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ALBANY, NYÌý-ÌýÌýAfter the success of the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Albany Holiday Market and Hot Chocolate Stroll at Union Station, the holiday magic continues in the core of Albany this month with two programs run by the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Albany Business Improvement District (BID): theÌýÓ£ÌÒÊÓƵ Decorating ContestÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýOrnament Scavenger Hunt.

The popular Ornament Scavenger Hunt returns today, Friday, December 13, inviting residents, commuters, and visitors to participate in a district-wide search for a branded ornament they can take home after successfully finding it.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday leading up to December 23, the BID will hide 28 ornaments donned with "ALB" snowflakes and "ALB" Nipper dogsÌýin businesses, parks, and public places for a total of 140 ornaments to find throughout Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ. TheÌýdesigns are part of the ongoingÌýÓ£ÌÒÊÓƵ Albany To The CoreÌýbranding initiative by the BID, meant to symbolize downtown Albany's identity as the core of the Capital Region's economic and social activities.

Residents, commuters, and visitors are encouraged to seek out and take home the ornaments and post their discovery on social media, using the hashtag #AlbToTheCore and tagging @AlbanyBID on Facebook and Twitter/X, and @Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵAlbany on Instagram and TikTok.

"I look forward to the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Ornament Scavenger Hunt every holiday season. It offers a really fun reason to get out around the neighborhood to visit all of my favorite locations and small businesses hoping to spot and grab a Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ ornament to add to my growing collection. With the Decorating contest happening at the same time, the businesses are dressed in their holiday best making the whole neighborhood feel extra festive and joyful," said Amanda Rózsavölgyi, a downtown Albany resident.

The Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Decorating Contest kicked off on December 6, 2024, and runs through January 2, 2025, welcoming residents, commuters, and visitors to experience holiday cheer through beautifully decorated wintry window displays. A dozen downtown businesses are participating this year, embellishing their storefronts with brightly lit lights, colorfully wrapped packages, dazzling ornaments, intricately crafted paper snowflakes, and more.

We invite viewers to vote for their favorite decorations for a chance to win a $50 Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Albany Gift Card redeemable at 35+ locations. The contest winner earns the highly-coveted Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Decorating Contest trophy and bragging rights.Ìý

The goal of this friendly competitionÌýis to encourage the public to experience Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ’s historic architecture while exploring an array of retailers, restaurants, and community organizations. Voting for the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Decorating ContestÌýis open now through Noon on Wednesday, January 2, 2025. Voters can view displays in person and vote for their favoriteÌýonline

Participating Locations:

1. Albany SymphonyÌý| 19 Clinton Ave
2. Ascend Wellness MDÌý| 59 N Pearl St, Suite 2
3. Daniel Mozzes DesignÌý|Ìý61 N Pearl St, Suite 1
4. Dawn's Victory Sports CafeÌý| 10 Sheridan Ave
5. European Tailoring and AlterationÌý| 40 N Pearl St
6. Fort Orange General StoreÌý|Ìý412 Broadway
7. Hilton AlbanyÌý|Ìý40 Lodge St
8. Loch & QuayÌý|Ìý414 Broadway
9. Pearl Street DinerÌý|Ìý40 N Pearl St
10. The Bevy Vintage CollectiveÌý|Ìý412 Broadway
11. The Palace TheatreÌý|19 Clinton Ave
12. ÌýThe Yard Hatchet House and BarÌý|Ìý16 Sheridan Ave (Entrance onÌýChapel St)

Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said:

"Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Albany is continuing its holiday festivities with an Ornament Scavenger Hunt, which attracts residents, commuters, and visitors to our district for a fun, family-friendly event. This year's ornaments, like those from last year, reflect our new brand as the heart of the Capital Region and incorporate playful elements that celebrate our community."

Additionally, Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ's Decorating Contest transforms our district into a winter wonderland and invites participants to explore not only the exteriors but also the interiors of these businesses, many of which are offering fantastic holiday deals and promotions. This year, a dozen small businesses are showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm for the holidays through eye-catching displays, and we are excited to crown a new winner!"

of the different participants in the Decorating Contest.