Albany County is bringing a new indoor holiday market to MVP Arena this winter. The County of Albany and the Innovation Partnership are teaming up to bring a holiday market inside MVP Arena on December 5, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with roughly 30 local vendors, live entertainment and enough family-friendly attractions to fill an afternoon.
The event listing from downtownalbany.org says: “The County of Albany and the Innovation Partnership are partnering to bring an indoor holiday market to MVP Arena.” According to The Metroland, the market will take place at MVP Arena, located at 51 South Pearl Street, and is expected to draw about 30 local vendors along with live entertainment, amusement rides and interactive attractions. As NEWS10 ABC reports, the Innovation Partnership brings together Albany County and MVP Health Care to support initiatives meant to strengthen the community and contribute to downtown.
Santa, Snow Dogs and a Holiday Train
Families attending can expect plenty to keep kids entertained. The Metroland's report notes families can enjoy visits with Santa and his elves along with other characters, a holiday train, snow dogs, photo opportunities and complimentary hot cocoa. The same preview lists local school choirs, community organizations and outdoor carolers as contributors to the holiday atmosphere, with Christmas music station B95.5 also expected to take part.
This year's market carries extra significance for the Innovation Partnership, which is marking its fifth anniversary. The Metroland's preview states that this year's event will coincide with the five-year anniversary of the Innovation Partnership. County Executive Dan McCoy, per NEWS10 ABC, said the event aims to make the holidays special for all ages and to give back, connect neighbors, and celebrate local partnerships.
Part of a Bigger Downtown Holiday Lineup
The arena market won't stand alone on December 5. The county holiday market is one of several events happening across downtown that day, including the seventh annual Hot Chocolate Stroll, a window decorating contest, and the City of Albany's tree lighting ceremony, according to NEWS10 ABC. Downtown Albany's own event listing echoes that lineup, noting that December 5 will also mark the final Deck the Hall-bany Holiday Market of the season alongside the Hot Chocolate Stroll, Window Decorating Contest, and Albany's Tree Lighting Ceremony.
That separate Deck the Hall-bany market has its own run of dates leading up to the big day. Per ParkAlbany, the festival is co-produced with the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District and takes place every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square, running from November 21 through December 5.
A Call to Shop Local and Give Back
Jevan Dollard said, per NEWS10 ABC, that several festive activations will accompany the holiday market throughout downtown, and invited people to bring family and friends, shop local, and enjoy the holiday events. NEWS10 ABC also reports that attendees can register or donate to Adopt-A-Family as part of the season's festivities.
With the Innovation Partnership's five-year milestone, a new indoor venue in MVP Arena, and a full slate of companion events stretching across downtown, Albany County's holiday season will include several events. The December 5 date gives residents a single Saturday to catch nearly all of it at once, from the vendor stalls inside the arena to the tree-lighting ceremony at Academy Park, across the street from City Hall.
