What Is Happening in CNY: Thanksgiving Week Guide

Planning to be in the Central New York area for Thanksgiving break? We have the guide for you of fun things that are going on and where to order your Thanksgiving take-out if you don’t want to cook! If you’re staying on or close to campus over the break, we’ve also rounded up helpful information about certain University facilities and services.

Local Takeout Options

Want to skip all the meal preparation? Many local restaurants are offering delicious takeout options for the holiday, but don’t wait, get your orders in ahead of time.

Fun Activities for All

If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do to kick off the holidays, this list of activities has something for everyone.

Black Friday Market

Address: CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse

When: Friday, Nov. 24, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Details: Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting local. Find something for everyone on your list from homemade baked goods to artisan crafted gifts.

Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting

Snow Falling on the Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree in Clinton Square (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Address: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse

When: Friday, Nov. 24, 6-7 p.m.

Admission: Free

Details: The celebration will include the lighting of the 42-foot tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse and performances by local musicians.

Lights on the Lake

Address: 106 Lake Drive, 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-mile-long 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.

SKY Armory’s Night Market

Two individuals shopping with the following text: Night Market 11.25.23 3-9 p.m. SKY Armory
SKY Armory Night Market (Photo courtesy of SKY Armory)

Location: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse

When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 3-9 p.m.

Admission: $5, tickets can be purchased in advance online

Details: SKY Armory makes small business Saturday shopping easy when they bring together 70+ of Central New York’s artisans and makers together under one roof

for an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and shopping.

Winter Wonderland of Lights at The Wild Animal Park

Location: 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango

When: Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Jan. 1, 2024

Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive

Details: Come take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.

Dickens Christmas

People standing in a gazebo in the winter dressed as Dickens characters
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles (Photo courtesy of Life in the Finger Lakes)

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.

“A Christmas Carol”

Location: Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse

When: Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 31

Admission: Tickets range from $30-$65 and can be purchased online

Details: Syracuse Stage in association with the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Drama continues Syracuse Stage’s 50th Anniversary season—and the tradition of heartwarming, family-friendly holiday shows—with “A Christmas Carol,” the classic novel by Charles Dickens, adapted by Richard Hellesen, with music by David de Berry and orchestrations by Gregg Coffin.