After the turkey is digested, the nap is taken, and the football games are over, it’s official: the holiday season has begun, and it starts with light, sound and parades.
Light up the night
On Friday, Nov. 24, Albany’s Washington Park will host the annual Capital Holiday Lights in the Park display.
More than 100 displays and scenes will bring Christmas to light, and you can view it all from the comfort of your car. Light themes include a Victorian village and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.
There will also be carriage rides for those who want to brave the elements, and in the lake House, there will be crafts and refreshments.
Of course, it’s not the Christmas season unless kids get to tell Santa their Christmas wishes, and The Big Guy will be at the Lake House during the display. His ride, Rudolph, will also be there, so that kids can check out the reindeer’s nose. There will also be crafts and refreshments for people to enjoy.
Capital Holiday Lights is sponsored by the City of Albany, Mayor Gerald Jennings, and the Albany Police Athletic League. Proceeds benefit PAL, the city’s juvenile crime prevention program.
Admission to Capital Holiday Lights in the Park is $12 per car; or $20 per limousine or 15-passenger van.
The lights will be shining through Jan. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; and 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For information, visit the Web site, www.albanycapitalholidaylights.com.
Take a stroll
The 24th annual Troy Victorian Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in downtown Troy.
As in past years, there will be more than 100 free attractions at the stroll. Musicians, dancers and storytellers will keep the crowds entertained, and there will be rides, refreshments and crafts for all to enjoy.
Most of the entertainers – and elected officials – will be dressed in Victorian garb, giving a feel of Christmases long ago to the day.
The windows of Troy will be dressed up, too, as their owners participate in a window-decorating contest.
If you want to get a jump-start on the stroll, head for the kick-off celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 28 in the lobby of the First Niagara Bank better known as the Tory Savings Bank Music Hall at the corner of State and Second Street at 5 p.m.
There and at the stroll itself, you can view the official poster and the Christmas ornament of this year’s stroll. JK Bloom Jewelers in Troy designed this year’s ornament. There will also be a limited edition postmark cancellation at the kick-off celebration.
For information about activities during the Victorian stroll, visit www.troyvictorianstroll.com or call 274-7020.
If you are looking for something of a quicker tempo than a parade, head for the Capital Region Gazette Holiday Parade, on Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. in downtown Schenectady. For information, visit www.sayschenectady.org
Play me a tune
If a song on a winter’s eve strikes a chord with you, head for one of the many holiday music offerings this winter, the Irish-American Heritage Museum’s `Irish Christmas in America,` on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at The Egg.
The Irish-American Heritage Museum is presenting a newer sound this year with `Teada,` a string quintet that Irish Music Magazine called `the best newcomer traditional band.` Cathie Ryan, best known for her lead role with `Cherish the Ladies,` will take the stage with Teada.
Teada’s musicians play fiddle, button accordion, flute and whistle, guitar and bouzouki and the traditional skin drum, the bodhran.
Ryan performs solo now, and her voice has been described as `crystalline.`
The concert benefits the Irish American Heritage Museum. Tickets are $20, with an early bird cost of $18 by Dec. 1. Museum members receive a 10 percent discount. Tickets may be reserved by calling 432-6598.
For information about the museum and the performers, visit http://www.irishamericanheritagemusuem.org; http://www.teada.com; and http://www.cathieryan.com.
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