Downtown Albany
About
Deck the Hall-bany returns in 2026 with even more holiday fun! Join us for the Capital Region’s only recurring open-air holiday market and festival, co-produced by ParkAlbany and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. The free, family-friendly event takes place every Saturday from November 21 through December 5, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany, New York.
Shop for unique holiday gifts from local independent businesses, artisans, and makers while staying cozy under heated tents. Enjoy live music, festive entertainment, free hot chocolate samples, and plenty of holiday cheer in the heart of New York’s Capital Region.
Saturdays throughout November and December!
Come to one or come to all! With a rotating list of vendors, entertainment, and live music, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Deck The Hall-Bany Holiday Market each week.
- November 21 Market I 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- November 28 Market I 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- *December 5 Market (day of the Hot Chocolate Stroll) I 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
* The December 5 market is held in conjunction with the Downtown Albany BID's Hot Chocolate Stroll. Registered guests will receive a passport allowing them to try gourmet beverages from participating locations and vote for their favorite hot chocolate, and will receive a commemorative Downtown Albany x Upstate of Mind hot chocolate mug designed by CompasLife!
Shop 60 + Local Vendors at Downtown Albany's Outdoor Holiday Market
Discover one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from more than 60 local small businesses, artisans, and makers at Deck the Hall-bany. Shop handcrafted art, jewelry, home goods, seasonal items, and more at two festive outdoor locations: Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany.
Stay cozy while you shop with multiple heating towers at both locations, and grab a bite from local food trucks and baked goods vendors offering everything from savory snacks to sweet holiday treats.
Apply to Become a Vendor!
In 2025, Deck the Hall-bany saw 1,000+ visitors from across the region at each event date, and we anticipate an even greater attendance this year!
Vendor application categories include artists, handmade goods vendors, retail, non-profits, pre-packaged baked goods, coffee/hot chocolate, hot and ready-to-eat food, and food trucks.
Click Here to Apply
Family-Friendly Holiday Entertainment in Downtown Albany
Free Live Entertainment & Pop-Up Performances:
Deck the Hall-bany offers free, family-friendly entertainment throughout the festival. Enjoy live music, circus performers, character meet-and-greets for kids, and festive pop-up performances throughout Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square.
Free Hot Chocolate:
Warm up while you shop with complimentary hot chocolate available to all Deck the Hall-bany guests.
Festive Holiday Décor:
Take in the holiday atmosphere as you shop and stroll beneath sparkling lights and festive holiday installations that transform downtown Albany into a winter wonderland.
December 5 Holiday Events in Downtown Albany
Make a day of holiday fun in Downtown Albany! On December 5, visit the final Deck the Hall-bany Holiday Market of the season and enjoy several additional holiday events happening throughout downtown Albany, including the Hot Chocolate Stroll, Window Decorating Contest, Albany County Holiday Market, and Albany's Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Hot Chocolate Stroll:
The Downtown Albany BID’s annual Hot Chocolate Stroll returns on December 5, featuring dozens of downtown Albany businesses competing to create the best hot chocolate. Guests can stroll from business to business, sampling festive hot chocolate creations along the way. Tickets include an event passport, a signature Hot Chocolate Stroll mug, and plenty of hot chocolate.
Downtown Albany Window Decorating Contest:
Downtown Albany businesses will transform their storefronts and windows with festive holiday decorations as they compete for the title of holiday decorating champion. While exploring downtown Albany during the Hot Chocolate Stroll, cast your vote for your favorite decorated business.
Albany County Holiday Market:
The County of Albany and the Innovation Partnership are partnering to bring an indoor holiday market to MVP Arena. The event will feature dozens of craft vendors, live entertainment, Santa and his elves, special guests, sled dogs, hot cocoa, a miniature train, and a Ferris wheel.
City of Albany Tree Lighting:
Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs will host a tree lighting ceremony in honor of the holiday season at Academy Park, across the street from City Hall, featuring FREE Hot Cocoa, Cider, Coffee, Donuts, Cookies, empanadas, and Holiday Cheer.
More details coming soon!
Sponsorship Opportunities for Deck the Hall-bany
Sponsorship opportunities for 2026’s Deck the Hall-bany are NOW AVAILABLE!
As a Deck the Hall-bany sponsor, you are positioning your brand directly in front of thousands of attendees, both local and regional, during the holidays. Your support helps to provide a platform for local makers and creatives, while generating an impact for the many small, independently owned businesses located in downtown Albany.
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
Deck the Hall-bany Market and Festival is sponsored by the City of Albany, Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero, Capitalize Albany, ParkAlbany, and the Downtown Albany BID.
Deck the Hall-bany Is a Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location
Help spread holiday cheer to children in need! Deck the Hall-bany is partnering with Toys for Tots this holiday season to collect new, unwrapped toys at every holiday market.
Donation bins will be available at both Clinton Market Collective and Quackenbush Square in Downtown Albany. Bring a toy when you visit the market and help make the holidays a little brighter for local children!
