Photo by Aaron Cass
Planning to be in the Central New York area for Thanksgiving break? We have the guide for you of fun things that are going on and where to order your Thanksgiving take-out if you don’t want to cook! If you’re staying on or close to campus over the break, we’ve also rounded up helpful information about certain University facilities and services.
Local Takeout Options
Want to skip all the meal preparation? Many local restaurants are offering delicious takeout options for the holiday, but don’t wait, get your orders in ahead of time.
If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do to kick off the holidays, this list of activities has something for everyone.
Address: CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 24, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting local. Find something for everyone on your list from homemade baked goods to artisan crafted gifts.
Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting
Christmas Tree in Clinton Square (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)
Address: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 24, 6-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: The celebration will include the lighting of the 42-foot tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse and performances by local musicians.
Address: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool
When: Now through Friday, Jan. 12, 2024
Admission: Tickets range from $5-$20 per carload and are to be purchased in advance online
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile-long drive-through show featuring towering holiday displays, a larger-than life “Land of Oz,” a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes and a fairy tale magic grand finale! Visitors drive through the show while listening to the wonderful sounds of the season on Sunny 102.1 FM.
SKY Armory Night Market (Photo courtesy of SKY Armory)
Location: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 3-9 p.m.
Admission: $5, tickets can be purchased in advance online
Details: SKY Armory makes small business Saturday shopping easy when they bring together 70+ of Central New York’s artisans and makers together under one roof
for an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and shopping.
Winter Wonderland of Lights at The Wild Animal Park
Location: 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango
When: Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Jan. 1, 2024
Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive
Details: Come take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles (Photo courtesy of Life in the Finger Lakes)
Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 25-Dec 23, including Fri, Nov. 24, from noon-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.
Location: Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 31
Admission: Tickets range from $30-$65 and can be purchased online
Details: Syracuse Stage in association with the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Drama continues Syracuse Stage’s 50th Anniversary season—and the tradition of heartwarming, family-friendly holiday shows—with “A Christmas Carol,” the classic novel by Charles Dickens, adapted by Richard Hellesen, with music by David de Berry and orchestrations by Gregg Coffin.
