OGS ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2025-26 WINTER AT THE PLAZA SERIES IN ALBANY AND HARLEM

 

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Opens for the Season on December 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday 

NYS Tree Lighting & Fireworks Festival at the Empire State Plaza, Presented by Highmark Blue Shield on December 7 

Harlem Tree Lighting Celebration at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem on December 11 

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced the official schedule for the 2025-26 Winter at the Plaza season, including the opening of the ice rink at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and the annual tree lighting at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building in Harlem. The Winter at the Plaza series of events are presented with support from I LOVE NY and Coca-Cola. 

“Every holiday season, Team OGS transforms the Empire State Plaza into a winter wonderland full of fun events and activities for the whole family. The Office of General Services is honored to host New York State’s annual Winter at the Plaza series, which brings everyone from across the Capital Region and beyond together to enjoy the festivities,” Commissioner Moy said. “We are proud to keep the long-standing tradition of New York State’s Tree Lightings at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem alive. I want to thank all of our generous sponsors who work with us to make this time of year special.”  

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The annual Winter at the Plaza events are a great way to celebrate the season in the Capital Region, and the tree lighting in Harlem is always a popular community event. These are perfect opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy holiday and seasonal cheer this winter.” 

Schedule of Events in Albany and Harlem:  

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Opening Day, Friday, December 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Plaza rink will play a significant role in a series of free events and activities planned for the season, which will kick off with the opening day at the Plaza ice rink on Friday, December 5, weather permitting, with teams from PYX 106 and 99.5 The River onsite from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with music, games, and prizes to celebrate opening day. 

First Learn to Skate Clinic presented by Highmark Blue Shield and hosted by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, Saturday, December 6, 8 to 10 a.m. Learn to Skate clinics will run on the first Saturday of each month from December 2025 to March 2026. Online pre-registration is required at empirestateplaza.ny.gov. 

New York State Holiday Tree Lighting presented by Highmark Blue Shield, Sunday, December 7, noon to 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities the family is sure to love, including an afternoon rock-and-skate featuring Erin Harkes Band, skating demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, performances by Holiday Tubas, caroling with The Rusty Pipes, ice sculpting demonstrations, and photo opportunities with Santa at Cornerstone at the Plaza. Refreshments will also be available for purchase at Cornerstone at the Plaza, and food vendors will be on-site. The official tree lighting and fireworks ceremony, hosted by the News 10 ABC Morning Team, will start at 5:15 p.m. 

New York State Visitor Center and Gift Shop Black Friday sale in-store on November 28 and online until December 1. All items except CDTA and E-ZPass will be 25% off. Take a look at their inventory online at nyscapitolstore.com 

Evening Capitol Tours for the Holidays, starting Friday, December 5, the Office of General Services will offer free Capitol tours at 5:30 p.m.; reservations are recommended but not required. Tours will be offered on Fridays through December 26. During the Friday, December 12 tour, the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop will host a holiday "pop-up" store in the Capitol lobby from 4 to 6 p.m. They will feature a selection of exclusive and limited-edition holiday ornaments and products available for purchase.  

Harlem Holiday Tree Lighting at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, Harlem, N.Y., Thursday, December 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. The event, hosted by the entertaining MC Bob Lee, includes train rides, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and photo opportunities. Enjoy complimentary hot beverages provided by Starbucks, and giveaways (while supplies last).  

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Information 

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, weather permitting. Closed 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. weekdays and 12 to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. on weekends and holiday breaks for maintenance. 

Cost to Skate: Free 

Skate Rentals: $5.00 A photo ID is required to rent skates.  

Amenities: Lockers, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Children’s helmets and ice walkers/trainers for beginning skaters are also available free of charge.  

For Empire State Plaza rink status updates and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, including parking, directions, and ground rules, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759. The public can text ESPICE to 888777 to opt in and receive ice rink closure messages. 

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use at events to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the December 7 Holiday Tree Lighting, the public can text ESP25 to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages.