'Twas the night before Christmas

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Hey Capital District, it’s Christmas Eve! Today, we’ve got a shorter-than-usual newsletter with a slimmed down events & music roundup. And we’re skipping the Thursday edition this week so we can spend the holiday with our favorite people. We’ll be back to regular programming next Tuesday, New Year’s Eve.

Time to deck the halls 🎄🎁 

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

We started The 518 to highlight the very best of the Capital District—and to connect you to the people and places that make it unique. This newsletter wouldn’t exist without you—our subscribers. Thank you for your support; we appreciate every one of you. We wish you the most wonderful holiday with your family & friends! ☃️🎄 

❄️ WEATHER WATCH

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🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING

TUESDAY

🎄 There’s still time to visit one of the many holiday light shows around town, including Magic of Lights, Spirits in the Trees in Glens Falls, Schenectady Festival of Trees, and Santa’s Playland at QuickResponse. Double the schedule if you’re planning on going on Christmas Day.

⛸️ The Empire State Plaza Skating Rink is closed on Christmas Day, but open on Christmas Eve—expect crowds! Remember, Saturdays are free skate rental days.

WEDNESDAY

🎄 It’s Christmas Day!

THURSDAY

🕯️ The annual Capital Kwanzaa Celebration at the Empire State Plaza features an African marketplace, live drumming, a candle-lighting ceremony, and special workshops.

FRIDAY

🎅 There are still plenty of tix left to see Chevy Chase live after a special 35th anniversary screening “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at the Palace Theatre.

👩‍🎤 Femininomenon Live Sing-a-Long at Lost & Found Bar & Kitchen in Albany is your chance to belt out your favorite tunes from Chappell Roan, Charlie XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and more, with live performers.

SATURDAY

🎥 The Palace Theatre’s Family Fun Day features a free screening of “Aladdin.” Doors open at noon; show at 1p.

SUNDAY

🍾 Got your New Year’s Eve plans all set? If not, check out our sparkling roundup: Where to Party Like It’s 2025!

🥞 The Sunday after Christmas would be a perfect time to decompress with a lazy, boozy brunch. Hudson Valley magazine recently released a handy list—Where to grab a gourmet brunch in Albany. It’s a pretty Albany-centric list so they’re missing spots like The Nest and these brunch favorites in ‘Toga.

🎸 UPDATE MUSIC LISTINGS!

🎁 THE 518 TIP JAR IS OPEN

If you love what we do, gift us some holiday cheer this Christmas!

And a big thank you to everyone who’s donated already 🙏