Christmas parades 2026Albany · The Capital Region

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Albany, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Albany with 2026 dates: one parade and two tree lightings and lighting nights, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?57th Schenectady County Holiday Parade: Nov 21 · Steps off at 5pm.1 paradeWhen’s the tree lighting?City of Albany Holiday Tree Lighting: Dec 4 · 5–7pm. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?Every one listed here is free to watch.3 freeDaytime or after dark?1 daytime, 2 in the evening. Each card is marked.2 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

21NovSat57th Schenectady County Holiday ParadeParade · Steps off at 5pm4DecFriCity of Albany Holiday Tree LightingTree lighting · 5–7pm6DecSun44th Troy Victorian StrollLighting festival · 11am–5pm, rain or shine

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Albany

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Albany

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Albany

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Albany: the FAQ

57th Schenectady County Holiday Parade: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, Steps off at 5pm (Schenectady).

City of Albany Holiday Tree Lighting at Academy Park (City Hall if the weather is bad): Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5–7pm. 44th Troy Victorian Stroll at Downtown Troy: Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 11am–5pm, rain or shine.

All of the ones we list are free to watch: 57th Schenectady County Holiday Parade, City of Albany Holiday Tree Lighting and 44th Troy Victorian Stroll. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: 44th Troy Victorian Stroll. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Albany that weekend, parades included.

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