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Syracuse, N.Y. — It’s finally the holiday season in Central New York, when we can relax with our families, cozy up for cold-weather breaks and take some much-deserved PTO. We’ve curated a list of 25 major festivals or events in the greater Syracuse area in November and December, from musical gatherings to tree lightings and even a big craft beer festival. Do you have a large holiday event to share with hundreds of people expected to attend? Email Katrina Tulloch at ktulloch@syracuse.com. We’ll have a separate round-up of midwinter events next year, publishing in early January. November Lizzie Borden Took An Axe The Covey Theater marks its 15th anniversary with a chilling new production of Lizzie Borden Took an Axe, the most historically accurate play about one of America’s most infamous murder cases. General admission tickets are $30.60. Where: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse When: Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22 Lights on the Lake The 36th season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake features new light displays, new holiday elements and the two-mile drive-through light show set against the backdrop of Onondaga Lake. Over 40,000 vehicles drive through the show each season Monday through Thursday - $10/car. Fri., Sat., Sun. - $20. Buy vehicle passes online in advance on the website. Where: Onondaga Lake Park (behind Griffin Visitor Center) When: Nov. 17- Jan. 12 Haze Craze - CNY Beer Week As part of 2025 CNY Beer Week, Meier’s Creek Inner Harbor will host a celebration dedicated to all things hazy. On Nov. 21 from 5–9:30 p.m., hear live music and sample brews from some of the region’s best, including Underground Beer Lab, Prison City Brewing, Grow Brewing Co., Willow Rock Brewing Company, Good Nature Brewing, and Yakima Chief Hops. This event is free to attend. Where: 720 Van Rensselaer St., Syracuse When: Friday, Nov. 21 The Gingerbread Gallery Step back in time and celebrate the holidays at the Erie Canal Museum’s annual Gingerbread Gallery, where the museum transforms into a charming 1800s canal town lined with festive storefronts and intricate gingerbread creations. Running from Nov. 21 to Jan. 11, the exhibit features dozens of edible works of art crafted by local bakers of all ages. Admission, which includes access to the museum, is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $5 for children ages 3–17, and free for kids 2 and under. Where: 318 Erie Blvd. E, Syracuse When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 11 New York State Craft Brewers Festival The 12th annual New York State Craft Brewers Festival returns to Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse on Saturday, Nov. 22. This celebrated event gathers more than 45 breweries from across New York State, offering guests the chance to sample an impressive variety of unique and award-winning beers. General admission is $71.25. Where: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse When: Saturday, Nov. 22 Salt City Holiday Antiques Show Celebrate more than 30 years of holiday tradition, returning to the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds. The event features around 100 exhibitors in booths, offering antiques, vintage treasures, collectibles and unique holiday gifts for all ages. The show runs Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, and children 16 and under are free. Where: NYS Fairgrounds, Horticulture Building, Syracuse When: Nov. 22-Nov. 23 A Christmas Story The holiday classic “A Christmas Story” comes to life onstage in this heartwarming and hilarious adaptation directed by Robert Hupp. Based on the beloved 1983 film and the stories of Jean Shepherd, the play follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift. Ticket prices start at $35. Where: 820 E Genesee St., Syracuse When: Nov. 25 - Dec. 28. See the full schedule on the website. Baldwinsville Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting The Village of Baldwinsville hosts their annual holiday parade bringing in Santa for the tree lighting. It’s free to attend. The parade starts at 5:30 pm at the intersection of Oswego Street Smokey Hollow Road. Last year nearly 7,000 people packed the parade route with over 165 vehicles participating. Where: Village of Baldwinsville. When: Saturday, Nov. 29 Dickens Christmas 2026 Charles Dickens Christmas-themed activities and performances happen throughout the Village of Skaneateles. More than 50 characters from “A Christmas Carol” dress up and interact with residents and visitors around town every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Organizers said the event brings over 20,000 visitors to the village each year. Free to attend. Where: Village of Skaneateles When: Weekends from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 Merry Mingle Market Celebrate the magic of the season in the heart of downtown at the Merry Mingle Market, a festive winter marketplace transforming the corridor outside the State Tower into a cozy holiday destination. Taking place Friday, November 28 from 4–8 p.m., this event coincides with the Downtown Syracuse Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event is free to attend. Where: 109 S. Warren St., Syracuse When: Friday, Nov. 28 Home for the HolidaysTree Lighting Music kicks off the celebration with the Syracuse tree lighting taking place at 7 p.m. in the city’s center. Children can drop off letters to Santa in the new holiday mailbox (be sure to include a return address to get a response from Santa). Free to attend. Where: Clinton Square, Syracuse When: 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 Ugly Sweater 5K Get into the holiday spirit with the 11th annual Syracuse Ugly Sweater 5K, a festive and friendly competition held at Onondaga Lake Park near the Salt Museum. Participants will receive a custom stocking, Team Santa or Team Grinch, and a finisher medal, with post-race awards and celebration taking place at the Cobblestone in Liverpool. Runners can compete for overall and age-group prizes, as well as awards for the best holiday attire. Tickets are $43 and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool When: Saturday, Nov. 29 Wine and Chocolate Festival Guests can enjoy unlimited samples of dozens of New York wines, from rich reds to crisp whites and everything in between, plus offerings from local distilleries and cideries. With paid admission, guests receive free samples and a souvenir wine glass to take home. The festival will be held in two sessions: 1–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m., with tickets priced at $39.84 for wine lovers (21+) and $24.31 for designated drivers. Where: NYS Fairgrounds, Horticulture Building, Syracuse When: Saturday, Nov. 29 Night Market Experience the holiday spirit at SKY Armory’s Night Market, a one-night-only event celebrating Syracuse’s creative community. Explore three floors of local and regional makers, artists, designers, and retailers while enjoying food, drinks, and live entertainment. The market runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $7.18. Where: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse When: Saturday, Nov. 29 December ‘Wicked’ at the Landmark Theatre The beloved, Tony award-winning musical returns to the Landmark Theatre from Dec. 3-14, perfect to see after the theatrical release of “Wicked: For Good.” Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the show promises the untold story of the witches of Oz. Tickets start at $58.30 and are available online. Where: 362 S Salina St., Syracuse When: Dec. 3-14; See the full schedule online. ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Redhouse Directed by Temar Underwood, “Guys and Dolls” comes to Syracuse’s Redhouse Arts Center this December, kicking off the holidays with the classic “oddball romantic comedy.” Where: 400 S. Salina St, Syracuse. When: December 5 at 7 p.m. to December 21 at 2 p.m. See the full show schedule on redhouse.org. Festival of Trees and Light The Everson Museum of Art becomes a winter wonderland each year filled with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and seasonal décor. See website for times. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St. When: Wednesday through Sunday Dec. 5 through 15. Holiday Nights at Rosamond Gifford Zoo Enjoy a nighttime walk through the Rosamond Gifford Zoo transformed into a festive display of holiday lights. Get cozy with s’mores, hot chocolate, live holiday music and more. Tickets are $8 for guests and free for children 24 months and under, with reservation, and available online. Where: 1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse When: Fridays and Saturdays, from Dec. 5-20 from 5-8 p.m. A Twilight Zone Christmas Revisit Christmas episodes of the iconic show through a live experience at the CNY Playhouse. The two-act performance will feature classic caroling and Christmas music, but still give audiences the horror twist they know and love from “The Twilight Zone.” Tickets are $22 for general admission, $15 for children 12 and under, $17 for seniors and are available online. Where: 116 W. Glen Ave., Syracuse When: Friday to Sunday from Dec. 5 through Dec. 20. See the full schedule online. ‘The Nutcracker’ Experience the whimsical journey led by Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll for Christmas, filled with a classic Tchaikovsky score, beautiful choreography and holiday magic for the whole family. The show will run at the The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $41.20 and are available online. Where: 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse When: Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Holidays at Hendricks Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University will host the ongoing tradition led by the Hendricks Chapel Choir under the artistic direction of José “Peppie” Calvar to play holiday favorites. The student-centered performances will include the Hendricks Chapel Choir, Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra, Syracuse University Singers Concert Choir and Crouse Chorale and the Morton Schiff Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are complimentary and will be available online starting Nov. 12 at 12 p.m. to reserve seats. Visit the website for more information. Where: 121 Crouse Dr., Syracuse When: Dec. 7 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Christmas at Lorenzo Celebration Walk into a storybook-inspired Christmas celebration at the Lorenzo Historical Site. This year, decorations were based on volunteers’ favorite holiday book, movie or cartoon. The event will be complete with refreshments, live music and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides. Where: 17 Rippleton Rd., Cazenovia When: Dec. 11-12, from 7-9 p.m. Christmas Craft & Holiday Market The Horticulture Building will transform into your one-stop shop for holiday gifts. Artists and vendors will be selling personalized items, art, candles, gourmet goods, apparel, wine and spirits and more, all from behind decorated booths. The event runs Dec. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m., Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available online or at the door, and admits you all three days of the show. Where: 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse When: Dec. 12-14 Community Chanukah Party Families and friends will be welcome to join for an afternoon celebrating Jewish culture and traditions at the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. There will be bounce houses, crafts, a photo booth, games and more. Refreshments and favorites like latkes, bagels and sufganiyot will be provided. Where: 5655 Thompson Rd., Syracuse When: Dec. 14 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Christmas Carnival at Abbott Farms Visit Abbott Farms for its annual Christmas Carnival. Highlights include princesses and superheroes, holiday drinks and baked goods for purchase, ornament and cookie decorating and reindeer games. Admission is free, with extra fees per activity per person. Where: 3275 Cold Springs Rd., Baldwinsville
