Thanksgiving Break is a great time to explore downtown Syracuse. There are a bunch of events occurring during the week off from classes. Whether you’re staying on campus for break or just returning early, here are five things to do around town!
Attend a Syracuse Crunch Game
Looking for a sporting event off campus? The Syracuse Crunch Hockey team has two home games against the Providence Bruins during Thanksgiving break. The games will occur on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, both starting at 7 p.m. Crunch games are held downtown at The Oncenter War Memorial. You can purchase tickets online for around $30. Syracuse Crunch games are a great way to get off campus and watch the fun!
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Meal
Prepping a Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming. Instead of cooking for yourself, several local restaurants will be open for dining or takeout on the holiday this year. Head over to The Craftsman for a buffet-style dinner with carving stations and side dishes. Mirbeau Inn and Spa also has a Thanksgiving dine-in option with a fabulous menu including seasonal dishes and desserts.
If you’re more interested in takeout, Dinosaur BBQ has turkey packages that include a pit-smoked turkey, pie and delicious sides. The Brewster Inn will offer hand-selected Thanksgiving dinner packages. Preorder what you’d like and they’ll do the rest! And Mona Lisa’s Ristorante has a dine-in or takeout option with ala carte small plates or a buffet that also includes dessert.
Support Small Business Saturday
Nov. 26 marks Small Business Saturday, a day to encourage people to shop locally. Many deals and specials will be offered at several local businesses in Syracuse. Stop into Mixed Methods for handmade pottery, jewelry, glass, candles and more. Ecodessa just opened up on South Salina Street and offers a variety of women’s clothing, accessories and handbags. Looking for contemporary fashion? Projex214 offers different styles for everyone; coats, shoes, suits and tops are some of the many articles offered!
Lights on the Lake
The holiday season is almost in full swing! Central New York’s annual Lights on the Lake kicks off on Nov. 14 at Onondaga Lake Park. The two-mile-long holiday light drive-thru show offers an array of holiday displays such as the Land of Oz and the twinkling fantasy forest. Vehicle passes must be purchased in advance online.
Lights on the Lake also offers a 5K Run on Sunday, Nov. 20. The run begins at 6 a.m. so participants can view the lights before the sun rises. The race starts at Marina Parking Lot. Each participant will receive a beanie and a foam LED wand. Make sure to register online, the capacity is 750 participants!
Clinton Square Ice Skating
Ice skating is a great holiday activity to do. Whether you’ve never skated before or you’re a competitive skater, Clinton Square is a great place to meet up with friends and skate under the festive lights. A warming room is available for skaters to take a break from the ice and the cold to warm up. The skating season begins Nov. 25 and will stay open through March. Admission is only $5, and skate rentals cost the same!
Thanksgiving Break is a great time to relax, spend time with friends and try something new! If you are staying in Syracuse, try one of these activities and enjoy your break!
Written By Tessa Hodinger G’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This list is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.