Stuyvesant Plaza, the Capital Region’s premier open-air retail destination, today announced a month-long celebration to usher in “the most wonderful time of the year.” The plaza-wide festivities get underway with Light The Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 22 and conclude Saturday, Dec. 20 with an opportunity to visit Sensory-Friendly Santa.
Light The Plaza, Saturday, Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., will feature a festive evening of complimentary outdoor entertainment and activities, including the annual tree-lighting. Music will be provided by DJ Ayo, while guests may enjoy a hot cocoa bar and seasonal treats from Jacob & Anthony’s Italian to benefit the Guilderland YMCA.
The event will include holiday shopping, in-store festivities and more throughout the plaza’s specialty retailers and restaurants. Carriage rides under the holiday lights will be available as well as a special appearance by Santa, which will precede the 2025 tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on the Lawn.
Light The Plaza will also usher in the unveiling of decorated storefronts as part of the property’s 2025 Holiday Window Decorating Competition. Guests will be invited to cast a vote online for their favorite holiday window beginning on Nov. 22. The top three winners will be announced on Jan. 5, 2026.
One week later, Stuyvesant Plaza will introduce the Shop Small Stroll on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Inspired by the annual nationwide event, guests will be invited to explore the Plaza’s unique collection of locally owned businesses while enjoying the spirit of the season and getting a jump on holiday shopping with in-store specials. Shoppers who wish to enter a raffle for a holiday gift basket will be asked to check in upon arrival to receive a stroll card and a welcome gift. Upon collecting a minimum of five stickers from participating shops, guests will be eligible to enter for a chance to win the gift basket filled with items and treats from the plaza’s small business community.
Capturing the magic of the season, Santa’s Silver Sleigh returns for a second year on three consecutive Saturdays, including Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec.13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can make cherished holiday memories through an immersive photo experience inside Stuyvesant Plaza’s vintage Airstream located on The Lawn. A professional photographer will capture both posed portraits and candid moments that reflect the magic and warmth of the season. Tickets are required. Proceeds benefit the Guilderland YMCA.
Guests are also invited to celebrate the season and its culinary delights on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Jingle Brunch at Jacob & Anthony’s Italian, one of Stuyvesant Plaza’s most popular eateries. The event will feature a holiday brunch menu served in a relaxed and merry atmosphere with a special appearance from a favorite seasonal character, sure to delight family and friends of all ages. Reservations required. Guests are advised to call Jacob & Anthony’s Italian at (518) 599-5331 to reserve a party for the event, mentioning the booking is for the Jingle Brunch.
Finally, Sensory-Friendly Santa returns to Stuyvesant Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrating the spirit of the season in a calm, quiet and welcoming atmosphere, Sensory-Friendly Santa is designed for children and families who benefit from a lower sensory holiday experience. The peaceful setting, located within The Hot Yoga Spot and in partnership with The Autism Society, will feature reduced noise, soft lighting and no crowds, creating a space where meaningful, unhurried moments with Santa are possible. Proceeds will benefit The Autism Society. Tickets are required.
“Stuyvesant Plaza will soon be decked out for the holidays, and we are thrilled to be embracing the season with favorite returning festivities alongside fresh celebrations that bring our community together,” said Stuyvesant Plaza General Manager Rachel Ferluge. “From the Shop Small Stroll to beloved traditions including the Holiday Window Decorating Competition, this season’s holiday happenings offer cheerful, inclusive, and memorable experiences for the entire family.”
Special Stuyvesant Plaza holiday hours begin Friday, Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 23 as follows: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information and to reserve tickets for events, head to stuyvesantplaza.com.