Trying to flex your holiday spirit this season? We've got the low down on the top spots where visitors and locals alike love snapping pics. Most of these spots make for great holiday activities too! No matter where you go, be sure to tag us in your photos with #VisitSyr for a chance to be featured on our socials or share them with us directly!

 

1. Clinton Square

It's a Syracuse tradition to make it out to Clinton Square for the annual tree lighting after Thanksgiving. Ice skating and views of the Christmas Tree or giant Menorah can be enjoyed all winter long with a hot cocoa in hand. Why not take a photo next time you visit?

 

2. The Everson: Festival of Trees & Light 2024

The Everson's highly anticipated holiday event returns for 10 days (December 5-15) with its stunning showcase of Christmas trees & seasonal displays, live performances, artmaking & storytelling activities for kids, and a Holiday Marketplace featuring artist-made wares and local products. Grab your shots of the illuminated trees and don't forget to grab a few more with the kiddos in Santa's Workshop themed photo booth! 

 

3. Skaneateles

The quaint town of Skaneateles comes alive not only in the summer months but the winter too. Stroll and shop throughout the village with your favorite Dickens Christmas characters or snap a photo with Father Christmas. With beautiful views of the lake and amazing storefronts, there's a reason people call Skaneateles the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes.

 

4. Armory Square

Get some holiday shopping done while enjoying the beautifully decorated streets of Downtown Syracuse in Armory Square. We've found that it's not only the stores and restaurants that people love about this popular spot, but the scenery too! Check out the newly lit up Salina Street with trees wrapped in string lights while you’re there.

 

5. Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes is a state park like no other. The gorgeous meromictic lakes can be appreciated during all seasons, but it’s especially gorgeous with a fresh coat of snow! Enjoy this rare nature spot and don't forget to photograph it. Pro Tip: Wear practical shoes when you visit this winter wonderland.

 

6. City Art

Syracuse is a vibrant city, and our city art reflects it! Set out through the city in search of the murals that catch your eye and take a pic in front of your favorite. Maybe you’ll catch some snowflakes while strolling around downtown looking for art. Which mural throughout Syracuse is your favorite?

 

7. Window Wonderland

Check out Downtown Syracuse's window wonderland and strike a pose in front of your favorite display! This year, you can expect more than 30 Downtown businesses to dress up their windows for the holiday season!

 

8. Christmas Tree Farms

Bring the holidays to life and stop by one of the many U-Cut & Fresh-Cut Christmas tree farms. If you're looking to capture the Christmas spirit & spread the cheer on social, what better backdrop than rows of snow-covered Christmas trees, wreaths, and furry farm animals? Venturing out to the countryside just outside of the Syracuse city limits to Page's Christmas Tree Farm, Critz Farms, Springside Farm, Chuck Hafner's, Rocking Horse Farm, Whitetail Tree Farm, and many others. (BONUS: many of these popular farms also offer holiday fun for the kids, wagon & sleigh rides, gift shops, food & more)