NEWSLETTER
Schenectady, NY (November 27, 2023) - Throughout December, Schenectady County Historical Society (SCHS) will welcome guests to its historic sites for a suite of holiday-inspired programs.
The biggest event happening at SCHS is the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. Over 60 sponsors from local businesses and non-profit organizations have come together to decorate trees in a sparkling blend of wit and whimsy. Since 2007, the Festival of Trees has offered the community an opportunity to be creative with tree decorations. This year's Festival includes SCHS' signature upside down chandelier trees, eco-art trees, and dozens of firs adorned with vintage, handmade, and carefully crafted ornaments, toys, animals, and more.
"We're thrilled to have so many creative businesses and non-profits represented this year. They've done an incredible job transforming our galleries into a magical, festive space," said SCHS Executive Director, Mary Zawacki. "This is our 17th year hosting this community celebration of the season, and each year it just gets more and more beautiful. We can't wait to welcome people through our doors this holiday season!"
SCHS invites the community to take part by strolling the magnificently lit galleries and enjoy a bit of hometown cheer. Guests can also vote in eight categories for their favorite trees, include Cutest, Most Creative, and Most Glamorous.
When and Where?
The Festival of Trees runs daily from December 2 to December 23, 10am-4:30pm. Guests should buy tickets at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave. Admission is $6, free for children under 12. More information about the Festival of Trees is available at www.schenectadyhistorical.org.
What's the Festival of Trees all about?
The Festival of Trees a fundraiser for the Schenectady County Historical Society. Proceeds of the festival benefit the numerous programs and services provided by the non-profit organization.
About SCHS
The Schenectady County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization with the mission to share stories, inspire dialogue, and encourage understanding of the history, people, and cultures of Schenectady County. SCHS brings to life the region’s dynamic history through interactive exhibits, talks, concerts, education programs and community events for all audiences at the Mabee Farm Historic Site, the Grems-Doolittle Library, the Schenectady History Museum, and Brouwer House Creative.
Holiday Happenings All Month
In addition to the Festival of Trees, SCHS is hosting a number of seasonal programs in December that share cultural traditions. Guests can join SCHS on a Holiday Ramble of the Stockade, enjoy cookies and more at A Very Mabee Christmas, and experience winter at the Mabee Farm Historic Site by taking part in Jan Mabee's Twlilight Tours. The full details are below:
Night of Lights
December 1 at 6pm at 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady | $25
Celebrates the grand opening of Schenectady's glittering Festival of Trees with us. Prepare for a night of pure holiday fun, complete with beautifully decorated trees, BBQ by Wagon Train, and a whole lot of festive vibes.
A Very Mabee Christmas
December 9 at 12pm @ Mabee Farm | $5-$10
Gelukkig Kerstfeest! This program welcomes families to share in colonial holiday traditions, including those celebrated by the Dutch-American Mabee family. We’ll learn how revelers of yore celebrated the season, enjoy colonial-era treats and stories by the Inn’s fire, and make a craft to take home. Plus, we’ll have a very special scavenger hunt — kids can use riddles and clues to find holiday friends nestled around the historic site. This program is $10/person or $5/person for SCHS members.
Holiday Ramble in the Stockade
Saturday, December 2, 10am-4pm in the Stockade
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit in Schenectady’s historic Stockade neighborhood. Join us for a day of joyful festivities, combining merriment and shopping in Schenectady’s most cherished and historic district. Visitors are invited to explore the quaint streets of the Stockade, where unique activities and offers await at various local establishments. Highlights include:
Schenectady County Historical Society (32 Washington Ave) Festival of Trees - Immerse yourself in the holiday splendor with an array of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Admission is $6.
Sweet Sprig + Brouwer House Creative (14 N Church St) - Artist’s Open Studios and Sale inside Schenectady's oldest home.
Arthur’s Market (35 N Ferry St) - Wreath Pop-up.
Mohawk Valley Art Shoppe + Last Nerve Tattoo (101 State St)- Immerse yourself in a day of art, poetry, and music at this collaborative event hosted by Mohawk Valley Art Shoppe and Last Nerve Tattoo.
Bex Salon (234 Union St) - Enjoy a complimentary gift with any purchase throughout the day, along with festive seasonal refreshments.
Hardwired Fitness (23 N College St) Join for a FREE Community Class at 9:00am. All fitness levels are welcome!
Jan Mabee's Twilight Tours
Saturday, December 2 at 4:30pm and Friday, December 8 at 4:30pm | $10
Each twilight at Mabee Farm brings a different array of lights and colors, as the warmth of the sunset transforms into deep blue, moon-lit skies. Join us as we explore Mabee Farm as it’s meant to be explored; awash in changing colors, the wind gusting outside, and the flickering lights of the Mabee house keeping us cozy and warm. A costumed Jan Mabee from the early 1700s will lead us through the house, delving into the histories and mysteries of the Mabee Farm, and give us a taste of what life was like for settlers living on the edge of the wilderness.
Workshop: Felt a Reindeer
December 1 at 10am @ Mabee Farm | $40
In this workshop, we’ll felt a festive reindeer, using wool from the Mabee Farm herd. This craft makes a great gift for friends, family, or even yourself. Our experts will guide you through the process from start to finish, and we’ll provide all materials and equipment. This craft is recommended for anyone 12+. It involves using sharp needles which can puncture skin if not used properly. Participants should possess good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with focus and care.
The Holiday Stockade Stroll
December 22 at 5:30pm @ 32W | $15
Schenectady’s Stockade is beautiful any time of year but the holidays always bring out a certain magic! In this walking tour we’ll explore the lights and sights of this historic district while learning the ways in which generations past celebrated the season. Light refreshments will be served, and guests are invited to explore the sparkling Festival of Trees before and after the tour!
Contact: Mary Zawacki
Phone: 518-374-0263
Email: director@schenectadyhistorical.org
Website: https://schenectadyhistorical.org
Address: 32 Washington Ave, Schenectady NY 12305