This guide was created to help make the month of December a little bit easier for you!
**New Section Added**
New Year’s Eve Roundup (Scroll to the bottom for a list of family friendly events happening on the 31st)
ALTAMONT VINEYARD AND WINERY
ANTZY PANTZ
March into our colony, where learning and sensory make sense! Some mornings and afternoon slots are still available for the 2023-2024 school year! Visit our website for pricing and enrollment options! Our passion is to provide a sensory/motor enriched environment where children can learn and work towards achieving their developmental milestones! Email us at [email protected] to schedule a tour!
1536 Crescent Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Follow Antzy Pantz on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-288-7054
Email: [email protected]
APEX ENTERTAINMENT
Follow Apex Entertainment on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Email: [email protected]
BLUSH & CO.
Let us take care of you this holiday season!
Enjoy one of the following:
A hot cocoa facial bundled with either a deep conditioning treatment or scalp facial & a blow out
•The Treat Yourself Bundle $85
A make up application with either a deep conditioning treatment or scalp facial & a blow out
A custom cleanse facial with either a deep conditioning treatment or scalp facial & a blow out
579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
Follow Blush & Co. on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-608-1481
Email: [email protected]
CAPITAL DISTRICT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
At Capital District Family Chiropractic, we help children and families achieve optimal health! What makes our office different? We are the only neurologically-focused chiropractic office in the Capital District! Dr. Rhiannon is the only local chiropractor certified in pediatric and prenatal care through pxdocs.com. We use iNSIGHT scanning technology to locate and measure stress and tension in the nervous system that can cause behavioral, social, and developmental challenges in kiddos. Families comes to our office to find the root cause of their symptoms such as anxiety, poor digestion, immune system challenges, sleep disturbances, headaches, and more. Give your family the gift of optimal health by scheduling your nervous system assessments today!
Follow Capital District Family Chiropractic on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-599-0067
Email: [email protected]
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD POLAR EXPRESS
Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by our dancing chefs! Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Once at The North Pole, Santa and his Elves board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and on board entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this unforgettable adventure.
The Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express Trains start operation on November 17th and run through December 29th, 2023.
Check our website for Polar Express Train schedules and to purchase tickets. All trains depart from Westbrook Station at Kingston Plaza and then return.
Follow Catskill Mountain Railroad on Facebook
Click here to visit their website.
Email: [email protected]
CHAT SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Did you know these symptoms indicate a treatable condition? Chat Speech is a private practice focusing on orofacial disorders and can help identify the underlying cause of many common (but *not* normal or healthy) symptoms. Our team of Speech-Language Pathologists / Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists, proudly provide a functional approach to breathing, eating, speech, and wellness.
We specialize in providing quality, results driven, holistic care to the capital region including evaluations and therapy for:
5 Pine West Plaza Suite 501, 285 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12205
Follow Chat Speech on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-417-1924
Email: [email protected]
CHRISTMAS LAND
Christmas Land was created to offer a holiday attraction that evokes the aura of an old fashioned Christmas. This attraction is geared towards all age groups connecting families & communities in bringing back the spirt of Christmas. It features many activities inside & out for children and adults on a large farm in Altamont, NY. Santa will be sure to make you feel like a kid again & believe in the magic of this glorious season.
Follow Christmas Land on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Email: [email protected]
CORAL & BLUE ~ STATIONERY FOR KIDS
Children’s stationery created by a mom to make thank you notes SIMPLE!
Follow Coral & Blue Paper Co. on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 347-803-0442
Email: [email protected]
CROSSGATES
One Crossgates Mall Road, Albany NY 12203
Follow Crossgates on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-869-3522
Email: [email protected]
DICK’S HOUSE OF SPORT
579 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
Follow DICK’S House of Sport on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-213-3478
Email: [email protected]
DOANE STUART SCHOOL
Offering rolling admissions for Preschool through Grade 12 for the 2023-24 school year! We invite you to visit and discover why Doane Stuart is one of the Capital Region’s premiere private schools. Learn more at www.doanestuart.org, email admissions@doanestuart.
199 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Follow The Doane Stuart School on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-465-5222
Email: [email protected]
Dryer Vent Wizard of SE Saratoga & NE Schenectady provides professional dryer vent cleaning for residential and business properties in the Capital Region. When your dryer is functioning poorly, it is likely due to a clogged or debris-filled dryer vent line. Lint, debris, and other common sources of dryer vent clogs can not only affect the efficiency of your dryer, but they can also be a serious fire hazard.
Click here to visit their website.
ELLMS FAMILY FARM
ELLMS CHRISTMAS TREES
468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-884-8168
Email: [email protected]
GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK
This year is a new opportunity to forge your own path and discover amazing things about yourself. Don’t miss your chance to grow, learn, and laugh with new friends by your side! It’s your year of discovery with Girl Scouts! Learn more today at https://www.girlscoutsneny.org/
Albany Service Center, 8 Mountain View Ave, Albany NY, 12205
Plattsburgh Service Center, 13 Latour Avenue, Suite 110, Plattsburgh NY, 12901
Queensbury Service Center, 213 Meadowbrook Rd, Queensbury, NY, 12804
Follow Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-489-8110
Email: customercare@girlscoutsneny.
GO KIDS
Go Kids is a sports and physical activity program for ages 18 months-9 years old. Go Kids offers children the ability to develop a love for an active lifestyle through an introduction into a variety of sports such as; soccer, football, basketball, tennis, baseball, hockey, and track and field. Additionally, Go Kids offers school break camps and additional classes for school aged children including; LEGO Club, Strong Kids, and Just for Kicks. Go Kids works to meet each child where they are at to instill a love for being active.
Locations in Saratoga and Clifton Park Follow Go Kids on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-878-6502
Email: [email protected]
GOOD TO GROW AIRWAY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
740 Williams Street, Suite C, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Follow Good to Grow Airway Pediatric Dentistry on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 413-329-3292
Email: [email protected]
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE
Hancock Shaker Village is back with its unique multisensory holiday experience with the opening of Radiant Nights on December 15th. The Village will once again sparkle with more lights, farm animals, music, festive spirits, and holiday fun for the entire family. Radiant Nights runs 5 to 8pm, December 15-17, December 22-23, and December 26-31. Tickets are discounted for members and free for children twelve and under. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit HancockShakerVillage.org.
1843 West Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Follow Hancock Shaker Village on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 413-443-0188
Email: [email protected]
HUDSON MOHAWK FIGURE SKATING CLUB
Visit HMFSC.org for more information. Registration now open.
Follow Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (518) 783-1275
Email address: [email protected]
LOZMAN ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Robin Lozman is a lot of things. A doctor. A mother. A competitive equestrian. A volunteer for nonprofits. But one of her greatest passions comes from her work as an orthodontist: transforming her patients’ smiles. At her family practice in Latham, New York, Dr. Lozman specializes in comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children and adults, from early interventions and orthognathic surgery to braces and Invisalign. Dr. Lozman works alongside her father, Dr. Michael Lozman, to help people from all walks of life achieve a brighter, healthier and straighter smile, improving their confidence while maintaining a consistently high standard of care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Lozman.
MATHNASIUM
December is going to be an exciting month, and we don’t want you to miss out. That’s why we are offering a limited time special: Enroll for $159 and Attend in December for FREE! You can give your child the gift of an enjoyable math learning experience for only the cost of our enrollment fee ($159) in December. We are conveniently located in Clifton Park, Westmere, Niskayuna, and Loudonville and offer online sessions. Visit one of our 4 centers in the Capital Region today and see why kids grades K-12 choose to learn math and boost their confidence with us!
CLIFTON PARK
Follow Clifton Park Mathnasium on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (518) 709-8531
Email: cliftonpark@
WESTMERE
Follow Westmere Mathnasium on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (838) 245-8394
Email: westmere@mathnasium.
NISKAYUNA
Follow Niskayuna Mathnasium on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (838) 245-8396
Email: niskayuna@mathnasium.
LOUDONVILLE
Follow Loudonville Mathnasium on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (838) 245-8397
Email: loudonville@
MUSEUM OF INNOVATION AND SCIENCE
Go full STEAM ahead at miSci this fall with brand-new exhibits, events, and break classes. Visit the Museum to experience interactive activities, see historical wonders, and learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math! Great for the whole family, visit www.miSci.org to learn more.
15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308
Follow miSci on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-382-7890
Email: [email protected]
ROBERT C. PARKER SCHOOL
Celebrating 30+ years of progressive education!
Parker’s philosophy puts students at the center of their own learning. Parker teachers focus on constructing authentic experiences that respond to students’ interests and needs while building on academic and social skills. The result is that students get to spend their day engaged in projects and learning that is individualized, meaningful, and connected to the real-world, and all done on an expansive 77 acre campus.
Programs for PreK 3 and 4 year olds through 8th Grade & Forest Toddlers (18 months- 3 years).
Next Open House is December 13th at 9am! Learn More!
4254 Route 43, North Greenbush, NY 12198
Follow Robert C. Parker School on Facebook & Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-286-3449
Email: [email protected]
RUST WELLNESS GROUP
Rust Wellness Group specializes in therapy for parents, recognizing the challenges of parenting without a manual. Our therapists focus on various aspects of raising children, offering guidance on discipline, empathy, encouragement, and achievement. Whether you’re a new parent feeling overwhelmed or navigating the complexities of work and parenting, we provide support. The demands of parenting, from physical exertion to potential strains on relationships, can lead to feelings of isolation, exhaustion, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. At Rust Wellness Group, we’re here to guide and support parents through these challenges.
Follow Rust Wellness Group on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 732-903-5266
Email: [email protected]
SANDYE’S CAFE AND CAKES
Sandye’s Cafe & Cakes is a family run small business located on the Northside of Schenectady offering breakfast, lunch, catering, custom cakes, holiday pies, cookies platters and much more! Call 518-280-2599 to place your order. We also host cake decorating classes and kids parties.
Cake Decorating Classes during December:
Enjoy appetizers and beverages during our 80 minute class! Doors open at 5:45, class starts at 6pm.
Wednesday, December 6th – Grinch – $65
Tuesday, December 12th – Stocking – $70
Wednesday, December 20th – Santa – $60
Sign up by calling the shop at 518-280-2599 or messaging Sandye’s Cafe & Cakes Facebook!
1316 Nott Street Schenectady, NY 12308
Follow Sandye’s Cafe & Cakes on Facebook and Instagram.
Phone #: (518) 280-2599
Email: [email protected]
SANTA’S WORKSHOP, NORTH POLE, NY
Join us this holiday season at Santa’s Workshop North Pole, NY for an experience the whole family will enjoy such as visiting for the day or for one of our special events. We have been making memories for over 70 years! Merry Christmas!
324 Whiteface Memorial Hwy, Wilmington, NY 12997
Follow Santa’s Workshop on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit the website.
Phone: 518-946-2211
Email: [email protected]
SEND ME WAFFLES
Sending waffles in the mail across the country, Send Me Waffles is a local eCommerce business specializing in Belgian Liege Waffles. Made with local ingredients, these yeast based waffles have a delicious almost doughnut-like texture with sugar baked in! They are the perfect treat for that hard to buy for person on your list this Holiday Season. Free Local Pickup Available.
Follow Send Me Waffles on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (518) 945-0658
Email: waffles@sendmewaffles.com
STUYVESANT PLAZA
The most wonderful event of the year is here: Stuyvesant Plaza’s Annual Holiday Stroll. Visit every Sunday from November 19 through December 17 between 1 – 4 p.m. for the Holiday Stroll featuring activities & photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides & music by local artist Lennox. Grab a hot cocoa benefiting the Guilderland YMCA & snag Stuyvesant Plaza hand warmers while you enjoy the many festive window displays throughout the Plaza. Stop by our Little Free Library between Your Local Butcher: Primal & Rad Soap Co. to pick up a rating sheet to mark down your top three favorite window displays that are in the running for holiday bragging rights! Learn more about Stuyvesant Plaza Holiday Programming here.
1475 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203
Follow Stuyvesant Plaza on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit the website.
Phone: 518-813-4959
Email: [email protected]
TED’S FISH FRY
Featuring the NFL Sunday ticket games, drink specials, + 50 CENT WINGS, this event is sure to please everyone in your family!
*Full menu available.
1186 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203
Follow Ted’s Fish Fry on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit the website.
Phone: 518-650-8679
Email: [email protected]
THE LITTLE GYM OF COLONIE
KIDS GYMNASTICS FROM 4 MONTHS TO 12 YEARS OLD
At The Little Gym of Colonie, NY we believe in developing the whole child from a young age – building a strong body, brain, and character. Our instructors will guide your child’s physical, emotional, and social development helping them grow into strong, confident, independent people.
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY 12211
Follow The Little Gym of Colonie on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-729-3230
Text #: 518-344-0584
Email: [email protected]
THE LITTLES PLAY CAFE
Are you looking for somewhere FUN to bring your little one this winter? The Littles Play Cafe is a soft indoor playground and café (coffee, bubble tea, small bites etc.) for children seven years old and younger. Visit their website https://thelittlesplaycafe.com to learn more about open play passes, fun classes and birthday party packages. Follow The Littles Play Cafe on Facebook & Instagram so you don’t miss an awesome raffle they will be having around the holidays where customers will have the opportunity to win beautiful gifts and FREE passes to The Littles Play Cafe!!!!
515 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
Follow The Littles Play Cafe on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-313-7099
Email: [email protected]
THE LOCAL FFF – FUN, FUNNER, FUNNEST
Give the gift of FUN this Holiday Season! Buy a $50 gift card to The Local FFF and get a FREE $10 game card for 2024! The Local FFF has many FUN activities including 3D Blacklight Mini Golf, Arcade, Axe Throwing, Escape Rooms, Karaoke Room, Kids Zone, Laser Tag and Skate Zone. The Local FFF is the perfect place to book holiday parties, birthday parties (including scooter parties!), team building, spirit nights, field trips, corporate events, and all celebrations!
93 W Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306
Follow The Local FFF on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-831-9477
Email: [email protected]
THE MUSIC STUDIO
The Music Studio has been a regional leader in music education since its founding in 1977. We offer short-term classes for children as young as age 2, and an award-winning school-year Foundation Program for children ages 4 to 7. With an exceptional faculty and bright, well-equipped classrooms, we invite students to tap into their natural love of music, challenge them to excel as musicians, and support every step of their musical journey. Find out what makes our program different at themusicstudio.com. Or call 518-459-7799 for more information.
1237 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
Follow The Music Studio on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-459-7799
Email: [email protected]
THE SALT DEN
654 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110
Follow The Salt Den on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-785-7258
Email: [email protected]
TRENDY TOTS: A MODERN CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT STORE
Trendy Tots is a consignment shop that specializes in gently used name brand clothing in sizes from Infants to Children’s sizes as well as Junior’s, Young Men, and Women’s sizes at discounted prices. We also offer a great selection of gently used baby gear and toys as well as some great crafts and gifts made by local ladies.
906 Woodland Ave, Niskayuna, NY 12309
Follow Trendy Tots on Facebook and Instagram
Phone #: 518-357-3203
Email: [email protected]
VIA AQUARIUM
Take your family on an unforgettable journey as you explore vivid underwater worlds across 45 exhibits. Feel the soft, smooth skin of a stingray as they swim right up to your hand in Stingray Bay. Watch sharks swim overhead while schools of fish surround you in our immersive tunnel tanks. From local favorites to the depths of the ocean, explore our planet’s oceans and rivers all in your own backyard on this self-guided exploration.
93 West Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306
Follow Via Aquarium on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-280-5100
Email: [email protected]
ICE SKATE ROUNDUP
Below is a list of places in the Capital District to buy ice skates (new and used). Make sure to call ahead of time to see if they have your size!
DICK’s Sporting Goods/DICK’s House of Sport
579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
Crossgates Mall, 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203
Wilton Mall, 3065 Rte 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Click here to visit their website.
Play It Again Sports
352 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
Click here to visit their website.
Click here to follow Play It Again Sports on Facebook.
Click here to follow Play it Again Sports on Instagram.
Pure Hockey
54 Crossings Blvd, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Click here to visit their website.
Sportzone
736 Upper Glen St, Queensbury, NY 12804
Click here to visit their website.
Click here to follow Sportzone on Facebook.
Trendy Tots: A Modern Children’s Consignment Shop
906 Woodland Ave, Niskayuna, NY 12309
They may have a few pairs of ice skate, but make sure to call ahead of time!
Click here to follow Trendy Tots on Facebook.
Click here to follow Trendy Tots on Instagram.
Saratoga Skates
Click here to follow Saratoga Skates on Facebook.
Hockeytown
3 School Street, Latham, NY 12110
Click here to visit their website.
Click here to follow Hockeytown on Facebook.
If you know of any other places in the Capital District that sells ice skates, please send an email to [email protected]
NEW YEAR’S EVE ROUNDUP
Del Lanes
December 31, 2023
Afternoon Family Party, Family Party & New Year’s Eve Party
Follow Del Lanes’ on Facebook for details.
The Local FFF
December 31, 2023
New Year’s Eve Family Friendly Party
Follow The Local FFF on Facebook for details.
Noon Year’s Eve at Via Aquarium
December 31, 2023
Celebrate the new year with us at NOON! The kids can’t stay up until midnight and you’re looking for something to do this Sunday. We’ll see you here at the aquarium! The party starts at 11, and the countdown will be at the Koi pond! Perfect for families that want to celebrate together, but not able to stay up to midnight! Free sparkling juice will be provided to toast with at noon. We will open early at 10am this day to ensure everyone gets in on time.
Click here for more information.
Happy Noon Year! at Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
December 31, 2023
Come and celebrate the New Year early. It’s all of the fun with none of the yawning! Join us for a craft, story, and a noisy New Year countdown.
Click here for details.
Noon Year’s Eve at the Saratoga Children’s Museum
December 31, 2023
Celebrate the New Year with us at the Museum on Noon Year’s Eve! We will have fun activities about featuring several cultures’ New Year traditions! There will be a Morning
Session and an Afternoon Session. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.
Follow The Children’s Museum at Saratoga on Facebook for more information.
“Noon” Year’s Eve Around the World
December 31, 2023
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at a child-friendly time! We’ll learn about New Year traditions from around the world and celebrate a ball drop at noon.
Follow World Awareness Children’s Museum on Facebook for more information.
New Year’s Eve Family Party at Saratoga Strike Zone
December 31, 2023
Follow Saratoga Strike Zone on Facebook for more information.
Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party at Colonie Center
December 31, 2023
Click here for more information.
First Night Bethlehem
December 31, 2023
First Night Bethlehem offers family fun for all ages! Join us for an all-outdoor event at Delmar’s Four Corners Sunday, December 31 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm to kick off the New Year and welcome 2024! FREE for all and all are welcome!
Click here for more information.
Saratoga New Year’s Fest
December 31, 2023
Follow Saratoga New Year’s Fest on Facebook for more information.
Three Dances, One Epic Day at Bring on the Spectrum
December 31, 2023
Kids 12-2 pm * Teens 2-4 pm * Young Adults 4-6 pm
Click here for more information.
Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop with Bluey at Allo Saratoga
December 31, 2023
Click here for more information.
Family New Year’s Party at Rollarama Skating Center
December 31, 2023
Follow Rollarma Skating Center on Facebook for more information.
New Year’s Eve Party at Wiggle Worms Playland
December 31, 2023
Follow Wiggle Worms on Facebook for more information.
Family New Year’s Eve Party at Kingpin’s Alley in South Glens Falls, NY
December 31, 2023
Click here for more information.
New Year’s Eve at Kingpin’s Alley in Latham, NY
December 31, 2023
Click here for more information.
New Year’s Eve at the East Greenbush Bowling Center
December 31, 2023
Follow the East Greenbush Bowling Center on Facebook for more information.
NEW YEAR’S DAY EVENTS:
Meet and Greet with Spider-Man at The Littles Play Cafe
January 1, 2024
On New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2024, 2pm to 3pm in the afternoon , our Spider-Man will swing by again to celebrate the new year with everyone at our play cafe! Dress as a superhero or in any other costume you like, and come join us for this meet and greet!
Follow The Littles Play Cafe on Facebook for more information.
