We’re nearing that part of the semester when the days blend together and it feels like no time is passing, when the end is in sight but still seems so far out of reach. In the midst of the mid-fall slump, I’ve compiled a list of activities to brighten your days just a tad and help you get unstuck.
Glow in the Dark
As the days grow colder and darker, the crave for light and warmth intensifies. If you’re a holiday season fanatic, I’ve got a dazzling proposal for you. Starting on Nov. 18, Central New York’s annual Lights on the Lake tradition officially begins! This sparkling sensation at the Onondaga Lake Park features over 600,000 lights that encapsulate the holiday spirit. The best part? You can enjoy them from the comfort of your own car, where you can sing along with the event’s own official radio station. Most importantly, tickets are exclusively sold online, so make sure to secure your spot now!
Seasonal Art
With winter coming up fast, it’s increasingly crucial to mark the calendar with some indoor activities. I guarantee this to be an entertaining experience for anyone, but especially for those dedicated museum-lovers. Mark your calendars: on Friday, Nov. 22, the Erie Canal Museum launches its annual Gingerbread Gallery! The gallery is up until Jan. 12 and features a number of intricate creations. General admission to the museum is $10 for adults and includes access to this festive exhibit. If you’ve got some time on your hands, you could even enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize (visit the Erie Canal Museum website for more details on entering). However you want to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity to lift up the holiday spirits and put you in the mood for wintertime.
Music to Your Ears
During your time at Syracuse University, you must check out the Landmark Theatre at least once. A historical piece of Syracuse, the theater showcases beautifully designed architecture. In the gloominess of this time of year, getting dressed up and having an elegant night out makes for the perfect medicine. This month, “The Nutcracker” will be playing on Sunday, Nov. 10. The theater is located on South Salina Street, in the hub of fun restaurants, so grab some friends and head downtown! Warning—restaurants book up like crazy on show days, so be sure to make a dinner (or pre-show lunch) reservation weeks in advance.
While I personally prefer the Landmark, a closer and equally as entertaining choice is Syracuse Stage. Bonus points for this theater being within walking distance from campus! The shows also sometimes feature fellow Syracuse University students, making your attendance even more worthwhile. Check out their upcoming shows and book your tickets for a lively night out.
Farewell Football
As we near the end of the semester, football season is sadly coming to an end. November brings the last few Syracuse games of this year. If you haven’t already, make sure to attend at least one game this season. Your absolute last chance is on Nov. 30, which will bring you a matchup of Syracuse Orange vs. the Miami Hurricanes. So, stop by the Syracuse University Campus Store to pick up some merch, buy your tickets and bleed orange alongside the Syracuse University football team!
Not to worry, if you aren’t able to make it to a football game, you have plenty of time to attend a basketball game. The season started Oct. 26 and carries into the spring semester (obviously with the peak being March Madness), creating countless opportunities for you to go and show your Syracuse University spirit.
Good luck to you all in the remainder of the semester, and remember to embrace all of Syracuse’s fall-time festivities.
P.S., Happy Halloween!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.