It’s the holiday season in Central New York. Next week families, friends and loved ones will come together for the city of Syracuse’s annual tree lighting in downtown Syracuse.
The event will be held the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m. It will be followed by a performance from the Syracuse City Ballet at the City Hall Commons Atrium on East Washington Street. Dancers will perform segments of "The Nutcracker." “This year’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ tree lighting delivers all the hallmark traditions we know the community loves, but also incorporates some exciting new elements to add to this special annual occasion,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “With the support of local businesses and other community partners, we are proud to bring the city together for a family-friendly, affordable evening.”
After the tree lighting ceremony, there will be performance by the Syracuse Learn to Skate figure skating group. The ceremony will be hosted by Maria Maldonado Lewis, constituent services advocate for the city of Syracuse, and Ian Petrella, best known for playing Randy Parker in the classic holiday film “A Christmas Story”.
Trumptight 315, an R&B/soul group from Syracuse, will provide musical entertainment. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will stop by as well.
The Clinton Square Ice Rink will be open for skating before the ceremony from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be reopen for families after the tree lighting until 9:30 p.m. The general admission fee is $3. Kids 12 and under and seniors 55 and older can skate for $2. It will cost you $3 to rent skates.
The fun does not stop there. You can enjoy a free showing of the holiday film "Elf" starring Will Ferrell at the Landmark Theatre on Sunday, December 9. Doors open at 3 p.m. for family activities and a visit with Santa. The movie will begin at 4 p.m.
The fun does not stop there. You can enjoy a free showing of the holiday film "Elf" starring Will Ferrell at the Landmark Theatre on Sunday, December 9. Doors open at 3 p.m. for family activities and a visit with Santa. The movie will begin at 4 p.m.
There is no charge for street parking on Nov. 23. Here are the street closures you can expect:
Closed from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Market Street
Closed from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Clinton Street, from West Genesee to Washington Streets
- Erie Blvd. West, from Clinton to Franklin Streets
- The 200 block of West Water Street, from Clinton to Franklin Streets
Closed from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Clinton Street, from Herald Place to Genesee Street
- Salina Street, from Willow to Washington Streets
- Genesee Street, from Franklin to Salina Streets
- James Street, from Salina to Warren Streets
- The 100 block of East Water Street and East Genesee Street, from Salina to Warren Streets
- Erie Boulevard East, from Salina to Warren Streets