Good morning, Albany.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

Secret Star Acoustic Jam

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre Albany — Tickets required — Experience an intimate acoustic performance in a historic setting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2-8 p.m. — University at Albany — Enjoy a magical holiday experience with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

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.

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.