Albany Santa exhibit on tap at Thronateeska through Saturday

ALBANY – It’s the time of year when the Thronateeska Heritage Center brings out the Santas for an annual display of the Jolly Old Elf in myriad versions.

The annual Santa exhibit at Thronateeska features hundreds of items including dolls, images, memorabilia and nicknacks from Christmases past and some from Christmases long past.

The display has been a holiday tradition in Albany for decades, starting at Bobs Candies before it was moved to the downtown Thronateeska location.

The items are part of the collection amassed by Albany’s own Santa, Don Fisher, who has been playing the role for four decades. 

After Fisher, a hairstylist, started collecting the various Santas, his clients joined in and started bringing new ones to him every year. 

“I’m thrilled that people will get out and look at it,” Fisher said. 

Fisher said he gets feedback from people from all over who visit the museum to watch the planetarium show and end up walking through the display in the exhibit area. On one occasion, he hosted former President Jimmy Carter and family while dressed up as Old Saint Nick.

The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week.

Viewing is free with the cost of planetarium admission, which is $7 for ages 13 and old and $6 for ages 12 and younger. 

Children 3 and younger are admitted free, and there is no charge for Artesian Alliance members.

“We try to mix it up every year,” Jackie Entz, director of education for the Thronateeska-affiliated Artesian Alliance, said. “It’s the perfect time to spend time with your family to see all the Santas.”