Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride

Experience the thrilling ride on board the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride — just in time for the holiday season.

The Polar Express lit up and ready for a trip to the North Pole. | Photo Courtesy of Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express/Cargo Law

Experience the holiday magic of the classic Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg and movie via the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride in Central NY! Bring the whole family for this two-hour train ride. The journey departs from Utica’s Union Station, traveling north to the North Pole. You do not want to miss the magic of this train ride with the entire family!

What to Expect on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride

All family members are encouraged to come in their pajamas to relive the story in real life! Don’t forget to bring your cameras as well to capture the memories!

Ride in “Cocoa Class” to the North Pole

For a first-class ride, ride in the “Cocoa Class” car where the Hot Chocolate Chefs and Mrs. Claus will serve you hot chocolate and cookies in souvenir mugs. In addition, Santa will be on the train spending time with each family. He will give every child the first present of Christmas, a silver bell, just like the one the boy received in the book and movie!

Ticket Information and Train Times

Coach Seating

Adults: $35; Youth (Ages 2-12): $31

First Class Seating

Adults: $55; Youth (Ages 2-12): $48

Departure Times: 4:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Cancellation Policy: The Adirondack Scenic Railroad does not offer refunds.

Dates for the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride

November 17 – 18, 23 – 25, 29 – 30
December 1 – 2, 6 – 9, 13 – 16, 19 – 22

For more information on purchasing tickets, click here!

Do not miss out on the magical holiday story in real life via the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride!

Take Amtrak to the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express

Experience this magical train ride via Amtrak to Utica Station in Central NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

From there, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express conveniently departs from Union Station in Utica, NY—right where your Amtrak train arrives! Remember, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Polar Express Ride departs at 4:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. so make sure to allow plenty of travel time!

Looking to explore Utica after your scenic train ride? Rent a car with Enterprise! Get picked up from Utica Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at 315-736-0002.

Rosendale International Pickle Festival

 Celebrating its 21st year, the Rosendale International Pickle Festival is the place to go to find all things brined, soused and preserved.

Contestants presenting their pickled submissions for the Rosendale International Pickle Festival

Let your mouth celebrate and experience the best and worst of these Pickled Delights. Let your tastebuds be the judge at the Rosendale International Pickle Festival. With a handful of pickle-related contests, tastings, vendors and more, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite snack at the 21st anniversary of the Rosendale International Pickle Festival.

Later in the afternoon join the Pickle Triathlon. It starts with a Pickle Eating Contest, where contestants try to eat a small jar of Mt. Olive Pickle Spears. Next is the Pickle Juice Drinking Contest, where contestants drink 24 oz. of pickle juice through a Big Bore Straw. Lastly, there is a team event, the Pickle Tossing Contest. Each team consists of a pitcher, who tosses a pickle chip to the catcher, who catches the chip in their mouth, then it is spurted into the Counter’s Jar. Each contest will award winners with a Gold, Silver or Bronze prize. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter the contests.

Home Pickling Contest at the Rosendale International Pickle Festival

See if you have what it takes, and take on other area competitors for the best tasting pickle at the Home Pickling Contest! Here are the rules:

• Submit 2 jars of the same item for each entry. (One jar is for display, one jar is for the judges.)
• Label the jar with: YOUR name, address, phone #, area code included, Email address and What They Are.
• You are limited to a total of 3 submissions in any category.
• If you are not going to be in the area on the day of the Pickle Festival, you can drop your entries off in advance by contacting Mr. Bill Brooks email picklelady16@yahoo.com and arrange a drop-off appointment.
• Entries must be submitted by 11 a.m.
• Judging begins at 12 p.m.

The Pickling Categories (limited to 3 categories per entrant)

• Kimchi
• Dill Pickles
• Sweet Pickles
• Pickled Onions/Garlic
• Dilly Beans
• Pickled Fruit
• Pickled Beets
• Pickled Veggies
• Pickled Brussel Sprouts
• Chutneys
• Fermented Liquid or Semi-Liquid Product
• Miscellaneous
• Best of Show

History of the Rosendale International Pickle Festival

Founders Bill and Cathy Brooks created and put together the first Picklefest in 60 days after their friend, Eri Yamaguchi, said she wanted to have a “pickle party” in 1998.

They created this event for people to have fun and introduce them to a whole new realm of Pickles, things Pickled, Pickling Spices – all things Pickled. The support of the Rosendale Chamber of Commerce helped expand peoples culinary horizons along with exhibitions of International cultures and customs through the simple, but alluring PICKLE!

Take Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station

Experience this Festival via Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston in the Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Rhinecliff-Kingston Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Kingston office today at 845-336-4700.

71st Annual Troy Turkey Trot

Come be a part of the 12th oldest road race in the nation — Troy Turkey Trot — and celebrate with the entire community through fitness, family and tradition.

The finish line of the annual Troy Turkey Trot in the capital region. | Photo Courtesy of Troy Turkey Trot

The annual City of Troy Turkey Trot is a unique Thanksgiving tradition for the whole family to experience and enjoy. This event holds four featured special events this year, the competitive 5K run, the 10K run, the one-mile Turkey Walk and the Grade School Mile.

This yearly event began back in 1916 as a remembrance runs for veterans and this year marks the 71st running of the Troy Turkey Trot. It is the 12th oldest road race in the country and the 64th oldest in the world. Troy Turkey Trot is a way for families to come together with the entire community to celebrate a day fitness, family and tradition. There’s also a chance to win $2,000 in prize money for the 10K. Medals will be distributed to all finishers and Dri-fit T-shirts to all registrants. There are also prizes for the contest “Best Thanksgiving Day Costume” and family team awards for the 5k.

Included with Registration

• Entry into one of the oldest and largest Turkey Trots in the United States
• Custom shirt for all events
• A commemorative participation medal for all 5k, 10k and Grade School Mile finishers. Turkey Walkers will receive a finisher’s token as well.
• Eligibility for overall and age-group awards
• Post-race refreshments
• A wonderful way to start off your Thanksgiving Day celebrations

How to Register for the Troy Turkey Trot

To register for the Troy Turkey Trot, visit RunSignUp.com.

Packet pick-up is on Sunday, November 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and race day from 6:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on the 2nd floor of the Troy Atrium. Please see the Troy Turkey Trot website for more details and parking maps.

Starting at 8 a.m. with the 10k the day’s events culminate with the largest 5k race in the Capital District.

Take Amtrak to the Troy Turkey Trot

Experience the Troy Turkey Trot via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Albany-Rensselaer Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at 518-427-3893.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Holiday kick-off parade with immense balloons, Broadway performers and Santa.

The Papa Smurf balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo Courtesy of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends than by going to the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Join Macy’s in celebrating their 93rd annual parade on November 22 at 9 a.m. The parade will begin from 77th Street and Central Park West and continue on to Columbus Circle, turn onto Central Park South and march down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

Some notable returning balloons: Red from Angry Birds, Charlie Brown, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and SpongeBob SquarePants. With the addition of four new balloons debuting, one being Disney’s Olaf of Frozen. Some returning floats include: “1-2-3 Sesame Street” (Leslie Odom Jr. and The Muppets cast of Sesame Street), Big Apple by NY Daily News and “Building A Better World” by Girl Scouts of the USA. A new float by Delta Air Lines will debut to commemorate the season of togetherness with the perfect gift of song, as more than 125 Macy’s employees gather to form a one-of-a-kind, cross-generational choir aboard the Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree.

Where to Get the Best View

The best places to view depends on you! Early risers like to camp out starting at 6 a.m. along the west side of the street on Central Park West from 59th to 75th Streets, where the Parade runs from about 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. If you prefer to arrive later, further down the route on 6th Avenue may be best—the Parade reaches this area around 9:30 a.m. We don’t suggest viewing from 6th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets or in front of Macy’s Herald Square, which provides very limited viewing due to the national television broadcast.

Take Amtrak to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade via Amtrak to Penn Station—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

Basilica Farm and Flea

The “anti-Black Friday big-sister goddess,” Basilica Farm and Flea showcases Hudson Valley artisans at the gorgeous Basilica Hudson in Hudson, NY.

The fifth annual Basilica Farm and Flea Holiday Market will showcase the variety of talent the Hudson Valley region has to offer, with 90% of vendors coming from the local area.

With 100+ vendors filling over 9,000 square feet, Basilica Farm & Flea Holiday Market is the largest market of its kind in the region. Visitors can shop handmade and vintage goods, purchase locally-made added value food products and eat farm-fresh food.

Buy local. Buy vintage. Buy handmade. No barcodes. No plastic wrap.

Basilica Farm and Flea Vendors

1857 Spirits – Barber’s Farm Distillery
Acorn Hill Farm LLC
Afghan Photo Booth
Alimentary Kitchen
Anarchy Apiaries
Aoko Su
Art by Mary Shelley
Artemesia
Aubry
The Binderie
Breezy Hill Orchard
Camphill Village Shop
Catskill Glassworks
Chapeaux de Lulu
Chaseholm Farm Creamery
Chef D’s Spice Blends
Corona D’oro
Dancing Bare Soap
Davistudio
East Camp Goods
ENKYU
Fahari Bazaar
The Fitzgerald’s Locust Hills Farm
FN Furniture
Fruition Chocolate
Going Gnome
Good Fight Herb Co
Grant House Press
Harvest Spirits Distillery
Hedonic Tonic
The Highlands Foundry
Hillrock Estate Distillery
Honey’s
Hosta Hill

Hudson Area Library Tween Advisory Council
Hudson Naturals
The Hudson Standard
Hudson Valley Seed Co
Hudson Vintage Pulp & Rocket Works
Huntress Home
ImmuneSchein Ginger Elixirs
Inner Flame
Italian Market
Jacuterie
JK Custom Furniture
Judi Powers Jewelry
Kapari
L&M Studio
Lail Design
Liamolly
Lumpland
Maple Leaf Sugaring
Maria Manhattan Ceramics
Mater Soap
Maya’s Jams
Melissa Easton Jewelry
Mexica Crafts
Mill River Farm
Nahual
Nina Z LLC
Noni Bee
North Country Classics Vintage
No Six Depot Roastery
NYWoodworX
Of Note Stationers
Olde York Farm: Distillery & Cooperage
Olivia Clementine
Oyster Party

Papa’s Best Batch
Perfect Ten
Petals & Moss
Petit Pilou
P.M. Reed Carry Goods
Pura Vida Kettle Corn
Raven & Boar
Reggie Madison
Rockerbox Spice Co
Roosevelt Grooming Company
Russell Jones Jewelry
Shana Lee
Silke Jacobs
Smugtown Mushrooms
So Handmade
Some Things Take Time
Strudel House
StudioSophiaSophia
Suga Pottery
Sundust
Sweet Deliverance
Tidy Thyme
Tiny Anvil
Two Sticks Knitting
V Smiley Preserves
Village Common
Vilma Marė Baltic style
Weathertop Farm
Westwind Orchard
White Whale Limited
Whole Harmony
Yankee Distillers
YokoSnoopy / Dead Beuys

History of Basilica Farm and Flea

Born Thanksgiving Weekend 2013 as the antithesis of big-box Black Friday, Basilica Farm & Flea is part timeless flea and farmer’s market and part 21st century craft and design fair, showcasing the wealth and splendor of the Hudson Valley’s artisanal talents. Basilica Farm & Flea is inspired by the abundance of passionate and talented farmers, collectors and artisans in the Hudson Valley.

Each market features a diverse group of regional vendors selling their wares alongside locally-sourced, farm-fresh foods. The markets embody love of vintage and recycled, locally-sourced agriculture and the beautifully handmade. With over 10,000 square feet of raw space, Basilica Farm & Flea is the only market of this scale in the region, an integral part of Basilica Hudson’s arts and cultural programs.

Two markets are presented each year: Spring Market in May and Holiday Market during Thanksgiving weekend, in addition to a Mini Farm & Flea on the Sunday of the annual Basilica SoundScape weekend each September.

Cost and Hours at Basilica Farm and Flea

General Admission: $5 for full weekend; Kids under 12: Free

Friday, November 23 – 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 24 – 10 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 25 – 10 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Take Amtrak to Basilica Farm and Flea

Experience the Basilica Farm and Flea via Amtrak to the Hudson Station in the Columbia County—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car right at the Hudson Station. Click here to reserve your car or call the Hudson office today at 518-828-5492.

Where to Stay in Hudson

Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all the Hudson area has to offer. Book a room at Wm. Farmer and Sons—just up the street from Basilica Hudson—and spend the weekend experiencing rich history, cultural hotspots and amazing views with the New York By Rail two-day itinerary, City of Hudson and Beyond. Read about the itinerary and other great places to visit here.

Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Come and see a drive-through Christmas spectacular filled with lights and displays galore through Albany’s Washington Park!

The beginning of the Capital Holiday Lights in the Park display in Washington Park. | Photo Courtesy of EntertainmentCalendar.com

Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Don’t miss out on the 22nd annual Capital Holiday Lights in the Park through Albany’s Washington Park! This event runs from November 23, 2018 to January 2, 2019, and is a brand new, drive-through with more than 125 holiday displays and scenes.

At the end of the drive through, you will be in the Washington Park Lake House. There will be crafts, refreshments and special friends including Rudolph. Santa will be there through December 23 to grant holiday wishes for children.

Events at Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Grand Opening of Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

On Friday, November 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is the grand opening for the new season!

Family Nights on Sundays

On Sundays, the first 100 children receive a special prize, courtesy of Albany PAL.

Albany Broadcasting Nights at the Lights

Your favorite Albany Broadcasting stations will be taking turns keeping Santa company – stop by and see them for prizes and giveaways. Participating stations are B95.5, JAMZ 96.3, FLY 92.3, 100.9 The Cat, and Magic 590 AM.

Special Events at Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival at the Lights

Saturday, November 17, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. — Presented by Albany PAL, enjoy music, tasting and, of course, the Lights on beautiful Washington Park Lake! Must be 21 to attend; ID required.

Tickets

$29.95 in advance at AlbanyPAL.org; $49.00 at the door

Chili, Chowder & Soup Fest

Sunday, November 18, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. — Don’t miss the Capital Region’s hottest seasonal event, featuring local favorites from restaurants, taverns & delis! Enjoy music, crafters, Santa and more!

Tickets

Adults, $7.00; Children 10 & Under, $3.00 in advance at AlbanyPAL.org
Adults, $12.00; Children 10 & Under, $5.00 at the door

Pet Walk Night

Monday, November 19, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. — Take your pet for a walk around the Lake as part of a walk-only Charity Walk Night to benefit our local Charities of Choice for 2018.

Suggested Donations
$5.00 per Person; $10.00 per Family.

Ticket Sales for Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Sundays through Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

$20.00 per car, $25.00 for 10-18 passenger vehicles, $50.00 for vehicles containing 19-28 passengers, $100.00 for school buses, and $125.00 for commercial coach buses.

Take Amtrak to Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Experience these holiday spectacular via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany, NY—Don’t forget to the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Albany-Rensselaer Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at 518-427-3893.

Where to Stay in Albany

Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all the Albany area has to offer. Book a room at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Albany Medical Center and spend the weekend tasting and experiencing Capital Craft Beverages and Music.

Sinterklaas Send-Off

The Hudson Valley does a spectacular job recreating the old Dutch legend of the Sinterklass Send-Off, from Spain by boat to Holland.

Mirroring the original Dutch legend in which Sinterklaas leaves Spain by boat for Holland. | Photo from Sinterklaas Send-Off Celebration and Festival

There’s an old Dutch legend of the Sinterklaas and the Send-off Celebration that leaves Spain by boat for Holland. The Hudson Valley does a terrific job re-creating the event and creates a full day of fun activities to commemorate it in Kingston, ending with a parade to escort Sinterklaas to his boat for the week-long ride across the Hudson River to Rhinebeck. Sinterklaas and his white horse will depart from the historic Kingston Waterfront (aka “Spain”) on a tugboat to his destination across the river. After he is sent off, there will be a Sinterklaas Soiree and plenty of specials at all of the local restaurants.

Don’t miss the arrival of Sinterklaas in “Holland” (Village of Rhinebeck) at the Sinterklaas Festival Day a week later on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

What is Sinterklass Send-Off?

With the year coming to end, comes one of the Hudson Valley’s unique traditions brought to Rhinebeck over 300 years ago by Dutch settlers. Each year brings an opportunity for the community to celebrate and honor the children as the focal point of the celebration due to Sinterklaas strong love and protection for them. The Sinterklaas festivities create an environment where children are the focus of the celebration and become kings and queens for the day. There are Crowns and Branches workshops for the children to make scepters and crowns for themselves. “But it can’t be about the wanting and having, either,” says creator Jeanne Flemming, “They each have to tie wishes into their branch — one for the community, one for the family, one for the world. They understand their responsibility to be a good king or queen.”

Take Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station

Experience this Festival via Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston in the Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Rhinecliff-Kingston Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Kingston office today at 845-336-4700.

Medina Railroad Polar Express Ride

Bring the entire family for a fun experience riding the Polar Express on the Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express!

Experience the holiday magic of the Polar Express via the Medina Railroad Museum! Through the Medina Railroad Polar Express Ride, you can enjoy a one-hour magical ride to the North Pole! Don’t miss out on this festive event for the holiday season!

What to Expect on the Medina Railroad Polar Express

Dress in your favorite pajamas and capture the memories on the Polar Express ride! On the trip, you and your family will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, music from the Polar Express movie, story time reading from the book, and singing Christmas carols. When the train arrives at the North Pole, Santa will join the train ride and will hand out a bell to each child, just like the movie!

In addition, the book, “Santa’s Reindeer Story Book” is available at a special price with your ticket purchase for the ride. Don’t miss out on getting a new book for the holidays!

Dates for the Medina Railroad Polar Express

November 24 – 25
December 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 15 – 16

Times: 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 6:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices on the Medina Railroad Polar Express

Coach Seating

Coach Seating passengers receive hot cocoa and a cookie. Children under two will receive a bell from Santa, but hot chocolate and cookie are not included.

All Tickets: $35*; Children under two ride free on a lap
Special Pricing – Sunday, November 25: $25.00

First-Class Seating

First Class passengers receive their own Polar Express ceramic souvenir cocoa mug, hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a cookie. Children under two will receive a bell from Santa, but hot chocolate, cookie and souvenir mug are not included.

All Tickets: $50*; Children under two ride free on a lap
Special Pricing – Sunday, November 25: $40.00

*Admission to the museum is included in your ticket fare.

Take Amtrak to the Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express Ride

Experience these Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express via Amtrak to Buffalo-Depew Station in Buffalo, NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Rent a car with Enterprise! Get picked up from Buffalo-Depew Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Buffalo-Depew office today at: 716-565-5400.

Important Information

Try to arrive one hour prior to your train departure to allow time for parking and to ticket pick-up in the museum. The Polar Express will start boarding 15 minutes prior to departure time and the train will leave promptly. Tickets are not refundable and can not be exchanged. All sales are final.

Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Be a part of the lighting of the largest and most iconic Christmas tree in the world!

Thousands of people gather to see the historic event of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting. | Photo Courtesy of Anthony Quintano

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

Come see the annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting that draws crowds of thousands of people! The Rockefeller Center Tree will be lit for the first time on November 28, and will remain lit until January 7. Or, tune in the televised broadcast on NBC from 7 to 9 p.m.! 

History of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Since 1933, this tradition has stood as the start of the holiday season and brings the city of New York together. During the Great Depression, workers would round up their paychecks and gather around Rockefeller Plaza to put up a small Christmas tree for the season. It became a “holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike.” Over the years, the tree has been decorated in patriotic colors during World War II, and in 2001 to remember September 11th. Every year, it lights up the center of Midtown with its beauty and decorations.

By the end of the season, over 125 million people will have visited the tree, making it the center of the holiday season.

Live Performances at the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Live performances from renowned musicians and appearances from top celebrities will preface the lighting, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participating in the tradition is free of charge and connects visitors with people from all over the world in the name peace during the winter holidays.

Visit Rockefeller Plaza between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues to experience a wonderful start to the holidays!

Take Amtrak to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Experience the Rockefeller Tree Lighting via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

To get to from Penn Station to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting, take the 1 Subway line from Penn Station to 50th Street-Broadway then head east to Rockefeller Center along 50th Street (8-minute walk).

Or, take the E train from Penn Station to 5th Avenue-53rd Street, then head downtown along 5th Avenue to 50th Street (6-minute walk).