With home prices usually at their lowest in January and February, winter is the perfect time to find homes for sale in Guilderland, Colonie, Latham & Albany NY. It’s also the perfect season to explore all that the Capital Region has to offer. Yes, our winters are cold, snowy and sometimes long, but rather than hibernate, why not embrace the weather this time of year?
Here are just a few of the winter activities we’re looking forward to, as well as several things to do in the Albany area this winter. So bundle up, get out there and explore!
Capital Holiday Lights There’s still time to see Price Chopper’s Capital Holiday Lights in the Park. Now through January 2, 2018, take a drive through 125 spectacular light displays and scenes in Albany’s Washington Park. Families can also enjoy crafts, refreshments, costumed characters and a visit with Santa through December 23. Entrance fees vary.
Empire Skate Plaza Located near Albany’s State Capitol, the popular Empire State Plaza Ice Rink is open daily December 1 through March 11 from 11am to 8pm (closed daily for maintenance between 3 and 4 pm). Amenities include a full-service snack bar on weekends and a skate lounge with lockers. Skating is free and skate rentals are just $3 for kids age 12 and under and $4 for adults.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing Albany Pine Bush Preserve offers 20 miles of marked multi-use trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. You’ll also find winter hiking trails for all ages and abilities at several nearby wildlife centers and New York State parks. For snowshoe rentals, check out Eastern Mountain Sports, but make sure you call ahead for availability.
Skiing & Snow Tubing For skiing and tubing near Albany, visit Maple Ski Ridge in Schenectady NY. Kids lesson programs and 2018 season passes are still available, as well as winter vacation week programs and camps. They even host birthday tubing parties. Opening weekend is December 15-17 and passes can be purchased online.
Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival Attend the northeast’s premier culinary event January 11-13, 2018. Held at the Hilton Albany, the Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival will feature 70 innovative chefs and restaurants and 250 global wines, spirits and NYS craft beers for sampling, as well as cooking demonstrations and wine tasting seminars. Ticket prices vary.
Interested in Moving to the Albany Area?
If you like winter, Upstate New York is the place to be! And with so many fantastic year-round activities, it’s no wonder the Capital Region is a favorite among families. Take advantage of the winter’s lower home prices and call CM Fox Real Estate at (518) 861-7030. We have several move-in ready homes for sale in the Albany area and more than 50 real estate agents in Guilderland, Latham, Colonie & Albany NY.