Daily
Albany
Monday, December 8th, 2025
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 8th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sunday night, thousands gathered at Empire State Plaza for the holiday tree lighting featuring live music, fireworks, and a visit from Santa Claus—donated by the Christopher family from Ballston Lake—with public ice skating available on the plaza. NewsChannel 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Swifty's Pub closed its three locations on Thursday due to a tax seizure over unpaid sales tax since June 2022, leaving many employees jobless; local restaurant owner Todd Shapiro plans to hire about 50 displaced workers as nearby establishments post job listings and support via a GoFundMe page. WRGB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The New York State Museum has opened a Barbie traveling exhibit this weekend, showcasing vintage dolls, evolving career roles, and cultural shifts from 1959 to today (it runs until March 8). WRGB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Vera Eccarius-Kelly, a long-time Roundtable panelist and Siena professor, died Saturday at her Delmar home after a long battle with cancer (she supported refugee organizations and was respected by colleagues). WAMC
- ➤ On Thursday, Dec. 4, Russell Sage College education students led 250 seventh-graders at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland through activities designed to build resilience and teamwork. Times Union
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Secret Star Acoustic Jam
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre Albany — Tickets required — Experience an intimate acoustic performance in a historic setting.
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Bored Teachers Comedy Tour
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticketed event — An evening of laughter exploring the realities of teaching for educators and non-educators alike.
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Albany Holiday Princess Ball
12-3:30 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel — Ticket required — Celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting afternoon of princess-themed fun and interactive activities for children.
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Elf Movie Screening
7-11 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a classic holiday film with family-friendly fun at this festive movie night.
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Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
8:30 p.m. — The Venue — Tickets available — Experience the magic of 90s hip-hop reimagined with strings under candlelight.
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Greg Bell's Halliday Ball
6-8 p.m. — The Eleven — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of captivating music with The Eastern Highs and their unique sound inspired by the Adirondacks.
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The Nutcracker Ballet
2-8 p.m. — University at Albany — Enjoy a magical holiday experience with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.
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A Minecraft Movie Screening
1-5 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with a free screening of the family-friendly Minecraft movie as part of the holiday series.
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Albany’s New Year’s Eve Latin Dance Party
8 PM - 2 AM — Ritmo Room — $25 Early, $30 At the Door, $35 After 11 PM — Celebrate the New Year with a fun and friendly Salsa and Bachata dance night.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
~ Buddha
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