Christmas in Central NY: See list of tree lightings, family-friendly events coming soon

The holiday season arrives this week and Central New York has lots of activities to get you in the spirit.
Here’s a list of tree lightings, holiday markets and other family-friendly events to help you celebrate the season.
Note: Did we miss one? Let us know via the form at the end of this article.
Holiday Parade and City Tree Lighting: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, 25 South St. Pre-parade family events at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, followed by the parade at 5 p.m. and tree lighting downtown. Free.
Sounds of the Season: 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15. Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 6877 East Lake Road. The Auburn Chamber Orchestra and Genesee Street Voices present a combined holiday concert with secular and sacred holiday favorites. Free, donations appreciated.
Baldwinsville Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Village of Baldwinsville. Parade bringing in Santa for the tree lighting for the Village of Baldwinsville. Free.
Camden Christmas Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Nov. 30, Camden Village Park, Main Street. This community event will feature festive music, crafts for kids, and the dazzling illumination of the Christmas tree. Free.
Christmas Tree Lighting @ Township 5: 6 p.m., Dec. 13, Township 5, 200 Township Blvd. Tree lighting & visit from Santa. Free.
Christmas Walk: 6 p.m., Dec. 6, Sullivan St. The 47th annual celebration includes live music, Christmas carols, performances, Santa Claus and tree lighting at 7 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy shopping and booths. Free.
Holiday Parade of Lights 2024: 6 p.m., Nov. 30, Downtown Canastota. A day of festivities begins with breakfast with Santa and includes wagon/tractor rides, food, vendors, raffles, music and more. Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 8 p.m. wind up the festivities. Free.
‘Visions of Christmas’ Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, Courthouse Park, 33 Church St. Santa Claus visits Cortland to join in the lighting of the Christmas tree at the fountain. Afterwards, children may meet and be photographed with Santa at the Cortland Fire Station. Free.
Town of DeWitt Tree Lighting: Dec. 5, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 5400 Butternut Drive. Tree lighting, storytelling, cocoa, cookies, visit from the Grinch and Santa. Free.
Fayetteville Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 29, Fayetteville Fire House, 425 E. Genesee St. Music, hot cocoa, wagon rides and tree lighting. Free.
Fulton Tree Lighting Ceremony: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, Fulton Municipal Building, 141 S. 1st St. Event includes a holiday market in the Municipal Building before the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Free.
Holiday Open House: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 8, J.W. Pratt House Museum, 177 S. 1st St. Enjoy holiday cheer with the Friends of History and vote on your favorite in the Parade of Trees. Free.
Christmas in Jordan: Noon, Nov. 30,Veterans Memorial, Canal Park, N. Main St. Events throughout the day beginning with a pancake breakfast at the Jordan FD followed by vendors, scavenger hunt, chili cook-off, wagon rides. It ends with lighting the Village of Jordan Christmas tree at 6 p.m. with musical accompaniment. Free.
Lights on the Lake: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., now through Jan. 13, Onondaga Lake Park. Two-mile drive-through light show set against the backdrop of Onondaga Lake. Monday through Thursday – $10/car. Fri., Sat., Sun. – $20. Vehicle passes must be purchased online in advance on the website.
Liverpool Tree lighting: 6 p.m., Dec. 8, Johnson Park, 400 Tulip St. Ice sculpting, horse drawn carriage rides; Santa arrives on a firetruck and lights the tree in Johnson Park. Cocoa and cookies under the pavilion. Children can visit with Santa and get a goodie bag. Free.
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade of Lights: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 1, Village of Manlius, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Event includes crafts, games, snacks and the annual lighting of the tree. Free.
Oswego County Holiday Farmers’ Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 7, Mexico VFW, 5390 Scenic Ave. Holiday market with free coffee and hot chocolate is part of “Christmas in Mexico”. Free admission.
Minoa Village Tree Lighting and Cookie Passport: 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Nov. 30, Minoa fire Station 1, 238 North Main St. The event includes a concert, magic show, cookies and cocoa with Santa and concludes with a tree lighting. Annual cookie train passes include a holiday treat with passport at participating locations all day. Free.
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 8, North Syracuse Community Center, 700 South Bay Road. Parade starts at 5 p.m. from the Gathering Place down Route 11 and ends at the Community Center. Tree lighting follows with a visit from Santa. Holiday craft fair from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free.
Santa Letter drop off: 1 p.m., Dec. 8, MOVE Real Estate, 5898 East Taft Road. Santa will be present to collect letters written to him. Bring an unwrapped toy and get a gift. Everyone gets hot chocolate and candy canes at this drive through event. Free.
Christmas Around the World: 4 p.m., Dec. 8, Oneida High School Auditorium, 560 Seneca St. Oneida Area Civic Chorale will present a collection of holiday music from around the world. $10 Tickets available on the Chorale website, from members and at the door.
City of Oswego Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Nov. 30, Civic Plaza, 13 West Oneida St. Live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, all capped off with the tree lighting and a fireworks display. Free.
Dickens Christmas 2024: Weekends Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, Village of Skaneateles. Charles Dickens Christmas-themed activities and performances happen throughout the Village of Skaneateles. Free.
“Home for the Holidays” Tree Lighting: 6 p.m., Nov. 29, Clinton Square. Music kicks off the celebration with the tree lighting taking place at 7 p.m. Children can drop off letters to Santa in the new holiday mailbox (be sure to include a return address to get a response from Santa). Free.
Festival of Trees and Light: Wednesday through Sunday Dec. 5 through 15. See website for times. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St. The museum becomes a winter wonderland filled with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and seasonal décor. General admission – $17 (purchase a ticket online to receive a$2 discount), Members – $10, Children under age 12 – $5.
Holiday Mantels at the Mansion: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 through 6; noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 7 and 8; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 through 13. Mansion on James, 930 James St. A display of the mansion’s professionally decorated fireplace mantels. Breakfast with Santa 9 am. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. $15.
Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival: Dec. 7 and 8. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St.. 54th Annual 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The 54th annual multicultural crafts fair includes live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle, and good spirits. Sliding scale.
Tipperary Hill Christmas Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 1, Tipperary Hill Memorial Park, Corner of Milton Ave. and Tompkins St. Annual lighting of the neighborhood tree. Free.