355. Ugly Sweater Party

It’s the first official day of Winter. Ahh, happy winter, all!

Wait…can you believe that in Syracuse, NY it snows…heavily….in the fall? Weird.

Whoever said Fall was their favorite season, they should rethink their decision!

It’s the weekend before Christmas, so I must ask…have you finished your shopping yet? If you have, congrats…you’re one of the lucky few who will not be at the mall scrambling to get those last minute stocking stuffers…that fake sand stuff at Brookstone is mesmerizing, fyi.

However, if you want to take a break from the mall and shopping, pull out Grandma’s old christmas sweater and make your way down to the Spark contemporary art space and have a good time!

I really feel like there’s nothing more amusing than a group of 20-30-somethings standing around in ugly christmas sweaters like it’s no big deal!

Tip: $5 at the door

348. Chengerian’s Tree Farm

Rumor has it we’re supposed to get bombarded with snow… but, that’s just a rumor.

We’re really narrowing down the days until Christmas, but for me…I haven’t gotten a tree yet…OOPS!!

So, today I’ll be headed to Chengerian’s to pick out a beautiful fir.

I love Chengerian’s…they make it real easy to to pick out a tree.  Wander down the aisles of homegrown local christmas trees, cut one down… you’re good to go!

They’re open daily from Noon-6 on weekdays and 10am-6pm on Saturday & Sunday

Tip: If you don’t own a saw, don’t worry…they’ve got pre-cut trees there as well.

location

 

 

347. Caroling at Baltimore Woods

Guys, it’s really cold…like, really cold.

No one wants to be outside when it’s that cold…but I challenge you to try it!

Every year, Baltimore Woods holds a special caroling party that involves nature, song, and nostalgia.

Baltimore Woods is located near Marcellus and it’s got some pretty amazing nature views. Combine that with caroling, snow and lanterns and it’s a scene straight out of a Dicken’s novel.

It’s tomorrow from 7-8:30pm. Bring some cookies & your singing voice!

Tip: This is free to attend!

location: Baltimore Woods

346. Jingle Mingle

If you’re anything like me, you usually start looking for christmas presents for your friends and family around Halloween but you don’t actually buy anything until the week before the actual holiday.

It’s called procrastination…

Despite this, it’s time to get moving on shopping this year.  Tonight it the perfect time to start, too!

All throughout downtown Syracuse, local shops have paired with local restaurants.  The stores will be open from 4-8pm and while you’re shopping you’ll be able to taste some really great local dishes!

Tip: Here is a list of all the stores and their paired restaurants!

location: Armory Square

343. Holiday Movie Series

Here’s what I love about the Landmark theater.

It’s majestic. There’s something regal about being inside the Landmark. You feel like you’ve been transported back 50 years, and you’re at a fancy theater.

So when I saw that White Christmas was coming back to the Landmark Theater I put it on my calendar. I had gone about 10 years ago (omg, has it been that long?!) with my family and had loved it. There was no one there, we sat upstairs and watched the movie like we were the only ones in the theater.

Well…the Holiday Movie Series this year at the Landmark is showing White Christmas and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

They’re also showing a lot of other remarkable & funny films like It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, A Christmas Story, White Christmas and The Grinch.

I intend on going to see It’s A Wonderful Life (December 11 & 12) and White Christmas (December 22 & 23)

Click here for a complete listing.

Tip: Tickets are $5

Location: Landmark Theater

341. Holiday Happenings

It’s that time of year, and when you’re not frequenting the Dickens Christmas or Lights on the Lake head to Armory Square for the Holiday Happenings.

Throughout the month of December, there will be carolers walking around Armory Square and live performances at some establishments downtown.

This is just to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

December 7th, 12th, 14th and 21st during the afternoons from 1-5pm there will all be outdoor and indoor performances and it’s free to observe!

Tip: Check out the Armory Square website for more details

location: Armory Square

340. Festival of Trees

Here’s something I’ve noticed about Syracuse, and I’ve probably already mentioned this before but I’ve got a way of repeating myself…

With every changing season, the local businesses and groups do everything they can to make Syracuse an interesting and engaging city. During the summer, as you can see from 100 posts ago.. (can you believe it’s been that long!!), there were festivals every weekend!

During the winter, when the sun hibernates and our city turns into what might be the most depressing place on earth, there’s a spark of hope that arises when you see local museums, restaurants, vendors, etc… coming together to make sure that we have things to do!

Something that is one of my favorite things in Syracuse is the art scene…as you may have noticed, I like theater and live music. Museums around here have so much to offer, you just have to know where you’re going and what you’re going to do when you get there.

The Everson has had some really interesting exhibits and events this year. It’s hard to pick my favorite one, but I’m pretty sure it was the Yoga among the artwork…however, the festival of trees always ranks high on my things to do.

The Festival of Trees is exactly that, an array of holiday trees arranged throughout the Everson Museum all donning their own personality of lights and ornaments. There’s live music, artwork, prizes, food, you name it!

The Festival of Trees runs from December 6th to December 15th Tuesday – Friday & Sunday: noon – 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Tip: It’s only $5 to attend!

location: Everson Museum

338. Lights on the Lake

We’re almost done with the year, and it wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Onondaga Lake Park in the winter time!

Lights on the lake is a tradition here in Syracuse.  When it opens, cars are lined down the parkway to get a glimpse at the old and new light displays!

It’s really fun, and if you’re new to Syracuse or you’ve been here for what feels like a million winters, Lights on the Lake is something that everyone goes to at least once.

One of my favorite things to do is to go to Onondaga Lake Parkway during the day and walk through all the funny light displays. They aren’t turned on, which makes it even better. On January 4 from 11-midnight they’ve got a “run through” where you can run on the parkway while they’re all lit up!

It’s open from November 21-Jan 12 from 5-10pm $10 per car

Tip: Cash Only!

337. The Polar Express

Every year around this time, the Polar Express comes to town at the MOST.

Watching the Polar Express on the IMAX is an entirely new experience. It’s loud, it’s exciting and most importantly the tradition is somewhat amazing.

The show runs from Friday November 29th to Jan 5th, so you’ve got some time to hit The MOST.

The shows play Wednesday through Sunday and will also be showing on Monday December 23rd & 30th and Christmas Eve and New Years eve!

Tip:  Saturday December 7th is the Polar Express Pajama Party

Location: The MOST

331. Clinton Square Tree Lighting

Every year, the city of Syracuse comes alive around the Holidays.

I love going downtown and seeing the lights on the trees and the snow and ice skating in Clinton Square.

To kick off the holiday spirit, the tree lighting is this Friday at 6:30pm.

This event brings joy to the people of Syracuse. It’s an exciting time and sharing it with everyone is very exciting!

Tip: Traffic should be pretty crazy Friday, if you’re going to the tree lighting, you might way to leave early in order to guarantee a parking spot/avoid the traffic.

location: Clinton Square