Holiday Festivals in Syracuse, NY
Winter in Central New York provides the perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations, and Syracuse is no stranger to festive cheer.
December is packed with events from live music and light festivals to decorated mansions and gingerbread houses, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. Explore our curated list of holiday festivals in Syracuse and enjoy the season with family and friends.
Ongoing Events
Christmas at Abbott Farms
Weekends December 2025
Abbott Farms
Enjoy different activities for the whole family every weekend through Christmas — the Christmas Bazaar (12/6), Breakfast with Santa (12/13), Christmas Carnival (12/20), and more at Christmas at Abbott Farms. Adults can sample some of the farm-fresh wine and cider while the kids enjoy varying Christmas events throughout the holiday weekend!
Festival of Trees and Lights
December 4 - 13, events/activities vary
Everson Museum
Now in its 40th year, The Everson’s annual Festival of Trees and Lights invites you to stroll among hundreds of beautifully decorated Christmas trees displayed throughout the museum. With live performances and more activities than ever, this beloved Central New York tradition celebrates the season with a wide variety of trees, wreaths, and other seasonal items available for purchase. The Museum Gift Shop also offers plenty of options for your holiday shopping. View the full festival calendar here!
Gingerbread Gallery
November 21, 2025 - January 11, 2026
The Erie Canal Museum
This year celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum. Each holiday season, the museum transforms into a festive 1800s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations displayed in storefront windows. Start the season in style this year, the Erie Canal Museum’s Gingerbread Gallery Grand Opening takes place on Friday, November 29, featuring live music by Merry Mischief from 4 to 6 p.m. Be sure to explore the rest of the museum before or after your visit to the gallery. Afterwards, take the family or friends to one of the many downtown restaurants in the area. Hanover Square offers a lot of options for dining including the Fish Friar, The Evergreen, Maxwell's and more.
Lights on the Lake
November 17, 2025 - January 12, 2026 @ 5 - 10 pm daily
Onondaga Lake Park
Another classic Syracuse tradition is Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, New York. Enjoy the two-mile-stretch of over 600,000 lights and holiday music along historic Onondaga Lake. Admission is $10 per car Monday - Thursday, $20 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include an iconic Land of Oz scene, an Enchanted Garden filled with glowing flowers, a wintery village, and a dancing light show synchronized to holiday music. There's even a twinkling tunnel that surrounds cars with thousands of colorful lights—a favorite spot for photos (tag us!). Vehicle passes must be purchased online in advance, tickets are limited and sold by day.
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles
November 28 - December 21, Saturdays & Sundays, 12 - 4 pm,
(Bonus days: Fri., Nov. 28, 12 - 4 pm / Wed., Dec. 24, 12 - 2:30 pm)
Village of Skaneateles
A charming and popular tradition with more dates added this year, Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles features Charles Dickens and his cast of over 40 characters, interacting with residents and visitors in the streets, shops and restaurants throughout the town of Skaneateles, NY. Don't miss performances at the Gazebo, visits with Old Saint Nick, live music, shopping and horse and wagon rides around the Village. Special days include December 6 at 6 pm for a community Skaneateles Sings day to mingle with the Dickens characters and watch the tree lighting. On December 11 Shop, Sip, and Stroll from 5 - 8 pm to purchase gifts from local businesses and receive a beverage coupon at a local restaurant.
Celebrating the Holidays at the Lorenzo State Historic Site
Dark Aisle Illumination, December 4 - January 2, 4 - 9 pm
Guided Christmas Tours, December 10 - 12, 1 - 4 pm
Lorenzo's Christmas Celebration, December 11 - 14, 1 - 4 pm
Lorenzo State Historic Park & Mansion
Enjoy a traditional tour of the Cazenovia historic state park mansion, complete with holiday decorations, carriage and sleigh displays and other festive decorations. Lorenzo State Historic Site is the 1807 Federal style home of John Lincklaen, Holland Land Company agent and founder of Cazenovia. With support from the "Friends of Lorenzo" group, visitors can tour the grounds and celebrate "The 12 Days of Christmas" at the Lorenzo Mansion with an annual festival featuring festive lighting through their tree-lined garden, live music, refreshments and horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides. $6 per person,12 and under $2. The walk-through outdoor display is free.
Holiday Nights at the Zoo
Fridays & Saturdays, December 5 - 20, 5 - 8 pm
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Enjoy a festive and fun after-hours stroll amid sparkling displays of holiday lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Warm up by the fire pits and enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, live performances of holiday music, ice carving, roving entertainers and animals on evening exhibit. Advance sale member tickets $7, Advance sale general admission tickets $8, children 2 & under are free. View the schedule and get your tickets here.
Additional Holiday Events in December
Community Chanukah Party!
Sunday, December 14, 12:30 - 3 pm
Schayes Family Gymnasium partnering w/ JCC of Dewitt
Families are welcome to join for a fun-filled afternoon — the eyes of the children will brighten as soon as they walk through the doors and see bounce houses, inflatables, crafts, face painting, entertainment, balloon artists, a photo booth and more. Refreshments will be provided, and delicious food will be offered including latkes and everyone’s favorite sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Learn more here.
Holidays at Hendricks
Sunday, December 7, 4:30 & 7:30 pm
Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University
Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University invite you to the ongoing tradition anchored by the Hendricks Chapel Choir under the artistic direction of José “Peppie” Calvar. All events require registration. If the performances are sold out, there is a waitlist you can join.
Ted & Amy's 93Q Christmas Spectacular
Saturday, December 6, 10 am - 2 pm
The Canyon at Destiny USA
Get in the holiday spirit with everyone's favorite local radio personality duo, Ted & Amy! Broadcasting live music from top local bands, this free event features Santa's Workshop where children can receive a free toy (while supplies last), arts and crafts, ornament making, coloring contest, free photo booth and more holiday fun for the whole family!
Holiday Shows at the Theatre
Movies and live theater abound this holiday season! Go all out with the Syracuse City Ballet's presentation of the beloved holiday classic, Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, December 6 - 7, 2025. Experience Syracuse's own world-renowned orchestra as they light up the season at Inspiration Hall with The Snowman, Christmas Candleight Classics and Home for the Holidays.
More Holiday Festivals
Of course there are many more events not listed here. Tis the season to check out your local businesses, libraries, and schools for more breakfasts with Santa, cookie exchanges, theatrical performances, holiday music, and holiday shopping. Plus, if you venture a little bit outside of Syracuse, you’ll find several more holiday festivals to enjoy.
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