Jingle Mingle.from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Albany Country Club, 300 Wormer Rd., Voorheesville. By the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce.

“…To Serve You in a Free Country” Program presented by the New Scotland Historical Association. Slavery in New York began with Dutch Settlement in the 1600s and continued until 1827. It became vital to New York’s colonial agriculture and commerce. Sam Huntington, Fort Crailo’s Asst. Director, will discuss the history of slavery in colonial New York and the enslaved African’s lives, culture, and traditions. Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 Old New Salem Rd., Voorheesville (New Salem) 12186.  Museum opens at 7:00. Free and open to the public.

Italian Christmas Cooking Class. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor Dolores Scalise will make an Italian Christmas stew and almond paste cookies. $10 for ingredients. Payment and reservation by Dec. 1. American Italian Heritage Association and Museum. 1227 Central Ave. Albany (518)435-1979.

Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Bethlehem Historical Association’s annual Silver Tea and Holiday Open House. The Silver Tea is Sunday, December 3 from 1 to 4 p.m.  Visitors will enjoy tea from our elegant silver service accompanied by treats and delicacies.  

Children’s Christmas Party hosted by Boyd Hilton VFW Post 7062 and the Auxiliary will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 pm – 4 pm. The party is for up to 50 children 12 years and younger accompanied by up to 2 adults. It includes a gift from Santa, lunch and a craft room. Parents must supervise their children in craft room. Reservations are required. Call 518-861-8323 by November 25 to reserve your spot.

Italian Christmas Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. American Italian Heritage Association and Museum. 1227 Central Ave. Albany. (518)435-1979. Free. Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hisham Matar, one of the leading voices during the Arab Spring of 2011, will read from his work at 8 p.m. in the Assembly Hall, Campus Center, on the UAlbany Uptown Campus. Earlier that same day at 4:15 p.m. Matar will hold an informal seminar in the Standish Room, Science Library. Free and open to the public.

Italian genealogy, next steps. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An exploration of research resources, such as Ancestry.com. Bring laptop or tablet device. Donation of $5 requested. Reserve by Nov. 28. American Italian Heritage Association and  Museum. 1227 Central Ave. Albany. (518)435-1979.

Eminent poet, art critic, and curator John Yau, will give a lecture entitled "Above and Below the Radar: Artists Working Today" on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. at the The University Art Museum, Fine Arts Building, on the University at Albany's Uptown Campus.

Holiday Stop and Shop. Small Business Saturday, craft and vendor fair. Altamont Fire Department Community Room. 115 Main Street in Altamont. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.