Don’t Miss the Annual Stuyvesant Plaza Holiday Stroll This Year!
GUILDERLAND, N.Y. — The holiday season is here, and with it comes beloved traditions in the Capital Region, including the annual Stuyvesant Plaza Holiday Strolls.
This cherished event kicked off on Sunday, offering families a delightful way to enjoy the festive season.
Leah Homkey, marketing manager for Stuyvesant Plaza, expressed the joy this event brings to the community. “The holiday stroll is an annual tradition at Stuyvesant Plaza, and we are truly honored to make a magical experience for all the families of the Capital Region,” she said.
One of the main attractions of the stroll is the free horse-drawn carriage rides around the shopping area. These rides, available from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., will take place every Sunday leading up to December 22, except for the first weekend in December.
The carriages, drawn by gentle horses like Jazzy, brought smiles to families despite a few bumpy moments along the way.
“It was a little bumpy but really good,” said Kennedy, a Guilderland resident who enjoyed the ride.
Mayfield resident Dominick Oathout even recognized one of the horses by name. “That one’s Jazzy,” he said with a grin.
The holiday fun doesn’t stop at carriage rides. Santa Claus also made an appearance, offering five-minute photo sessions to guests. The proceeds from these sessions go to Girls Inc., a leadership program that helps young girls succeed.
Families took advantage of this opportunity to create lasting memories while contributing to a meaningful cause.
The festivities extended beyond the Sunday strolls. On Saturday night, hundreds of people came together for Stuyvesant Plaza’s annual tree-lighting ceremony.
This lively event featured a DJ, hot cocoa, and, of course, Santa Claus. In the spirit of giving, the plaza presented a $3,000 donation to the Guilderland YMCA during the event.
“We really are lucky to be able to have these experiences and provide these fun memories for families around here,” Homkey said, reflecting on the joy and community spirit the events inspire.
The holiday season brings a sense of togetherness to the Capital Region, a sentiment echoed by attendees. “Everyone loves the holidays. It brightens up the area and makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside,” Homkey added.
Dominick Oathout also appreciated the festive atmosphere, saying, “It’s fun to see everyone get together.”
As the holiday stroll continues through December, families have more opportunities to enjoy the magic of the season at Stuyvesant Plaza.