2022 Holiday Markets in the Capital Region

Are you looking for gifts to get your loved ones this holiday season? It's so special when you are able to get local and handmade gifts. And it makes the gift giving that much more personal when you are supporting local makers!

Here is my guide to some of the holiday markets to check out in the Capital Region. This list includes markets in Albany, Troy, Saratoga, and Cohoes. Some of these are going on for multiple weekends in December, so you'll have plenty of time to go to them all if you want! See below for details on each of the markets: where they are located, when they are being held, and where you can go to find more information.

Comment below if there are any you are excited to visit that I missed!

Jump Ahead to Learn More

1. Troy Victorian Stroll

2. Troy Waterfront Farmers Market: Makers Market & Holiday Market

3. Cohoes Holiday Market

4. Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll + Holiday Market at the Kenmore Ballroom

5. Festive at 48 Hudson - Albany

6. Saratoga Victorian Streetwalk Weekend

7. Saratoga Arts Holiday Market

Troy Victorian Stroll

Where: Downtown Troy

When: Sunday, December 4th, 11am - 5pm

History of the Stroll: Decades of Magic, Tradition, and Family Fun

For 40 years, the Troy Victorian Stroll has been a community holiday tradition that transforms the streets of historic downtown Troy into a bygone Victorian era, complete with visitors in Victorian dress strolling the City. ​ This beloved Troy tradition evolved from another Troy tradition - the Annual Greens Show at the Hart Cluett Museum (formerly the Rensselaer County Historical Society.) The Victorian Stroll is an outgrowth of this popular, "evergreen" event. ​ Produced by the Van Rensselaer Garden Club, the Greens Show originated in 1956 when the Hart Cluett Mansion, an 1827 Federal-style house, was donated to the museum to be its new home. Annually, the mansion is decorated top to bottom in fresh greens, trees and flowers. After many years of success, the Victorian Stroll was created in 1982 to expand the Greens Show and celebrate the City of Troy. ​ Paying homage to the city's beautiful architecture, rich history and birthplace of innovation, the "Victorian" theme of this event was born. ​ Since 1982, the Victorian Stroll has brought residents and tourists alike together to enjoy our beautiful City of Troy - its past, present and future. The Stroll’s activities and entertainment are strategically spread throughout the streets, amidst unique shops, storefronts, restaurants, bars and parks. The events’ footprint is South to Congress Street, East to 6th Ave, West to River Street, and North to Hutton Street. There is something of interest for people of all ages at this one-day. Held each year 10 days after Thanksgiving, we hope you will join us to shop, dine and Stroll Troy! ​

Source: victorianstroll.com

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market: Makers Market & Holiday Market

Where: The Atrium - Troy, New York

When: Makers Market - Saturdays, 9am - 2pm

Holiday Market - December 4, 11, & 18, 11am - 4pm

If you haven't already been to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, you absolutely need to go. It has won best farmers market locally and nationally from multiple publications. In the winter it is in the Troy Atrium, which is located in downtown Troy with entrances on Fulton Street, 3rd Street, Broadway and 4th Street. In addition to the 100+ producer vendors, they have expanded to include a whole section of makers. This is the perfect place to get handmade and local gifts for your loved ones for the holidays. And you can do a little grocery shop while you're at it, or grab a bite to eat.

For the month of December, they are also hosting a holiday market on select Sundays! Be sure to check it out for even more makers to shop from.

Source: www.troymarket.org

Cohoes Holiday Market

Where: Silliman Park, Canal Square Park, & Corner of White & Remsen - Cohoes, NY

When: November 26 - December 23

Fridays 5pm - 8pm, Saturdays 11am - 8pm, Sundays 12pm - 5pm

See the festive decorations, Holiday gift huts, Santa Claus, winter characters, performances, family activities and so much more!

Come see the tree lighting and do some shopping on Sunday, November 27, 5 - 7pm.

Source: explorecohoes.com

Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll + Holiday Market at the Kenmore Ballroom

Where: Downtown Albany - The Kenmore Ballroom (76 N Pearl Street)

When: Saturday, December 3, 11am - 5pm

With ticket purchase, you'll receive a passport allowing you to try gourmet beverages from participating locations and vote for your favorite hot chocolate! For an additional cost, various locations may offer grown-up hot chocolate cocktails as well. Each ticket purchase also includes an exclusive Downtown Albany x Upstate of Mind hot chocolate mug designed by CompasLife!

Source: www.downtownalbany.org/hotchocolatestroll

Festive at 48 Hudson - Albany

Where: 48 Hudson Avenue, Downtown Albany

When: Saturday, December 3, 10am - 2pm

Tour Albany’s oldest building dressed in greens and lights for the season. While you’re there, shop local this holiday season at the holiday market featuring a unique combination of wares all created by local artisans while sipping warm cider and nibbling stroopwafels.

A bit of 48 Hudson History:

One hundred and fifty miles up the Hudson River from New York City stands the earliest and best example of Dutch colonial urban architecture in the Hudson Valley—the cradle of New Netherlands and, as Russell Shorto calls it in The Island at the Center of the World, “the first multiethnic, upwardly mobile society on America’s shores.”

Built in 1728, the Van Ostrande-Radliff House is one of a handful of Dutch urban buildings to survive in America and is documented to be the oldest building in Albany. This building is an important piece of America’s Dutch history and a rare and tangible link to one of the country’s earliest urban settlements. It demonstrates the type of early Dutch framing and construction that was prevalent in and around Albany, from the mid-seventeenth century until around the close of the French and Indian War in 1763. While some Dutch buildings from this period have been photographically documented, only two Dutch buildings remain in Albany: the Van Ostrande-Radliff House and Quackenbush House, now the Olde English Pub.

Historic Albany Foundation is working to preserve and restore this historic landmark in a sea of parking lots in Downtown. Come take a tour!

Source: www.historic-albany.org/festive

Saratoga Victorian Streetwalk Weekend

Where: Downtown Saratoga

When: December 1 - 4

The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association has announced that the 2022 Victorian Streetwalk will include a whole weekend of activities and entertainment for families to enjoy. This year's celebration will kick off on Thursday, December 1, at 6:00pm, and continue through Sunday, December 4. Look forward to the Christmas tree lighting, live music, holiday decor, a pop-up arts and crafts market, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more.

Source: www.saratoga.com/holiday/annual-events/victorian-streetwalk/itinerary/

Saratoga Arts Holiday Market

Where: Saratoga Arts 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY

When: November 26 - December 24, Fridays 10am - 4pm and Saturdays Noon - 4pm

Saratoga Arts has announced the return of their holiday pop-up market in the arts center! A great collection of gifts for everyone on your list. Featuring one-of-a-kind creations from all local artists.

Source: www.saratoga-arts.org/Holiday-Art-Market

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