Syracuse, New York becomes a true winter wonderland during the Christmas season. As snow covers the city and nearby lakes, festive lights, holiday music, and timeless traditions fill the air. From the glowing drive-through displays at Lights on the Lake to the charming Victorian scenes of Dickens Christmas in nearby Skaneateles, the region offers one of the most magical holiday experiences in Upstate New York.
Whether you’re planning a family Christmas vacation, a romantic winter escape, or a cozy seasonal getaway, Syracuse delivers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy holiday light shows, ice skating, winter festivals, historic villages, festive shopping, and warm local food—all set against a snowy Central New York backdrop.
This complete Syracuse Christmas travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, including must-see holiday events, a day-by-day itinerary, winter activities, where to stay, what to eat, shopping spots, and essential travel tips for visiting Syracuse during Christmas week and the winter season.
Lights on the Lake – Drive-Thru Holiday Light Festival
A colorful illuminated arch from Lights on the Lake drive-through holiday display.
One of Syracuse’s most beloved traditions is Wegmans Lights on the Lake, a two-mile drive-thru light display at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool (north of Syracuse). Each night (Nov 17–Jan 12, 5–10 PM) cars slowly follow winding roads lined by hundreds of festive displays and over 600,000 LED lights. Highlights include giant themed scenes (Land of Oz, enchanted forests, a dancing light show set to music, and a sparkling tunnel of lights). The official radio station plays holiday tunes as you drive through.
Tickets must be bought online in advance (no gate sales) and are sold by date. General admission is about $10 per car on weekdays, $20 on weekends (certain charity nights are $5). (Special charity drives and pet-friendly nights are held early in the season.) Warm up your car, tune into Sunny 102.1 FM, and enjoy this cozy family outing.
Tip: The route can take 20–45 minutes depending on traffic; consider going early in the season to avoid crowds.
Clinton Square Tree Lighting & Ice Skating
Downtown Syracuse’s Clinton Square hosts the “Home for the Holidays” tree lighting on the day after Thanksgiving (Nov 28, 2025 at 6 PM). Each year a 42-foot Christmas tree is lit amid free performances. After dark you’ll see the snowy square bathed in colorful lights – a favorite photo spot. Right after the ceremony the Clinton Square ice rink opens for the season, so lace up and skate under the lit-up tree (skate rentals available for a small fee). This makes a fun family or romantic outing. (Centro buses and parking garages are nearby for convenience.)
The downtown area – along Armory Square, Little Italy (N. Salina Street), and Hawley-Green – is also prettily decorated. Stroll historic streets for holiday window displays, twinkling storefronts, and seasonal cheer. Each weekend there are occasional live music performances and small holiday markets in Clinton and Hanover Squares.
Festival of Trees & Museum Holiday Events
Experience artsy holiday cheer at the Everson Museum of Art. Every December the Everson’s Festival of Trees & Light fills its galleries with hundreds of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. (2025 dates are Dec 4–13.) Families enjoy live music, craft activities, and a courtyard of trees you can vote on or even purchase. Nearby, the Erie Canal Museum in Armory Square stages a life-sized “Gingerbread Gallery” of 1800s canal-village holiday scenes. These indoor events warm up winter afternoons.
For more old-world charm, consider the Lorenzo State Historic Site (a 19th-century mansion in Cazenovia). It hosts the “Guided Christmas Tours” and an outdoor Dark Aisle Illumination walking tour (lantern-lit, 4–9 PM nightly). Horse-drawn sleigh rides and carriage rides add to the festive atmosphere (usually mid-December, small fee).
Holiday Nights at the Zoo
After-hours Holiday Nights at the Zoo (Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse) turns enclosures into a winter light display. Families roast marshmallows by fire pits, meet Santa, and enjoy animal exhibits and carolers in the evening (Fridays & Saturdays, Dec 5–20). The Rosamond Gifford Zoo (in Burnet Park) offers Holiday Nights: stroll the zoo after dark to see sparkling light installations on animal habitats. There are fire pits with hot chocolate, seasonal performances, ice carving, and sometimes special winter animals on display. Tickets are inexpensive (~$7–8) and sold in advance. This is a kid-friendly highlight that feels very much like a winter wonderland.
Christmas at Abbott Farms
Just outside Syracuse (near Cazenovia), Abbott Farms celebrates the season on weekends. Every December, Abbott Farms hosts events like a Christmas Bazaar, Breakfast with Santa, a Holiday Carnival, and more on select weekends. Visitors can see light displays, take train rides, and enjoy farm-fresh cider or wine while the little ones meet elves and enjoy kids’ activities. These family-friendly farm events usually take place on Saturdays and Sundays (check their calendar for exact dates).
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles
Horse-drawn wagon rides from the Sherwood Inn are a highlight of Skaneateles Dickens Christmas. Visitors dress in Victorian costume, carol at the gazebo, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, and watch “A Christmas Carol” come to life.
A short drive (about 40 minutes south of Syracuse) brings you to Skaneateles Village, which hosts the annual “Dickens Christmas” festival on weekends from late November through Dec 21. In Skaneateles, the village transforms into an 1840s London scene. Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, and their cast of 40+ characters roam the snowy streets, popping into shops and mingling with visitors. Highlights include a “world’s smallest Christmas parade” (annual kickoff parade, Nov 28), caroling at the gazebo, street theater “trunk shows” of holiday tales, and horse-drawn wagon & carriage rides through the village. Kids roast chestnuts, families sing together, and beloved Dickens characters reenact scenes from A Christmas Carol in real time.
Skaneateles shops and restaurants line Genesee and Jordan Streets and stay open late for the festivities. Special nights include a tree lighting and sing-along (Dec 6) and a “Shop, Sip & Stroll” evening (Dec 11) with late shopping and festive drinks around town. It’s free to attend (just pay for any carriage rides or paid performances).
Insider tips: Arrive early in the day to wander cozy boutiques and craft shops (look for carved wood artisans, holiday ornaments, local quilts, etc.). Top dining picks in Skaneateles include Doug’s Fish Fry (casual bites), Rosalie’s Cucina (Italian, reservations suggested), and the historic Sherwood Inn (American tavern and cozy rooms). The Sherwood Inn is not only an anchor of the Dickens festivities, but also a gorgeous 19th-century inn serving excellent meals. Consider staying overnight in Skaneateles at a nearby inn or B&B (e.g. Sherwood Inn or the Mirbeau Inn & Spa) to extend the experience.
Seasonal Performances & Music
For holiday entertainment, check the schedule of local shows. The Syracuse City Ballet typically performs The Nutcracker in early December at The Oncenter Crouse-Hinds Theater. Syracuse’s own Orchestra and local choirs often host seasonal concerts (like Christmas Candlelight Classics or Home for the Holidays concerts) in December.
At Syracuse University, Hendricks Chapel and the Setnor Choir present their annual Candlelight Concert (usually first week of December). Movie theaters and community theaters also screen holiday films or host A Christmas Story-style shows in December. These make a nice romantic or family outing when you want a break from the cold.
Holiday Itinerary Ideas
Here’s a sample 3-4 day Syracuse winter itinerary, which you can adjust to fit your group:
- Day 1 (Thanksgiving weekend) – Arrive and settle in. Enjoy Syracuse’s downtown: see the Tree Lighting in Clinton Square (Friday after Thanksgiving), then skate at the ice rink. Have dinner at a cozy downtown restaurant.
- Day 2 – Morning: Check out the Festival of Trees at the Everson Museum (Dec 4–13). Lunch downtown at a local café. Afternoon: Visit the Erie Canal Museum’s Gingerbread Gallery or browse boutiques in Armory Square. Evening: Drive through Lights on the Lake (5–10 PM), then warm up with hot cocoa.
- Day 3 – Day trip to Skaneateles for Dickens Christmas. Ride the horse-drawn wagon, watch the performances, and shop the quaint village stores. Enjoy dinner at Sherwood Inn or Mirbeau Spa’s restaurant, and if staying overnight, relax in a hot tub or fireside lounge.
- Day 4 – Visit the zoo in late afternoon for Holiday Nights at the Zoo (Fridays & Saturdays, Dec 5–20) or go to Abbott Farms for the Santa Breakfast or Christmas Bazaar on a weekend. Alternatively, catch a Nutcracker ballet or holiday concert in the evening.
Throughout your trip you can also fit in shopping at Destiny USA mall (open daily) or downtown stores, or explore nearby scenic areas if weather permits (ice fishing, cross-country skiing in parks, etc.). Keep plans flexible for winter weather.
Family-Friendly vs. Romantic Highlights
- Family Fun: Lights on the Lake (drive-thru light show), Holiday Nights at the Zoo, Clinton Square tree lighting & skating, Dickens Christmas (kids love the parade and characters), Santa breakfasts and carnivals at Abbott Farms, and Santa’s Workshop at Destiny USA (free gifts for kids). Note: Be sure to bundle up – Syracuse winter evenings can be very cold, so plan indoor breaks (museums, cafes) between outdoor events.
- Romantic Experiences: Cozy dinners for two (book a table at Eleven Waters for Christmas Eve dinner or a wine bar like Lucas Confectionary in Armory Square), a couple’s spa day at Mirbeau Skaneateles, a peaceful winter walk around Onondaga Lake Park (especially if on a clear snowy day), or an evening ballet/concert. Driving together slowly through Lights on the Lake, sipping hot cider, also makes a sweet date night. Holiday cocktails by the fire at the Hotel Skyler or The Sky Armory Square (rooftop) are other romantic options.
Shopping for Gifts
Syracuse has plenty of shopping for holiday gifts. The massive Destiny USA mall (just north of downtown) is New York State’s largest shopping center, with 250+ stores (plus dining and entertainment). During December it often features Santa’s workshops and seasonal pop-ups. For more local flavor, downtown Armory Square and Clinton Square have boutiques, artisan shops, and bookstores.
In Skaneateles, don’t miss the village’s gift shops and Skaneateles Artisans (jewelry and crafts). Many small businesses also participate in Syracuse’s “Shop, Sip & Stroll” events (Dec 11 in Skaneateles and periodic events downtown), offering holiday specials and festive treats.
Dining & Food
Central New York is known for hearty, comforting food. Many local restaurants offer special holiday menus. For example, Eleven Waters (farm-to-table in Clinton Square) serves unique seasonal dishes and is open on Christmas Day. Other favorites include Mr. Noodle and Ms. Dumpling (Asian fusion), Santangelo’s (Italian), and Clay Oven (Indian) – many of which even open on Christmas to serve travelers. For a quick downtown lunch, try Salina Street Pasty Co. (Cornish pasties) or Wegmans for take-out fare. Don’t miss local specialties like chicken riggies or salt potatoes at restaurants such as Pastabilities (Downtown/Armory Square) or local brewpubs.
In Syracuse, casual family spots include Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (midtown smokehouse) and Brown Hound Downtown (American grill and cocktails). For something different, Urban Q (downtown smokehouse) or Hibachi by Syracuse University (Japanese grill). After holiday tours, warm up with coffee and pastries at spots like Empire Brewing (brewpub) or a local café (e.g. the Harvest or The Cameo in Armory Square).
Where to Stay
Syracuse offers lodging from budget motels to upscale hotels. For convenience, staying downtown or near Armory Square puts you close to many restaurants and events. Popular hotels include the Marriott Syracuse Downtown (historic building in Armory Square), Hotel Skyler (a 1920s-era Hilton that’s eco-friendly and unique), and The Parkview Hotel (boutique lodging). The DoubleTree by Hilton (Hancock International Airport) and Holiday Inn & Suites (near I-81) are good if you have an early flight or want suburban rates.
In Liverpool, the Hampton Inn and Comfort Suites serve visitors to Lights on the Lake. If you plan to spend a night in Skaneateles, the Sherwood Inn and Mirbeau Inn & Spa offer cozy rooms (book early for Dickens Christmas weekends). Many hotels run special holiday packages, so check hotel websites or travel sites for winter deals.
Getting Around
Driving is the easiest way to explore Syracuse and nearby villages in winter. Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is about 10 minutes east of downtown and offers car rentals on-site. Major highways (I-81 north-south, I-90 east-west) intersect near the city. In town, Centro operates buses year-round, including routes from the airport to downtown. In cold weather it’s wise to check Centro’s schedules (some routes may run on holiday schedules).
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft) and local taxis work in city limits, but can be limited in very bad weather or late hours. Parking downtown is a mix of metered street spots and public garages; look up any city parking freeze dates (often parking is free on Thanksgiving weekend). For Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, there are village parking lots and street parking – it’s a short walk from most spots.
In winter conditions, be prepared with a winter-ready vehicle (snow tires if you can) and allow extra travel time. On busy nights (like Lights on the Lake or Clinton Square skating), traffic can slow, so come early. Overall, Syracuse is well-plowed and people are accustomed to driving in snow, but always check weather forecasts before venturing out.
Packing & Tips
- Clothing: Syracuse winters are cold (often below freezing) and snowy. Pack warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Layer your clothing (thermals or fleece) for outdoor events. Bring a small emergency kit (blankets, charger) in the car if you’re driving to rural areas.
- Advance Plans: Many events (Lights on the Lake, Dickens Christmas, theatre shows) sell out or require advance tickets, so book early. Restaurant reservations are wise for holiday dining.
- COVID Consideration: (as of 2025) Check event websites for any health guidelines or mask rules, especially for indoor activities like museums or dining.
- Stay Flexible: Winter weather can change plans. Keep an eye on Syracuse local news (e.g. Syracuse.com weather reports) and call venues if there is a storm.
Conclusion
From festive light displays to old-fashioned holiday traditions, Syracuse and its surroundings offer something magical for every visitor this Christmas season. Whether you’re bringing family or enjoying a cozy couple’s getaway, planning a Christmas in Syracuse means enjoying warm community spirit amid snowy scenes. Be sure to experience the Lights on the Lake show and the Skaneateles Dickens festival, and supplement with skating, shopping, music, and local cuisine for a full winter vacation. Enjoy your holiday trip to Syracuse – it’s a holiday season you’ll never forget!
