University at Albany and Siena College men’s basketball head coaches to perform ceremonial lighting in advance of annual hometown match-up
ALBANY, N.Y., November 16, 2016 – Stuyvesant Plaza will again usher in the most wonderful time of the year by welcoming shoppers to celebrate the season at the second annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the Capital Region’s premiere lifestyle shopping and dining destination on Tuesday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m.
The honor of lighting this year’s 16-foot holiday tree will go to University at Albany and Siena College men’s basketball head coaches Will Brown and Jimmy Patsos. The two coaches will be joined by several players, Stuyvesant Plaza representatives, and local officials to light the holiday tree.
The special appearance comes just days before the crosstown rivals meet in a historic match-up at the SEFCU Arena on the campus of the University at Albany on Sunday, November 27.
“We were thrilled by the response to our inaugural Holiday Lighting Ceremony last year, and look forward to another wonderful evening of festive cheer designed to kick-off the season at Stuyvesant Plaza,” said Stuyvesant Plaza President Ed Swyer. “We are also excited to be joined by our hometown teams to mark the occasion as they prepare for another exciting Capital Region tradition – their annual crosstown game.”
One fan will be awarded the opportunity to light the holiday tree with the coaches and players and also receive four tickets to the University at Albany v. Siena game. Fans can enter to win by leaving a comment on the designated post at the Stuyvesant Plaza Facebook page. One person will be randomly selected as the winner on Friday, November 18 at 10 a.m. Entrants must like Stuyvesant Plaza on Facebook in order to qualify.
The Holiday Lighting Ceremony will also mark the beginning of the annual Window Decorating Contest at Stuyvesant Plaza, which features storefront windows designed in holiday themes.
Plaza patrons are invited to stroll the shopping center to view the windows and vote for their favorite by checking in at the Stuyvesant Plaza Facebook page and posting a photo of their favorite window décor. One voter will be randomly selected to win a $50 gift certificate to a Plaza store of their choice.
Additionally, guests will be invited to spread holiday cheer in the new “JOY in Stuyvesant Plaza” initiative. Plaza patrons can complete the word JOY with their own body by standing next to giant “J” and “O” letter statues at Stuyvesant Plaza. The letter sculptures will be located in two locations: near Cold Stone Creamery and Jean Paul Spa.
Patrons are encouraged to share a photo of themselves or a loved one completing the word JOY on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat using #JOYinStuyvesantPlaza. Beginning November 25 through December 23, one photo each week will be randomly selected to win a prize from Stuyvesant Plaza.
Shoppers at the Holiday Lighting Ceremony will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and pastries from Bountiful Bread throughout the evening until 7 p.m. Refreshments will be located near Cold Stone Creamery.
The Holiday Lighting Ceremony comes in advance of the annual Holiday Open House at Stuyvesant Plaza, which will be held on Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event features exclusive sales and samples; and offers shoppers the opportunity to gather unique gift ideas for the holiday season.
The Holiday Open House also marks the return of horse-drawn carriages to Stuyvesant Plaza. Plaza patrons are welcome to enjoy the complimentary seasonal carriage rides during the open house from 1 to 4 p.m.
Stuyvesant Plaza is conveniently located at the corner of Western Avenue and Fuller Road in Albany. For more information about Stuyvesant Plaza, visit www.stuyvesantplaza.com. For up-to-date information on sales, contests and special events, like the Stuyvesant Plaza Facebook page or follow @StuyvesantPlaza on Twitter.