Top Holiday Instagram Spots in Syracuse, NY

Ready to channel your inner holiday influencer? We’ve rounded up the top Syracuse spots where visitors and locals love to snap their most festive shots.

Most of these places double as great holiday outings too, so you can get a cute pic and some seasonal fun. Wherever you roam, tag your photos with #VisitSyr for a chance to be featured, or share them with us directly.

1. Clinton Square

Clinton Square feels straight out of a holiday movie. The towering Christmas tree, glowing Menorah, and scenic ice rink turn the heart of Downtown Syracuse into a picture-perfect winter backdrop. Grab a hot cocoa, take a lap on the ice, and snap a photo while you’re there—it’s a Syracuse classic for a reason.

2. The Everson: Festival of Trees & Light 2024

The Everson's highly anticipated holiday event returns for 10 days (December 4-13) 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

Skaneateles comes to life in the winter with its well-known Dickens Christmas tradition. You can stroll the village alongside characters from the classic stories, catch a moment with Father Christmas, and explore the local shops as the festivities unfold. With the lake just steps away and the village dressed for the season, it is easy to see why Skaneateles is known as the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes.

4. Armory Square

Get some holiday shopping done while taking in the decorated streets of Armory Square. People love this spot for its shops and restaurants, and the scenery adds even more to the experience. While you are there, head over to Salina Street and walk under the glow of the trees.

5. Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes is a state park like no other. The meromictic lakes are beautiful year-round, and they feel even more striking after a fresh snowfall. Take a winter walk, enjoy the scenery, and be sure to grab a photo while you are there.

Pro tip: Wear practical shoes for the trails during the colder months.

6. City Art

Syracuse is a vibrant city and the murals around town show it. Head out on a little art hunt, snap a photo in front of the pieces that stand out to you, and see what you discover along the way. You might even catch a few snowflakes while exploring downtown.

7. Window Wonderland

Explore Downtown Syracuse’s window wonderland and strike a pose in front of your favorite display. More than 30 businesses take part each year, turning their windows into festive scenes for the season. Be sure to vote for the ones you love while you are out and about.

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)