Albany

Gobble Up Thanksgiving Dinner

Excited to gobble ’til you wobble? If you don’t want to spend Thanksgiving in the kitchen, plan to feast at one of Albany’s local restaurants instead. Here are some choice restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving specials.

Texas De Brazil

Reserve a table for a Thanksgiving feast at Texas De Brazil! Open from 12 PM to 9 PM on Thanksgiving Day, the restaurant in Crossgates Mall offers up traditional Brazilian cuisine served with classic Texan hospitality. Indulge in slow-roasted meats, roasted vegetables, house-baked cheese bread, garlic mashed potatoes, fried bananas and more. Turn your card to green and the expert carvers at Texas de Brazil will arrive at your table to serve you sizzling beef, lamb, pork, sausage and more. Hours of operation on Thanksgiving Day are 12 PM to 9 PM. Reserve a table online or call 518.900.1426. Dinner is a flat-rate of $54.99

Wellington’s

Feast in style this Thanksgiving at the upscale Wellington’s restaurant located in the Albany Renaissance Hotel. Wellington’s is offering a dine-in family-style Thanksgiving this year from 12 PM to 6 PM. Enjoy a delicious kale salad, carved herb roasted turkey, sage-apple stuffing and more classic Turkey Day staples. For dessert, options include bourbon pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and apple caramel pie. Wellington’s will offer this Thanksgiving menu exclusively from 12 PM to 6 PM on November 28 for $55 per person.

Innovo Kitchen

Pack up the family and head to Innovo Kitchen in Colonie for Thanksgiving! The three-course prix fixe menu includes scrumptious options such as roast pumpkin bisque, pumpkin ravioli, pan seared salmon, roast tom turkey, maple creme brulee or pecan pie. Worried that your little one is a picky eater? In addition to turkey, the eatery is offering pasta with red sauce, hamburgers, or pasta Alfredo for kids.  The restaurant also offers a Thanksgiving at Home option complete with a roast tom turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, apple and pumpkin pie and more Thanksgiving classics. In-house dining is offered from 11:30 AM to 7 PM on Thanksgiving Day, $48 for adults, $28 for children. Space is limited, call ahead at 518-608-1466. The at-home Thanksgiving package feeds 5 to 6 people and is $285.

Get Thrifty with Black Friday Shopping at Secondhand Stores Looking to spend the day perusing the shelves and racks of a local thrift store? Whether you’re shopping on a budget for clothes or collectibles, or you’ve been on the hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage items, you’ll never know what you’ll find at the variety of thrift, consignment, and antique stores throughout Albany County. Shop for stand-out vintage finds and favorite brands for a low-cost at the Vandy Thrift Shoppe! This consignment shop along Broadway offers clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. Plus find a varied selection of home goods. Stop into The Bevy Vintage Collective for unique vintage finds from a variety of East Coast sellers. Opened on Broadway in May 2024, the Bevy features a diverse array of clothing, shoes, housewares and more to incorporate a touch of the past into your closet and home. Find unique treasures, upcycled items, and vintage goods at this little Lark Street spot. Owned and operated by Albany local, Elissa Halloran for the past 20 years, the shop features everything from records, to vintage trinkets and dishware, to handmade jewelry by the owner, and art by local creators! Last, but certainly not least, located along the bustling Remsen Street in Cohoes, thrift shoppers from all over the world stop into the Remsen Street Flea Market each week for their eclectic collection of antiques, collectibles, and more! You’ll never know what you’ll find from antique dishware to ornate jewelry to unique lamps.

More Shopping: Shaker Holiday Market

Pick out some unique, locally crafted gifts and maybe some holiday treasures of your own at Shaker Heritage Society’s annual holiday market!  The market is open throughout the month of November and runs through December 15.

Small Business Saturday

isit Albany the day after Black Friday and support locally owned businesses that make up the fabric of our community. Downtown Albany BID’s, Small Business Saturday in Downtown features special deals and events from local restaurants and retailers.

Entertainment

Visit the Capital Repertory Theatre to see A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan and directed by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill. It is a mash-up of two beloved classic tales. Be part of the fun when Sherlock Holmes meets Ebenezer Scrooge! Reunite with the characters you love from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens, now brought together in this hilarious holiday whodunit filled with intrigue, suspense and a helping of holiday cheer. Various activities are scheduled throughout the season on different calendar dates from Nov. 22 through Dec. 22. Details and tickets are available at https://attherep.org/event/a-sherlock-carol/

Where to Find Hotel Holiday Packages & Deals in Albany County

It’s a gift from Albany County hotels to you this holiday season! If you’re planning a trip to the area this winter, we’ve put together the best of the season’s deals and packages. Whether you’re looking to stay at The Desmond for their popular New Year’s Eve celebration or for some discounts at area hotels, we’ve got you covered.

The Stay and Be Merry Package by Residence Inn by Marriott offers discounts for those staying through Jan. 19, 2025 with a complimentary breakfast. Studio rooms start at $129. Book this promotion by contacting Kayla at (518) 218-7240 x 480 or email kayla.rigney@marriott.com. Make sure to mention the promotion when booking. Wjem upi [;am am evemt pr ,eetomg at the jpte; diromg the month of Dec., attendees will stay cozy with an included coffee and hot cocoa bar.

For the holiday season, select Marriott hotels are offering discounts on their best local packages when you book by March 31, 2025. Whether you’re a local looking for a charming staycation or visiting from out of town, these packages make for a relaxed and convenient stay in Albany County. As a holiday gift, save on the Discover Albany package offered at the Renaissance Albany Hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Albany Airport, and the Courtyard by Marriott – Albany Airport.  This package includes 20% off market sundries and an included late check-out for a stress-free experience.