What's Happening in CNY: 2024 Holiday Events and Performances

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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

Photo courtesy of the Landmark Theatre’s Facebook page

Address: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: Tickets start at $60.90 (price includes fees)
Details: Director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. “THE LION KING” also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

Four people playing horns. — Photo courtesy of Hendricks Chapel

Address: 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse
When: Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 8
Admission: Tickets start at $30.80 (price includes fees)
Details: This timeless holiday tradition brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with stunning choreography, dazzling costumes and a tale that sparks the imagination. From the magical battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen to the shimmering Land of Sweets, this classic ballet promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

A performer in a sparkling blue outfit performs an aerial hoop act, suspended in front of a live orchestra on a dimly lit stage with twinkling lights in the background. — Photo courtesy of The Syracuse Orchestra

Address:400 South Salina St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 22
Admission: $55 (includes fee)
Details: The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household.

musicians perform in Hendricks Chapel during the annual Holiday at Hendricks event amidst a festive lights display — Photo by Julie Herman

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Address: 709 James St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: Children 18 and under are free, $22 for seniors and $24 for adults
Details: Enter a magical wonderland of music featuring jugglers, acrobats, and other amazing performers from CirqOvation in this visually stunning holiday experience.

Graphic for Syracuse Stage production Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella — Photo courtesy of Syracuse Stage

Address: Hendricks Chapel, 121 Crouse Dr., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Ring in the holidays with “Horns and Harmonies”—an annual concert by the �� Brass Ensemble and the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus.

Address: Virtual event
When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Details: Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor School of Music invite you to the ongoing tradition anchored by the Hendricks Chapel Choir under the artistic direction of José “Peppie” Calvar.

Address: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
Admission: Tickets start at $30
Details: Experience the most magical celebration of the season with this wondrous musical that proves dreams do come true…if only we dare to wish.

Exhibitions

Decorated Christmas tree with colorful baubles and lights, with people standing in the background in a lobby setting. — Photo courtesy of Everson Museum of Art

Address: 930 James St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: $17.85 (includes fees)
Details: Tour the mansion and prepare to be dazzled by the stunning holiday mantels. Special events include a breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, and a ladies night event on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

A decorated Christmas tree illuminated with white lights, adorned with red ornaments, and topped with a star. Presents wrapped in sparkling paper sit at the base. The room displays elegant furnishing and festive decor. — Photo courtesy of the Friends of Lorenzo

Address: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: $5-$14
Details: Enjoy decorated holiday displays, performances, festive art-making activities, holiday shopping and much more!

Address: 17 Rippleton Rd., Cazenovia
When: Thursday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 15
Admission: $2-$6
Details: This annual holiday celebration will feature a tour of the decorated mansion, refreshments, live music and horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides.

Address: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
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

Decorative illuminated display featuring a tall cone-shaped structure covered in blue lights, resembling a stylized tree, and two light sculptures of flamingos beside a reflective water body, set against a night background. — Photo courtesy of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Address: 1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Admission: Advance sale tickets are $7 for members and $8 for general admission, day of tickets are $8 for members and $9 for general admission and children under two years of age free
Details: Enjoy a festive and fun after-hours stroll amid sparkling displays of holiday lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Warm up by the fire pits and enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, live performances of holiday music, roving entertainers and animals during this evening exhibit.

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Address: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
When: Dec. 7, 14, 21
Admission: $12-$15
Details: Celebrate the winter season at the MOST. Learn from scientists who research in the Arctic, watch live experiments with liquid nitrogen and discover more about wildlife that live in polar environments.

Vehicles driving through the Wegmans Lights on the Lake display, featuring illuminated archways and colorful light sculptures of festive characters and designs. — Photo courtesy of Lights on the Lake’s Facebook page

Address: 299 Coleridge Ave., Syracuse
When: Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21
Admission: $2, pre-registration is required
Details: Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through an illuminated Burnet Park that concludes with a visit with Santa in a winter wonderland.

Light sculptures of two zebras, one standing and the other grazing, illuminated in a nighttime setting. — Photo courtesy of The Wild’s Facebook

Location: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango
When: Now through Jan. 1, 2025 (dates vary, check the )
Admission: $16.99-$19.99 per person, pay at the door when you arrive
Details: Take a walk through The Wild and see the animals who can tolerate the cold along with beautiful festive lighting displays.

Santa Claus holding out a mug, wearing a festive wreath on the head, with a background of dark foliage. — Photo courtesy of skaneateles.com

Address: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Now through Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Admission: Tickets range from $5-$20 per carload and are to be
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.

Location: Village of Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 24, including Tuesday, 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.

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