Capital Region tree lightings kick off holiday season

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- With Thanksgiving right around the corner, several towns plan to light up their town or city with Christmas spirit through Christmas tree lightings. Here are some of the areas across the Capital Region that are hosting festive Christmas tree lightings.

Albany

The New York State Tree Lighting and Fireworks Celebration from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. The afternoon of festivities includes ice skating performances, live music, a visit from Santa, and more.

The event is free to the public. At 5:15 p.m., the Empire State Plaza and East Capitol Park trees will light up, followed by a fireworks show.

Altamont

Indian Ladder Farms Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The tree lighting will be in the Biergarten, and attendees will countdown the lighting at 7 p.m.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam will host the Eighth Annual Tree Lighting Festival on Friday, Nov. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook. Attendees are invited to contribute to the decoration by bringing an ornament to hang on the 25-foot tree.

Ballston Spa

The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association is hosting the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wiswall Park. The parade kicks off from the north end of Milton Avenue at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mr. and Mrs. Claus lighting the tree up for the holiday season.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem's Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. The parade will start at the Town Hall, continue down Delaware Avenue, and end at the Four Corners, where the tree lighting will occur.

Glens Falls

The Glens Falls Collaborative's Adirondack Holiday Festival will kick off on Friday, Dec. 6, with the holiday parade and tree lighting in City Park. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., live music from Jay Mullen and The Spotters will also be in the park.

Gloversville

The Gloversville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wandel Park. Santa will light the tree, and participants can take photos afterward with Santa. There will also be free cookies and hot chocolate.

Greenfield

Greenfield will have their Tree Lighting and Holiday Family Fun Day on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Greenfield Community Center. Santa will light the tree at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music, free hot chocolate and cookies, and a craft station.

Pittsfield

The Pittsfield Parks and Rec will host the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. in Pittsfield Park Square. Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the tree and be available for pictures afterward.

Rotterdam

The Rotterdam Tree Lighting will be on Sunday, December 8, at 7 p.m. at the Rotterdam Town Offices. The tree lighting coincides with Rotterdam's Holiday Festival, during which participants can decorate cookies and drink hot cocoa for free.

Saratoga Springs

The Gavin Park Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., with the tree lighting happening promptly at 6:15 p.m. Before the tree lighting, Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa's elves will roam the park.

Stephentown

The Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department will host the Stephentown Tree Lighting at the Stephentown Fire Hall at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting coincides with the town's holiday parade.

South Glens Falls, Moreau

South Glens Falls and the town of Moreau are coming together for the first Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the South Glens Falls Historical Park Gazebo. The celebration includes Mr. and Mrs. Claus visits, caroling, free cookies, and hot chocolate.