NEWSLETTER
Albany, NY – Looking for fun, budget-friendly ways to enjoy the holidays? The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation invites you to explore an array of festive events at the 18 NYS Parks and Historic Sites in the Capital Region. From charming luminary walks to crafty holiday markets, most activities are free or cost less than $5 per person. Here are some highlights of this year’s holiday offerings:
Luminary Walk
Friday, December 6, 2024 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
This December, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at our fourth annual Luminary Walk. Stroll along a mile-long trail, where hundreds of luminary lights dance amidst the trees, casting a warm glow over the serene landscape. This event is perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers alike. Enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors while sipping on festive drinks from Hill Creek Tavern, available for purchase. The event will be held on Friday, Dec 6th from 5-8:30pm. $5 per person, cash only. No registration is required.
Registration: Not required
Friends Christmas Craft
Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
Come to the Nature Center for some crafts with the Friends of Moreau Lake. The crafts will be winter terrariums and other holiday surprises! This is a free event and registration is not required.
Registration: Not required
Winter Bazaar
Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM & Sunday, December 8, 2024 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Thacher State Park
Nature Center and Visitor Center This year Thacher's Winter Bazaar fills two buildings with handmade local items including woodwork, soaps, jewelry, fruit preserves, and more. Made-toorder lunch available from Main Street Cafe. No registration required.
Registration: Not required
ST. NICHOLAS DAY
Saturday, December 7, 2024 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Crailo State Historic Site
This medieval saint's day was brought by the Dutch colonists to the Hudson River Valley and traditionally celebrated on December 6th. Festivities will include 17th & 18th century traditional treats, hearth baking, live music, Open House (self-guided) tours of the museum, crafts & activities, and of course—a visit from St. Nicholas (hopefully you've been good this year!). Free to the public.
Registration: Not required
Saturday, December 7, 2024 05:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Johnson Hall State Historic Site
Join us for this free event as we celebrate the 18th century holiday season at Johnson Hall, complete with period decorations, music, refreshments, and living history interpretation!
On Saturday, enjoy candlelit festivities this evening at Johnson Hall as the house comes to life with living-history interpreters in the decorated rooms, live 18th century music by Liaisons Plaisantes, and mulled cider and baked treats by the fire. Sunday afternoon, enjoy the beauty of the house and its décor in daylight, partake of mulled cider and baked treats, and learn more about the full swath of seasonal holidays enjoyed by the Johnson family and their circle. For more information, give us a call at 518-762-8712.
Thursday, December 12 05:00pm – 7:00pm & Friday December 13, 2024 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Drive through our campground to see campsites individually decorated by our local community! This is a free event for all, donations are welcome. Monetary donations will go to future park events. Non-perishable food donations will go to The Anchor Food Pantry.
After the event YOU get to vote for the winning site by liking and commenting on the photo of your favorite site. Winners will receive a prize. If you’re interested in decorating a site please call: 518-732-0187 *All sites must be family friendly*
CANdlelight Stroll
Saturday, December 14, 2024 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Mine Kill State Park
Bring the whole family to enjoy a winter stroll for a good cause! In addition to a candlelit loop, there will be warm beverages, a winter craft, and holiday tunes. Free admission but a donation of canned food items for statewide food drive encouraged! Meet at our Midlevel/overlook pavilion and picnic area. For more information call the park office at 518-827-6111.
Registration: Not required
Ugly" Sweater DIY
Sunday, December 15, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511
Bring in an old sweater/sweatshirt OR a recently purchased one (check out local thrift shops) and join a nature center educator in making some festive clothing. Holiday adornments such as bells, felt snow and gingerbread people, and pompoms will be provided at the Nature Center. Open to All Ages. This program is $1 per child, $5 for 18+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Making a Lantern for Winter Solstice
Saturday, December 21, 2024 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511
Drop by the nature center to learn about the Winter Solstice, why we have it, and how to make the most out of the shortest day of the year! Pop in anytime from 11-2 to learn and make a paper lantern, no registration required. If you have any questions call the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Solstice Outdoor Ornament Making
Saturday, December 21, 2024 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155
Join us on December 21st to celebrate the shortest day of the year! We'll be learning about how our feathered friends are surviving the winter and making birdseed ornaments to put outside for them. This free program is for all ages and will take place inside the Welcome Center. Please call (518) 279-1155 ahead of time to reserve a spot, as supplies are limited.
Registration: Required
Christmas Day Hike at Big Bend
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511
Looking for something different to do this Christmas day? Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk at Big Bend! This hike will go as long as we can depending on who shows up! At most it could be 3 miles on flat ground. We may hear and see birds (maybe even an eagle!), animal tracks, shells, feathers; there's no telling what Nature might gift us with. There is no fee for this walk, but please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead.
Registration: Required
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Various Sites
An Annual NYS Parks tradition! Join us at one of our parks or historic sites in the region and kick off 2025 with a hike! For a list of participating sites and additional information please follow see here
Registration: Not required
For a full listing of all events at NYS Parks this holiday season and beyond please visit here.
Located throughout the Capital Region, the 18 NYS Parks and Historic Sites offer a wide range of experiences for everyone, with each site having its own distinct identity. You can stroll through the historic baths and sample mineral water at Saratoga Spa State Park, discover pivotal moments of the Revolutionary War at the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, or take in breathtaking views from the only fire tower in Rensselaer County at Grafton Lakes State Park. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful camping getaway or a chance to explore nature and history, there’s a park for that. Learn more about the NYS Parks of the Saratoga/Capital Region here.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.
Photo: Luminary Walk
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