Campus & Community

What’s Happening in CNY: Thanksgiving Week Guide 2024

Monday, November 18, 2024, By Christine Grabowski
A roasted turkey garnished with herbs and surrounded by fruits and vegetables on a festive table, accompanied by two glasses of red wine.

Photo courtesy of stock.adobe.com

Staying in Central New York for Thanksgiving break? Check out our guide for exciting activities and the best spots to order Thanksgiving take-out if you’d rather skip the cooking.

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.

  • The Brewster Inn (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22)
  • Cathy’s Corner Café (Orders due by Friday, Nov. 22)
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Orders are first come, first serve, once form is completed, someone will contact you to confirm)
  • Inn of the Seasons (take out available on Nov. 28 from 1-4 p.m.)
  • Limp Lizard, Onondaga Blvd location (Orders due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25)
  • Wegmans (Orders due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26)
  • Bella Domani (Orders due 48 hours in advance, Wednesday and Thursday pick-up options available)

Fun Activities for All

If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do to kick off the holidays, this list of activities has something for everyone.

Christmas wreaths with pine cones and red bows hanging on a wooden wall, with more greenery draped along the base.

Photo courtesy of Critz Farms’ Facebook page

Holiday Traditions at Critz Farms
Address: 3232 Rippleton Rd.- State Route 13 South, Cazenovia
When: Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Open for Christmas tree and wreath sales including cut-your-own trees complete with wagon rides and full service baling and tie-down. Don’t forget to stop by the cafe, gift shop and tap room while you are there!

Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting
Address: Clinton Square, 161 Genesee St., Syracuse 
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 6 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.

Stuffed snowman toys wearing festive hats are displayed for sale at a market stall, with prices labeled in front. Decorative items and garlic braids hang in the background.

Photo courtesy of CNY Regional Market’s Facebook page

Shop Local Fest
Address: CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Celebrate local artisans and producers while discovering a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts and unique gifts just in time for the holiday season.

Night view of a colorful illuminated archway with the text 'Land of Oz' at a festive lights display, with motion-blurred vehicle lights passing underneath.

Photo courtesy of Lights on the Lake’s Facebook page

Lights on the Lake
Address: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool
When: Now through Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Admission: Tickets range from $10-$20 per carload and are to be purchased in advance online
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile long drive-thru show featuring hundreds of holiday displays with over 600,000 lights! Sections include a larger-than life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, holiday traditions, a fairy tale magic grand finale and more! Over 40,000 vehicles drive through the show each season, making Lights on the Lake one of Central New York’s favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy your favorite sounds of the season during your visit by tuning in to Sunny 102.1, the official radio station of Lights on the Lake.

Light sculptures of two zebras, one standing and the other grazing, illuminated in a nighttime setting.

Photo courtesy of The Wild Animal Park’s Facebook page

SKY Armory’s Night Market
Location: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 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 under one roof for an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and shopping.

The Downtown Holiday Market
Location: 201 East Washington St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Experience festive music, yummy treats and handmade gifts for all.

Santa Claus holding out a mug, wearing a festive wreath on the head, with a background of dark foliage.

Photo courtesy of skaneateles.com

Winter Wonderland of Lights at The Wild Animal Park
Location: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango
When: Now through Jan. 1, 2025 (dates vary, check the schedule online)
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
Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30-Dec. 24, including Fri, Nov. 29, from noon-4 p.m. and Tuesday, 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.