With Thanksgiving taking place just next week, the holiday events are starting and we couldn’t be more excited! Check out what’s slated for this weekend, including the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast. And if you’re not in the holiday spirit yet, we’ve rounded up some other exciting happenings going on as well.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit
Fidelis Care Holiday Parade in Downtown Schenectady
Saturday, November 17
This is the largest evening parade in the Northeast! Around 10,000 people are expected to attend the Fidelis Care Holiday Parade in Schenectady, and for the first time this year, guests can also check out a pre-parade street festival.
Three Walk Nights at Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park
Saturday, November 17 to Monday, November 19
There are three walk nights happening this year for the Capital Holiday Lights in Washington Park in Albany – these are the only times you’ll be able to walk instead of drive through the park while the lights on are display. Saturday there is a Craft Beer & Wine Festival; Sunday a Chili, Chowder & SoupFest; and then Monday night is a Pet Walk Night.
Breakfast With Santa at Wilton Mall
Saturday November 17
Register your kid to enjoy breakfast with the big guy at Wilton Mall in Saratoga on Saturday.
Stop by a Delicious Food Festival
Saturday, November 17
The second annual grilled cheese festival Melt N’Toast is happening at the Takk House in Troy. Tickets are $35 and get you 10 samples of any grilled cheese sandwich (quarter sandwiches), one free beverage, and a souvenir glass.
Bring the Kids to a Basketball Free Throw Competition
Clifton Park Elks “Hoop Shoot” Free Throw Contest
Saturday, November 17
It’s the time of year again – the Clifton Park Elks “Hoop Shoot” Free Throw Contest is happening at the Southern Saratoga YMCA right in Clifton Park. Kids ages 8 to 13 can compete at no charge.
Find Fun With Comics & Toys
Saturday, November 17 to Sunday, November 18
Head to the Saratoga Springs City Center for a comic con, complete with cosplay, guest stars, comic books, vendors, artists, and more. Tickets are $20 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday, or you can get a weekend pass for $30.
Saturday, November 17
A Toy Fair is taking place at miSci in Schenectady that will feature toy and collectible vendors from throughout the area. This is a great chance to find unusual or unique toys. The cost to the fair by itself is $2, or is otherwise free if you pay museum admission.
Experience an Outstanding Live Performance: Music, Comedy & Theater
Moriah Formica at the Cohoes Music Hall
Friday, November 16
Moriah Formica will be performing at the Cohoes Music Hall along with Katie Louise and Madison VanDenburg. The Shaker High School student rose to fame on The Voice. Tickets are $10, and a portion of proceeds is going towards Cohoes Connect Center for Youth.
Friday, November 16
Jim Breuer of Half Baked is performing at The Egg. Tickets are $29.50.
Almost, Maine: Ballston Spa Troupe Production
through Saturday, November 17
Ballston Spa High School is putting on the play Almost Maine, a collection of short plays that highlight love and loss in a remote, mythical town. Tickets are $10.
See What’s Happening at the Local Library
Saturday, November 17
The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library is putting on a volunteer fair. With Thanksgiving coming up, now is a great time to start thinking about volunteering your time to a local nonprofit!
Saturday, November 17
Bring your gently used, 500+ piece puzzle to swap with one from the library’s connection.
Sunday, November 18
Improve the reading skills and confidence of your child by bringing them to this fun event at the library. This event is appropriate for kids ages one to four, and you must schedule an appointment.