Experience the Best of Christmas in Central New York

Your Ultimate Guide to Central New York Christmas Events

Festival of Trees and Light

When: Dec. 7–15
Where: Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse
Stroll through a winter wonderland filled with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and seasonal décor. Admission: $17 general, $10 for members, and $5 for children under 12.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival

When: Dec. 7 & 8
Where: Nottingham High School, Syracuse
Shop unique handmade crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and support a raffle and silent auction.

Lights on the Lake

When: Now through Jan. 13
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool
Drive through two miles of enchanting holiday displays like Fantasy Forest and North Pole Station. Admission: $10–$20 per vehicle.

Liverpool Tree Lighting

When: Dec. 8
Where: Johnson Park, Liverpool
Celebrate with ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Santa arriving on a firetruck to light the tree. Cocoa, cookies, and goodie bags await!

Christmas at Lorenzo

When: Dec. 12–15
Where: Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia
Celebrate 50 years of tradition with mansion tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and live music. Admission: $6 adults, $2 children under 12.

Christmas Around the World Concert

When: Dec. 8
Where: Oneida High School Auditorium, Oneida
Enjoy holiday music from around the globe performed by the Oneida Area Civic Chorale. Tickets: $10.

Sounds of the Season Concert

When: Dec. 15
Where: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Auburn
This free concert features holiday classics performed by the Auburn Chamber Orchestra and Genesee Street Voices. Donations appreciated.

The Polar Express Train Ride

When: Now through Dec. 22
Where: Union Station, Utica
All aboard for a magical train ride featuring hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa. Tickets: $39–$68.

Holiday Wonderland Featuring CirqOvation

When: Dec. 12
Where: Downtown Syracuse
This visually stunning performance combines acrobatics, music, and holiday cheer. Tickets: $22 adults, free for kids under 18.

Holiday Nights at the Zoo

When: Dec. 13–21 (select dates)
Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse
Stroll through twinkling light displays and enjoy live music, all while sipping hot chocolate. Tickets start at $8.

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

When: Dec. 8
Where: North Syracuse Community Center, North Syracuse
Celebrate with a parade, a tree lighting, and a craft fair. Santa will be there!

✉️ Santa Letter Drop-Off

When: Dec. 8
Where: MOVE Real Estate, North Syracuse
Santa will personally collect letters. Bring an unwrapped toy for a gift and enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes.

Camden Holiday Stroll and Santa in the Park

When: Dec. 13
Where: Camden Village Park, Camden
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a firetruck for a festive evening of photos, refreshments, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

When: Through Jan. 5
Where: Syracuse Stage, Syracuse
The timeless musical that brings the holiday magic to life. Tickets start at $30.

Christmas Craft & Holiday Market

When: Dec. 13–15
Where: NY State Fairgrounds, Syracuse
Shop thousands of unique holiday items from local and regional vendors. Admission: $7 for adults, free for kids under 12.

Jungle Bells: Drive-Thru Experience

When: Dec. 18
Where: Animal Adventure Park, Harpursville
Drive through a mile-long holiday light display for $20 per vehicle.

Northern Lights Drive-Thru

When: Now through Jan. 1
Where: Evans Mills Raceway Park, Evans Mills
Enjoy a dazzling drive-through holiday light show. Tickets: $20–$75 per vehicle.

❄️ Winter Wonderland of Lights

When: Now through Jan. 1
Where: The Wild Animal Park, Chittenango
Walk through beautiful light displays while visiting cold-tolerant zoo animals. Tickets: $16.99–$19.99.

Clinton Fire Department Musically Automated Light Display

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 22, 6–9 p.m.
Where: 3314 Post St., Clinton, NY
Central NY's first-ever musically automated light show that allows guests to stay as long as they wish. Santa visits on Dec. 8,15, and 22. Admission: $10 per car.

Central New York has countless ways to get in the holiday spirit. Bundle up, grab the hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic of Christmas!

December 2024 New York Lottery Scratch Off Tickets With The Most Number One Jackpots Remaining

Here in New York, the time is now to start searching for some amazing jackpots. There are all sorts of different kinds of Scratch-Off tickets offered by the New York Lottery.

While looking at the latest weekly roundup for grand prizes, we counted many different tickets that have their grand prizes still on the market. The report was last updated on December 1st 2024, as we publish this article.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler