Things to Do in Albany in December

December Weather in Albany

7°C (45°F) High Temp

-3°C (27°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Holiday markets and festivities create magical winter atmosphere throughout downtown from early December
Significantly lower accommodation prices - 40-60% cheaper than summer peak season rates
Perfect timing for Empire State Plaza ice skating and winter activities at local parks
Cozy indoor cultural scene peaks with holiday concerts at Proctors Theatre and Palace Theatre

Considerations

Harsh weather with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F) during cold snaps, limiting outdoor exploration
Limited daylight hours - sun sets by 4:30 PM, reducing sightseeing time significantly
Many outdoor attractions like Washington Park activities and riverfront events are closed or severely limited

Best Activities in December

Empire State Plaza Winter Festivities

December transforms the Plaza into Albany's winter wonderland with outdoor ice skating, holiday light displays, and the annual Winter Festival. The reflecting pool becomes a skating rink surrounded by heated pavilions. Best experienced in early evening when lights illuminate the modernist architecture against fresh snow.

Booking Tip: Ice skating sessions cost $8-12 with skate rental included. No advance booking needed for general skating, but private group sessions require 1-2 weeks notice. Check current schedules in the booking section below as hours vary by weather conditions.

Historic Downtown Holiday Walking Tours

Albany's 400-year history comes alive during December with specially decorated historic buildings and seasonal ghost tours. The cold weather actually enhances the atmospheric experience of colonial-era streets. Most tours include warming stops at historic taverns and heated indoor locations.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically run $25-35 per person and last 90-120 minutes with indoor breaks. Book 5-7 days ahead as December tours often sell out due to limited group sizes. Heated transportation between stops available for premium tours.

New York State Museum Holiday Exhibitions

December features special winter-themed exhibitions and the museum's famous holiday train display. Perfect indoor activity during Albany's harsh winter weather, with 4-5 hours of climate-controlled exploration. The museum's Native American winter traditions exhibit is particularly compelling in December.

Booking Tip: General admission $8-15, with special exhibition surcharges $5-10. No advance booking required except for guided tours. Premium behind-the-scenes tours available by appointment 2-3 weeks ahead. See current exhibition schedules in booking options below.

Saratoga Springs Day Trips

Just 48 km (30 miles) north, Saratoga Springs offers charming winter atmosphere with horse racing at the training track, historic mansion tours, and the famous mineral springs steaming in winter air. December provides authentic local experience without summer tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages typically $85-120 including transportation and admission fees. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter tour schedules are limited. Many tours include stops at local breweries and heated indoor attractions. Transportation essential due to winter driving conditions.

Hudson Valley Mansion Holiday Tours

Historic mansions like Schuyler Mansion and Cherry Hill are decorated for Victorian-era Christmas celebrations. December offers exclusive access to rooms typically closed other months, plus special candlelight tours. The stark winter landscape provides dramatic backdrop for these Gilded Age estates.

Booking Tip: Holiday mansion tours cost $18-30 per site, with combination packages available for $45-65. Advance booking essential - most December tours sell out 2-3 weeks ahead. Evening candlelight tours require separate reservations and cost premium rates.

Albany Craft Brewery Winter Trails

December is peak season for winter ales and seasonal brews at Albany's growing craft beer scene. Many breweries offer heated taprooms, winter beer releases, and holiday-themed brewing classes. Perfect indoor activity during severe weather days with local food pairings.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically $20-35 including tastings, with transportation packages available for $65-85. Book brewery hopping tours 1-2 weeks ahead as December features limited winter schedules. Many offer indoor classes and private group experiences.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Victorian Stroll at Historic Cherry Hill

Annual December event featuring period-dressed interpreters, traditional holiday decorations, and authentic Victorian Christmas celebrations. Includes candlelit mansion tours and traditional holiday foods.

Early to Late December

Empire State Plaza Winter Festival

Month-long celebration featuring ice sculptures, outdoor skating exhibitions, holiday markets, and live music in heated pavilions. The festival transforms the government complex into Albany's winter entertainment hub.

Throughout December

Palace Theatre Holiday Concert Series

Historic theater hosts special December performances including classical holiday concerts, Broadway-style shows, and local symphony performances. The 1931 venue provides intimate winter entertainment experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated for -15°C (5°F) with non-slip soles - Albany sidewalks become treacherous with ice

Heavyweight down jacket or wool coat - wind chill regularly drops temperatures 10-15°C (18-27°F) below actual temperature

Thermal base layers (merino wool preferred) - essential for any outdoor time in December's harsh conditions

Waterproof gloves and warm hat covering ears - frostbite risk is real during December cold snaps

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery life 40-50% faster than normal

Lip balm with SPF - dry winter air and UV reflection from snow causes severe chapping

Emergency hand/foot warmers - invaluable during outdoor activities or transit delays

Compact umbrella - December snow often mixed with freezing rain requiring waterproof coverage

Layered clothing system - indoor venues are heavily heated (22-24°C/72-75°F) requiring quick adjustment

Moisturizer and eye drops - indoor heating creates extremely dry conditions affecting skin and eyes

Insider Knowledge

Downtown parking meters are free after 6 PM and all day Sundays in December - significant savings during holiday shopping and evening activities

CDTA bus system offers heated stops and runs reliably in snow, but allow extra 15-20 minutes travel time during winter weather

Many restaurants close early or have reduced hours in December due to weather - call ahead and make dinner reservations before 6 PM

Empire State Plaza underground concourse connects major buildings and provides weather protection between attractions - use this heated walkway system extensively

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - plan outdoor activities before 3 PM to maximize limited daylight hours

Assuming rental cars come with winter tires - request them specifically or avoid driving during snow/ice conditions

Booking outdoor activities without weather backup plans - December has 60% chance of snow/ice on any given day