Downtown Albany
The seventh Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll returns Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM! Presented by Pioneer, this annual holiday tradition invites you to explore downtown Albany, sample gourmet hot chocolate from local businesses, and vote for your favorite.
Whether you're looking for fun holiday activities in Albany or a festive outing with friends and family, the Hot Chocolate Stroll is a sweet way to experience downtown Albany during the holiday season.
The seventh annual event takes place alongside the final Deck the Hall-bany Holiday Market & Festival of the season. Tickets include a tasting passport and a commemorative Downtown Albany x Upstate of Mind hot chocolate mug designed by CompasLife.
Hot Chocolate Stroll 2026: Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Albany, NY
Check-in: Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave.
Advance tickets: $25
Day-of tickets: $30, if available
What's included: Tasting passport and commemorative mug
Event format: Self-guided hot chocolate tasting at participating businesses
How the Hot Chocolate Stroll Works
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Check in at the registration table located inside the Palace Theatre (19 Clinton Ave) between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to receive your passport map and commemorative mug. Day-of tickets and additional mugs may also be purchased here, while supplies last. Now it's time to start your stroll!
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Show your passport when you arrive at each business to receive your hot chocolate serving. You will receive a stamp or check mark for visiting that business.
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Collect stamps or check marks from each stop to receive chances to win a $50 Downtown Albany Gift Card. 10 stamps earn you 1 entry, checking off 20 or more earns you 3 additional entries!
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Vote! When you are done sampling and strolling, scan the QR code on the map to cast your ballots.
Pre-Registration and Day-Of Tickets to the Hot Chocolate Stroll
Pre-registered tickets are $25, and door tickets will be $30 (if available). Use the link above to purchase tickets before they sell out! *This event is rain or shine, and refunds will not be issued except in the case of emergency cancellation of the event.
With ticket purchase, you'll receive:
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A passport allowing you to try gourmet beverages from participating locations and vote for your favorite hot chocolate! (For an additional cost, various locations may offer grown-up hot chocolate cocktails as well)
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A commemorative Downtown Albany x Upstate of Mind hot chocolate mug celebrating 30 years of the Downtown Albany BID and designed by CompasLife!
⚠️ Ticket Notice: Please do not purchase tickets from third-party sellers. To ensure your tickets are valid and to avoid scams, only purchase through the Downtown Albany BID.
2026 Hot Chocolate Stroll Participating Locations
Check back regularly as we update this page with the latest participating businesses of the Hot Chocolate Stroll!
More Holiday Events in Downtown Albany on December 5
On December 5, visit the final Deck the Hall-bany Holiday Market and Festival of the season and enjoy several additional holiday events happening throughout downtown Albany, including the Window Decorating Contest, Albany County Holiday Market, and Albany's Tree Lighting Ceremony.
At 11:00 AM, join the Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center at 135 S Pearl St for the Jingle & Soul Holiday Party! Enjoy free gourmet beverages from Starbucks, holiday sweets & refreshments, arts & crafts, caroling, live holiday music, and a kids’ coat giveaway, while supplies last. Free pictures will Black Santa starts at 2:00 PM.
Parking for the Hot Chocolate Stroll
Event parking is available in ParkAlbany Garages, just a short walk from the Palace Theatre. On-street parking in downtown Albany is free on weekends. Find more parking options at ParkAlbany.com.
Hot Chocolate Stroll Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Hot Chocolate Stroll in Albany, NY?
The seventh annual Downtown Albany Hot Chocolate Stroll takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
How much are tickets to the Hot Chocolate Stroll?
Advance tickets are $25 per person. Day-of tickets are $30, if available. Advance registration is recommended, as tickets may sell out.
Where do I pick up my Hot Chocolate Stroll passport and mug?
Check-in takes place inside the Palace Theatre at 19 Clinton Avenue in downtown Albany between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Ticket holders will receive their tasting passport and commemorative mug at registration.
What is included with a Hot Chocolate Stroll ticket?
Each ticket includes a tasting passport to sample gourmet hot chocolate at participating locations and a commemorative Downtown Albany hot chocolate mug designed by CompasLife in collaboration with Upstate of Mind.
Are there alcoholic hot chocolate options?
Some participating locations may offer adult hot chocolate cocktails for an additional cost. These beverages are optional and are not included with the ticket price.
Is the Hot Chocolate Stroll family-friendly?
Yes! The Hot Chocolate Stroll is a festive holiday activity for friends and families. The included hot chocolate tastings are a great way to explore downtown Albany together.
Where can I park for the Hot Chocolate Stroll?
Visitors can park in nearby ParkAlbany garages, a short walk from the Palace Theatre. On-street parking in downtown Albany is free on weekends.
Hot Chocolate Stroll Sponsors
The Downtown Albany BID thanks Pioneer for their generous sponsorship of the Hot Chocolate Stroll.
We'd also like to thank our sponsors, Hilton Albany, Community Investments Trust (CIT), and AMBACC.
The Hot Chocolate Stroll would not be possible without additional support from ParkAlbany, and the City of Albany.
To explore sponsorship opportunities for the Hot Chocolate Stroll and other Downtown Albany special events, go to downtownalbany.org/sponsorships.
