Thanksgiving Weekend in Syracuse, NY

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to spend quality time with family, relatives, and close friends.

It's a great reminder to slow down to embrace the little things. Syracuse is full of events and activities to kick off the holiday season. Check out this list of what to do in Syracuse and Onondaga County throughout Thanksgiving weekend!

Downtown Syracuse - Clinton Square

The Holiday Lovers

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual Christmas tree lighting will be live in Clinton Square once again this year, on its usual day-after-Thanksgiving date, this year falling on November 28th, 2025. Enjoy live music as you wait for the main event. Ice skating at the Clinton Square Ice Rink will be available, weather permitting, after the actual event.

Gingerbread Gallery Opening

The 40th Annual Gingerbread Gallery returns to the Erie Canal Museum for 2025, showcasing the best ornate gingerbread house creations in the Greater Syracuse Area. Tickets are available at the door and not available for pre-purchase. Visitors will also have access to explore the entirety of the Erie Canal Museum, including the full-size canal boat replica and 200 years worth of Erie Canal history. The Gingerbread Gallery will open daily from 10 am – 4 pm beginning November 21st and running through January 11th, 2026. The Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days as well as shortened hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Lights on the Lake

Another classic Syracuse tradition is Lights on the Lake in Liverpool. This holiday drive-thru light display is a favorite for both first-timers and annual visitors. This year's event runs daily from November 17th through January 12th from 5 pm - 10 pm . Tickets are available online only, sold by the day, and must be purchased in advance. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year? Load up the car with your out-of-town folks and head to Lights on the Lake after Thanksgiving dinner. It’s the perfect way to get creative while still feeling stuffed and relaxed.

For the Family

Discover the M.O.S.T

Bring the whole family down for an afternoon at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology. Experience the age of the dinosaurs with Dino Zone, their permanent life-sized dinosaur exhibit, check out the Earth Science Discovery Cave or expend some energy in the Science Playground, a five-level indoor playground. While the Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day it is open the remainder of the weekend. On Saturday, November 29th, learn how to make maps with "Be the Cartographer," which explains how scientists make maps accurate and accessible.

Syracuse Stage | A Christmas Story

Syracuse Stage welcomes the classic play, A Christmas Story to the stage with a show beginning around Thanksgiving this year on November 25th, 2025. The show kicks off that night at 7:30 pm and runs throughout the holiday season. Secure your tickets to the show today.

For the Sports Fan

Syracuse Crunch | Upstate Medical Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial

Thanksgiving Weekend, The Syracuse Crunch will host regional opponents, the Utica Comets November 29th at 7 pm playing in their Hockey Fights Cancer promotional game. Here’s where you can check out the entire Syracuse Crunch season.

For the Foodies

Thanksgiving Dinner

Let someone else do the holiday cooking this year! Discover Thanksgiving dinner in Syracuse and see which restaurants offer dine-in or take-out with all your favorite Turkey Day classics. Make sure to pre-order or make reservations now before it’s too late! Just looking for dessert? Order pies, cookies, and more from bakeries like Sweet Praxis, Sugar Grove, and others!

For the Shoppers

Merry Mingle Market

For the first time this year, the Merry Mingle Market will be happening Friday November 28th in Hanover Square in partnership with the Syracuse Tree Lighting Ceremony. Experience the charm of Downtown Syracuse during the Holidays along with festive fun, as we transform the corridor outside the State Tower into a beloved annual holiday winter market!

Small Business Saturday

From local boutiques to sweet treats, the Greater Syracuse Area has something for everyone on your list this holiday season. Find the perfect gift for your family or friends, or just treat yourself, with our list of some of the top Syracuse spots to shop.

SKY Armory Night Market

Sky's Night Market is back the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 29th from 3 pm - 9 pm. Enjoy drinks, food, and live entertainment while you shop. The market features 70+ Central New York makers, artists, designers, and retailers. Pick up some unique holiday gifts, gourmet foods, home decor, jewelry, and more!