What's Happening in CNY: Holiday Events and Performances
The holidays are upon us, which means there are plenty of fun and festive performances and events happening around Central New York (CNY). We have put together an entertaining list to help you get into a joyful holiday spirit.
Performances
“A Christmas Carol”—Syracuse Stage
Address: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Now through Dec. 31
Admission: Tickets start at $25
Details: “A Christmas Carol” shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to redemption.
“Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey”—Landmark Theatre
Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $23.20 (price includes fees)
Details: Symphoria, the orchestra of Central New York, presents CirqOvation in “Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey.” Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians and other amazing cirque performers bring Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to life in a way that you’ve never experienced before. Symphoria performs the music for this celebration of community.
“Holidays at Hendricks”—2023 Virtual Premiere
Address: Virtual event
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Details: Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts proudly present “Holidays at Hendricks,” the ongoing CNY tradition anchored by the Hendricks Chapel Choir under the artistic direction of José “Peppie” Calvar.
“Christmas at the Landmark” with the DeSantis Orchestra
Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $49.75 (price includes fees)
Details: “Christmas at the Landmark” embodies the heart of Christmas. This luminous musical variety concert features traditional Christmas classics with contemporary offerings in perfect harmony with the warmth of the 2023 holiday season.
“Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz Tour”
Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $85.86 (price includes fees)
Details: For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing a certain spellbinding magic with her electronic violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. On her new album “Snow Waltz,” the classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author finds herself fully in her element, sharing a selection of holiday classics and original songs that evoke intense emotion through her immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies.
“Horns and Harmonies”
Address: Hendricks Chapel, 121 Crouse Dr., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Ring in the holidays with “Horns and Harmonies”—an annual concert by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus.
Exhibitions
Festival of Trees and Light 2023—Everson Museum
Address: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Now through Dec. 16
Admission: $5-$14
Details: Enjoy decorated holiday displays, performances, festive art-making activities, holiday shopping and much more!
38th Annual Gingerbread Gallery—Erie Canal Museum
Address: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 7
Admission: $4-$10
Details: Each year, the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows for visitors.
Events
North Pole Pajama Parties—MOST
Address: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
When: Dec. 8, 9, 16
Admission: $12-$14
Details: Join the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology) for their famous hot cocoa bar, and explore their North Pole activity stations, from arctic animals to snowflakes and more.
Lights on the Lake
Address: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Now through Friday, Jan. 12, 2024
Admission: Tickets range from $5-$20 per carload and are to be purchased in advance online
Details: Lights on the Lake is a two-milelong drive-through show featuring towering holiday displays, a larger-than-life “Land of Oz,” a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes and a fairy tale magic grand finale! Visitors drive through the show while listening to the wonderful sounds of the season on Sunny 102.1 FM.
Dickens Christmas
Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 25-Dec 23, including Fri, Nov. 24, from noon-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Get into the holiday spirit with roasted chestnuts, theater, caroling, pictures with Father Christmas and more at Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.
