Plans for 'Home for the Holidays' Tree Lighting Announced

Plans for "Home for the Holidays" Tree Lighting Announced

Published on November 04, 2024

City begins assembly of Clinton Square Christmas tree as countdown to Nov. 29 tree lighting commences

As the assembly of the Clinton Square Christmas tree begins, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced plans today for the in-person "Home for the Holidays" Tree Lighting celebration on Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. in Clinton Square. The 42-foot-tall tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse will remain the focal point of celebrations, continuing the cherished tradition of lighting the tree the day after Thanksgiving.

"Each year this annual event allows us to come together to celebrate our vibrant city during the holiday season," said Mayor Walsh. "The lighting of the tree is a great family and friend tradition that lets us share our unique stories and backgrounds that continue to keep our community shining brightly."

Returning to host will be 95X's Marty and Shannon. The celebration will kick off with Sydney Irving, a local indie/pop rock artist, from 6 to 6:20 p.m., followed by a performance by Trumptight 315 and closing with the lighting of the tree at approximately 7 p.m.

Five area youth will join Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens on stage to help light up the Christmas Tree at the tree lighting celebration. The selected youth will each be winners from the City Parks Department Winter Art Contest. One winner will be selected from each of the following age categories: 4-6; 7-9; 10-12; 13-15 & 16-18.

How to enter:

1. Youth between the ages 4-18 need to create a freehand drawing showcasing this year's theme of "Holidays at Home".
2. Take a picture of your child's drawing and e-mail it to: [email protected] by Friday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.
3. Make sure to include name, age, school, parent name, phone number, and e-mail.

New this year, a holiday mailbox that will be placed on the east side of Clinton Square, next to the tree, for children to drop off letters for the North Pole on the night of the tree lighting. To receive a response from the North Pole, letters dropped off must include a complete return address, child's first name and last initial, 2-3 holiday wishes, their favorite thing about Syracuse during the holiday season, and the parent or guardian's full name.

An accessible viewing area will be available on the east side of Clinton Square, next to the tree, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Traffic and Parking

There is no charge for street parking on Nov. 29, but the following streets will be closed from mid-afternoon to approximately 8 p.m.:

• 200 block of West Water Street, from Clinton Street to Franklin Street
• Clinton Street, from West Genesee Street to Washington Street
• Erie Boulevard West, from Clinton Street to Franklin Street
• Clinton Street, from Herald Place to Genesee Street
• Salina Street, from Willow Street to Washington Street
• Genesee Street, from Franklin Street to Salina Street
• James Street, from Salina Street to Warren Street
• 100 block of Water Street and East Genesee Street, from Salina Street to Warren Street
• Erie Boulevard East, from Salina Street to Warren Street

Related Events and Activities

Clinton Square Ice Skating

The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open for skating on Nov. 29 following the tree lighting celebration with extended hours until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Pre-registration is not required. Patrons can call 315-423-0129 for more information or visit www.syr.gov/clintonsquareicerink for a full list of hours and fees. Be sure not to miss the chance to skate with some special friends this December:

• Skate with Santa on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Skate with Clinton the Penguin on Sundays, Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

John Dunn Ice Skating

The John Dunn Ice Rink, located on the city's south side is open for ice skating on Nov. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Pre-registration is not required. Patrons can call 315-492-0179 for more information or visit www.syr.gov/dunnicerink for a full list of hours and fees.

Sunnycrest Ice Skating
The Sunnycrest Ice Rink, located on the city's east side next to Henninger High School is also open Nov. 29 for ice skating, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Pre-registration is not required. Patrons can call 315-473-4696 for more information or visit www.syr.gov/sunnycresticerink for a full list of hours and fees.

Once again, the Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation will be offering Holiday Hayrides through Burnet Park on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 13, 14, 20 & 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The horse-drawn wagon rides through an illuminated Burnet Park kick off with a visit with Santa, along with cookies and hot cocoa. Pre-registration is required and opens on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. on https://syracuse.recdesk.com for residents and nonresidents.

Throughout the month of December, budget-friendly handcrafted gift workshops will be offered at the Burnet Parks Arts & Crafts facility. Attendees will not only learn valuable skills but also have the chance to create one-of-a-kind gifts for their family and friends. These workshops are perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their holiday gift giving. Pre-registration is required and opens on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. on https://syracuse.recdesk.com for city residents and Friday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. for noncity residents. Classes are:

• Monday, Dec. 2, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Sew Cozy Pajama Pant Workshop
• Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Needle Felted Ornament
• Monday, Dec. 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Handsewn Holiday Ornaments
• Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30 to 8 p.m.: Wet Felting Journal Workshop
• Friday, Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.: Paint & Sip Ornament edition

For more information on the event or related winter programs call the Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation at 315-473-4330 or visit https://syr.gov/treelighting2024.

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