Lake, described as outdoor light displays featuring winter and holiday themes designed to transform Lake George’s lakeside.
Lights at the Lake will operate 4-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays starting Saturday through March 1, 2025. The displays will be available during Christmas and New Year's weeks on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, as well.
Boys Volleyball Championships
The 2024 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Boys Volleyball Championships take place starting at 9:15 a.m. Saturday in the Albany Capital Center.
Competing in two divisions are: Shenendehowa/Penfield/Ward Melville and Jamesville-Dewitt/Clarence/Eastport South Manor.
Pool play begins at 10 a.m. The NYSPHSAA Division 1 and Division 2 champions will be crowned following championship matches, which begin at 3 p.m.
The championships are an all-digital ticketed event. Tickets are available here.
Welcome Winter Weekend
The Hudson Highlands Nature Center brings in the season with events from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Wildlife Education Campus in Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Go on a guided hike, celebrate a very special 100th birthday party, enjoy storytime and crafts and meet the animal presentations throughout the weekend.
Learn more at the nature center's website.