Holiday Activities That Are Unique to Central New York

Central New York is home to so many festive activities for you and your family to enjoy. 

Embrace the winter wonderland and check out these must-dos in Central New York during the Holiday Season.

Take the Polar Express on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad

If you haven’t gotten tickets for this popular Polar Express train, you may have to wait until 2025.

Get dressed up in your comfiest pj’s, and hop aboard this decorated train as it plays music and dancing waiters serve treats. It runs during the holiday season, and the immersive experience brings the classic story about a young boy’s journey to the North Pole to life.

Santa climbs aboard, once the train arrives at the North Pole visits each family, and gives each one a Silver Bell so don’t forget your camera! 

Turning Stone’s Gingerbread Village

This nationally recognized village consists of more than 700 pounds of gingerbread, 2,045 pounds of icing and more than 750 pounds of candy. It measures 75 feet long and houses nine colorful buildings. 

There’s free admission into Turning Stone’s Gingerbread Village which is open daily through New Year’s Day by the Commons shopping boutiques. 

Glimmer Nights at Fenimore Farms

The family-friendly event features larger than ever light displays including a mega chicken, free carousel rides, themed weekends and more. This year they're offering family-friendly ticket prices and kids under six are free.

When you're there stop by Todd's General Store, Bump Tavern, or stop by Crossroads Cafe for a taste of the famous hot chocolate. Then take a stroll through Rainbow Road and walk among the flora of the Flower and Mushroom Garden.

Snowshoe at Utica Zoo

The zoo, open 363 days a year offers snowshoeing when there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. Cost is $4 an hour and you can bring your own shoes or rent a pair from the Zoo.

The snowshoe trail winds through the woods from Zebra View Pavilion, up to North Trek Hiking Trail into the woods before finishing near the African Lion habitat.

From the trails, you'll be able to peep animals like Canada Lynxes, Mexican Wolves, and Arctic Foxes and the rest you'll be able to see from afar to up close if you choose to visit the Zoo before or after your snowshoeing adventure.

Read More: New York is Home to the Most Affordable Ski Resort in the US

Not So Tiny Nutcracker Display

On display from November 30 - January 11, each Nutcracker tells its own story.

The display, started in 1994 is owned by Joanne Gerace a former restaurant owner and contains over 600 nutcrackers.

Late Fridays in December

Hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce on Friday nights in December, these events are for shoppers in Clinton.

Join your favorite Clinton shops after hours for an evening of shopping, deals, giveaways and so much more!

Victorian Yuletide

The annual tradition is returning to Fountain Elms. The galleries will be decorated with paper garlands and you can learn how seasonal ornaments from the past inspire today's beauty, affordability, and desire to be environmentally friendly.