From Parades to Tree Lightings: Top Holiday Events in the Clifton Park, NY Area
Celebrate the holiday season with festive lights, cozy markets, community parades, and joyful traditions. From Schenectady to Saratoga Springs, these annual holiday events in the Clifton Park, NY area offer something special for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
Santa’s Playland at Quick Response
Each holiday season, Quick Response in Round Lake transforms its property into a glowing holiday landscape, perfect for a drive-through family outing.
Light tunnels and colorful displays are highlights of the attraction, which offers a peaceful and enchanting experience from the comfort of your car. Santa himself is on-site throughout most of the season, waving to passersby.
No matter your age, Santa’s Playland always brings wonder and warmth to the holiday season.
Schenectady County's Annual Holiday Parade
Round up the family for one of the largest night-time holiday parades in the Northeast!
Downtown Schenectady transforms into a twinkling showcase of floats, fire trucks, marching bands, and dance groups. The parade even features a grand finale appearance by Santa himself. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly evening that captures the joy of the holidays.
Schenectady County's Annual Holiday Parade is free to attend and draws families from across the Capital Region for a festive kickoff to the season.
CPKC Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train brings its dazzling display and live music performances to the Capital Region on November 25, 2025.
Train stops in Menands and Mechanicville include free outdoor concerts with Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell performing from the stage. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or donations to support local food pantries.
Troy Turkey Trot
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a beloved tradition that blends fitness, community spirit, and holiday excitement.
The Troy Turkey Trot features four events: a 5K, 10K, one-mile Turkey Walk, and Grade School Mile. Whether you’re running for time or walking with family, this historic event has something for everyone.
With its roots dating back to 1916, the Troy Turkey Trot continues to be one of the most popular ways to kick off the holiday season.
Victorian Streetwalk in Saratoga Springs
Downtown Saratoga Springs offers a magical setting for this holiday favorite, featuring carolers, Victorian costumes, and festive window displays.
Stroll along Broadway to enjoy live performances and free entertainment at local shops and venues. Children can also stop by Santa’s Cottage following the city’s ceremonial tree lighting.
Be sure to visit the Festival of Trees while you're in town, which turns the Saratoga Springs City Center into a dazzling wonderland of Christmas trees.
The Victorian Streetwalk brings timeless charm to the season and is a favorite for families looking to make lasting memories.
Schenectady Festival of Trees
More than 70 beautifully decorated trees fill the galleries of the Schenectady County Historical Society, turning the space into a cozy and colorful celebration of winter.
From whimsical designs to elegant arrangements, each tree is unique, and guests can vote on their favorites in categories like Most Creative and Cutest. It’s festive, fun, and perfect for all ages.
If you're looking for classic holiday atmosphere and artistic flair, the Schenectady Festival of Trees is well worth a visit.
Holiday Memories Tree Lighting
Abele Memorial Park in Clifton Park offers a space for remembrance during the holidays with its community tree lighting ceremony.
Participants decorate trees in honor of loved ones who have passed, creating a beautiful, glowing memorial throughout the month of December. The lighting event itself brings people together for a reflective and meaningful moment.
Find out how to participate or attend the Holiday Memories Tree Lighting and celebrate the season in a truly heartfelt way.
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa becomes a festive parade route, lined with colorful floats, music, and smiling faces as the town kicks off its holiday celebration.
The evening continues in Wiswall Park, where Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the town’s Christmas tree. Toy donations are also collected along the parade route, supporting children in need through the Toys for Tots campaign.
It’s a wonderful mix of community spirit and holiday tradition. Learn more about the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting today.
Marketplace on Candy Cane Lane
Support local makers and finish your holiday shopping at this cheerful indoor marketplace held annually at Halfmoon Town Hall.
The event features a wide variety of vendors offering handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and seasonal goodies. It’s a great place to find thoughtful presents and enjoy a relaxed, small-town shopping experience.
Make it part of your seasonal plans by visiting the Marketplace on Candy Cane Lane.
Saratoga New Year's Eve
Welcome the new year in style in downtown Saratoga Springs!
Multiple venues across the city host performances, activities, and family-friendly entertainment during the annual Saratoga New Year's Eve event.
Discover More Holiday Magic
Bundle up, make your plans, and get ready to embrace the spirit of the season. With so many festive happenings throughout the Clifton Park area, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate and create lasting holiday memories across the entire Capital Region.
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