PREVIEW: Capital Region Holiday Wrap-Up: Films and Musicals
Hear ye, hear ye: Metroland Now is calling all elves, reindeer, and candy cane-crazed Capital Region holiday lovers to prepare with us for this year’s festivities! Regardless of what you celebrate this holiday season, the Capital Region is abundant with opportunities to celebrate with your loved ones, as well as share this special season with your neighbors and community members.
Parts of the 518 have already seen snow-covered streets, so it’s looking like we may be gearing up for a white Christmas. If you’re ho-ho-so not interested in finding yourself in Jack Frost’s bitter winter wonderland that we call Upstate NY, fear not: there are plenty of indoor events to suit your festive fancy.
Let’s cover our basics first with some spirited musicals:
Looking for How The Grinch Stole Christmas? Get your Whoville crew over to Proctor’s through December 7 to get your fix, with a sensory friendly performance at 10:30 a.m. on December 6.
Dying to see The Nutcracker? You’re in luck! It’ll be showing at The Palace on December 3, Proctor’s on December 13 and 14, Rocking Horse Ranch on December 6, and December 20 (plus, you can check out their Winter Fun Park, Blue Lights, and get pictures with Santa…score!).
Oh, Fudge! We almost forgot. A Christmas Story: The Musical will be playing at Cohoes Music Hall December 3-21 for any of your Red Ryder BB Gun needs.
For screenings of classic and niche Christmas movies alike, there are plenty across the Capital Region ranging from kid-friendly to golden oldies.
My personal favorite, A Muppet Christmas Carol, will be showing for free at The Palace on December 8 at 7 p.m.
With two back-to-back It Came From Schenectady events, Proctor’s will be showing the Christmas horror flick Black Christmas on December 11 and comedic retelling of Twelfth Night, The McKrells Christmas, on December 12.
Elf will be calling all cotton-headed ninny muggins on December 15 at 7 p.m. for free at The Palace, as well as for $10 at Proctor’s on December 19 at 6 p.m.
It’s A Wonderful Life will be ready for a more emotional crowd on December 19 at 7 p.m., free at The Palace.
Local favorite Spectrum 8 Theatre on Delaware Ave in Albany has their own list of movies that made the nice list this year: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on December 6 and 8, The Shop Around the Corner on December 7 and 10, It’s A Wonderful Life on December 13 and 15, White Christmas on December 14 and 17, and A Christmas Story on December 20, 21, and 22.
Now, if you’re sick of the classics, we won’t blame you — “Dahoo Dores” is only catchy for so long. For you, may we suggest Murder For Two: Holiday Edition at Capital Repertory Theatre through December 28? It’s exactly what it sounds like: a Christmas Eve party gone awry when the host is killed in the opening scene. As you try to figure out just whodunnit, one actor will play officer Marcus Moscowicz, while the other actor plays…all 10 suspects. Yup, it’s going to be as hysterical as it sounds.
If you’d rather a spectacle, then Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on December 9 at The Palace or Cirque Dreams Holidaze on November 30 at Proctor’s will be more your style. With one night only for each performance, though, tickets are selling quicker than roasted chestnuts in Times Square. For an interactive experience, join Carol, Caroler, and Caroline for CarolMania! at Proctor’s on December 22, where you and your fellow carolers will join in on songs, wear ugly sweaters, and maybe even see Santa.
We definitely didn’t catch every event that’s happening over the next month, but we’re grateful for each and every chance to celebrate and connect with others. Be sure to let us know what you’ll be catching this holiday season over on our socials!
