January

Bird's-eye view: A typical winter scene sees Syracuse blanketed in snow. MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

Jan. 6-10

Lights on the Lake. This holiday favorite features a two-mile-long drive-through light show. 5 to 10 p.m. Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. $8 per car. 453-6712.

Jan. 7

Prime Rib Buffet Dinner. Served at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $14.95/adult; $7.95/children ages 5-11; free/5 and under. Reservations recommended. 683-5550.

Jan. 9

Brides World. Tap into your inner Bride-zilla with ongoing fashion shows and visit nearly 100 exhibitors to meet all of your nuptial needs. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pirro Convention Center, 800 S. State St. $4/door; $3/online pre-sale. 435-8000.

Winter Living Celebration. Sample winter recreation at this 32nd annual festival. Indoor and outdoor activities include sleigh rides, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, storytelling and live music. Bring your Christmas tree for recycling. Some events are weather-dependent, and all are free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rogers Environmental Education Center, Route 80, Sherburne. Free. (607) 674-4017.

Jan. 9-10

Folksmarch. Organized, non-competitive walking and wellness program for the whole family. Saturday, 8 to 11 a.m.; Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m. Arrowhead Lodge, Oneida Shores County Park. Ladd Road, off Exit 31, Interstate 81, Brewerton. $3.50/adults; $1/age 15 and younger; free for first-time walkers and YMCA members. 474-6841.

Jan. 14-17

Tioughnioga Winter Carnival. The village of DeRuyter holds its first annual celebration of the season with a community dance on Saturday, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.; live music on Friday, 7:30 p.m.; children’s snowman building contest, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m.; and a chili contest Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Most events are free. DeRuyter is located on Route 13 in Madison County. 852-9861. www.cnywintercarnival.com.

Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25

Trail Tales. A naturalist will lead 3- to 5-year-olds accompanied by an adult on a nature walk and tell them stories. 1 p.m. Free with park admission. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. 638-2519.

Jan. 15

Snow Leopard Soiree. This fund-raising event will feature a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner, music by Dan Elliot and the Monterays and a silent auction. Proceeds to benefit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Black and white attire encouraged. $125 per person, registration required. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. 435-8511, Ext. 132.

Jan. 15-17

Salt City Winter Antique Show. More than 275 dealers offer wares from the 18th to 20th centuries, all spread out over thousands of square feet of floor space. Showgoers can bring an item for evaluation by WorthPoint antique database and West Lake Conservators Ltd., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building, State Fairgrounds. $6/adults; $7/weekend pass; free/under 12. 824-2462.

Jan. 29-31

AMJAM Tattoo Expo. The 24th annual exhibit features live music, an art gallery, vendors, a bar and piercings. Meet internationally known tattoo artists and get inked; you may even win a “Tattoo of the Day” award. Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Holiday Inn Convention Center, 441 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool. $10/day, $25 for three days. (518) 893-2273.

Jan. 22-24

Northeastern Sports Show. Some 200 exhibitors display hunting and fishing supplies, boats, game calls, wildlife art and lots of other items for outdoor enthusiasts. Seminars cover deer hunting, turkey calling, dog training and fishing. Animal features include Brody the Bear, a goose calling contest, and Talons!, a live birds of prey show. Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building, State Fairgrounds. $8/adults; $3/ages 6-12; free/age 5 and younger. 824-3227.

Heart of NY Motorcycle Show. All things biking will be on display at the Pirro Convention Center, 800 S. State St. Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. 426-8741.

Jan. 23-31; Feb. 20-28

Moonlight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Weather permitting, trails will be open until 9 p.m. these nights so skiers and snowshoers can enjoy Beaver Lake’s network of trails by moonlight. Refreshments will be available. Free with park admission. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. 638-2519.

Jan. 29 & Feb. 26

Guided Moonlit Snowshoeing. Rent snowshoes and hit the trails starting at 7 p.m. under a winter moon. Free with park admission. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. 638-2519.

Jan. 30

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike. Leave your flashlight behind and let the moon be your guide. If there is no snow, the group will hike. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Rogers Environmental Education Center, Route 80, Sherburne. Free. (607) 674-4017.

February

Bottom's up: The ever-popular Central New York Brewfest returns to the State Fairgrounds on Feb. 6.

Feb. 4

Prime Rib Buffet Dinner. Served at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $14.95/adults; $7.95/children ages 5-11; free/5 and under. Reservations recommended. 683-5550.

Feb. 5-6

Special Olympics. New York’s winter games will be held in Syracuse, with athletes competing in hockey, skiing, snowboarding, figure and speed skating and the like. Events take place throughout Central New York. Opening ceremonies are Friday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center. Athletic competition begins Saturday, Feb. 6, 8:30 a.m. www.nyso.org.

Feb. 6

Central New York Brewfest. The 14th annual festival features two sessions, the first from 1 to 4 p.m. and the second from 6 to 9 p.m. Live music will entertain and food will be available for purchase. Must be 21 or older. $30 at the door. Horticulture Building at State Fairgrounds. 471-6588 or 488-3835.

Feb. 6, 12-14, 19-20

Valentine’s in the Forest. A buffet dinner and live entertainment will be held in the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest. The dinner features a complimentary Saranac beer and a candlelit dinner. Participants may ride in a horse-drawn sleigh to the Pioneer Museum for a tour and bonfire, or stay in the lodge to enjoy music and dancing. 7 to 11 p.m. Registration required: $80 per couple. Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius. 683-5550.

Feb. 7

Midwinter Blues Run. Outrun those cold-weather blues with the fourth annual 5K run over country roads near Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Run will begin and end at the Visitor Center. 9:45 a.m. Preregistration required: $20. 638-2519.

Chilly Chili. Run this 5K in Cazenovia and then enjoy an after party featuring a chili cookoff at the Cazenovia College Athletic Center. The race is a benefit for the Cazenovia Children’s House. It takes place at 2 p.m. Race-day registration begins at 12:30 at the Cazenovia Middle School cafeteria, 31 Emory Ave., Cazenovia, and you can register Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Fleet Feet, 5800 Bridge St., East Syracuse. Or visit www.chillychili.com to register. $148/in advance; $22/race day. 655-5437.

Feb. 11-14

Auto Expo Syracuse 2010. The 102nd annual show will take place at the Pirro Convention Center. Sponsored by the Syracuse Automobile Dealers Association. Thursday to Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. $7/adults, $5/seniors, $2.50/under 12, free/under 5. Free parking this year. 474-1041.

Feb. 12-14

Chocolate and Wine. Enjoy a self-guided tour around Seneca Lake. Pick up a gift item at your assigned starting winery then start sampling chocolates or foods prepared with chocolate creatively matched with wines. Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $30/person; $18/designated drivers. (877) 536-2717; www.senecalakewine.com.

Feb. 13

Great Eastern Whiteout. Watch vintage snowmobiles race or register your own at this 10th annual event. Registration starts at 8 a.m., racing begins at 11 a.m. and continues until dusk. Fulton War Memorial, 609 W. Broadway, Fulton. $8/adults, reduced rate for children. 252-4097.

Feb. 13-14

Truffles and Tastes. Enjoy the warmth of Keuka Lake’s wineries and the region’s finest wines paired with savory to sweet foods. Receive a different chocolate truffle at each winery and display them all in a gift box you’ll receive at your starting winery. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $25; $18.75/designated drivers. (800) 440-4898; www.keukawinetrail.com.

Mardi Gras. With a special Valentine’s Day twist, bring your sweetheart to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail for wine and food pairings, a wine glass, and Mardi Gras and Valentine’s beads. Costumed guests who visit on Saturday will be eligible to be chosen as King and Queen of Mardi Gras. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $25/advance; $30/at the door; $20/designated drivers. (800) 684-5217; www.cayuagawinetrail.com.

Feb. 16-25

Syracuse Winterfest 2010. Annual seasonal carnival heats up downtown with chili and chowder cook-offs, concerts, parties, human dog-sled races and more. Various times and places in downtown Syracuse. Most events are free. 676-2496; www.syracusewinterfest.com.

Feb. 13-21

Winter Break Activities. Demonstrations, keeper talks and special up-close encounters with some of the animals. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511, Ext. 100.

Feb. 13.

Cupid’s Chase. This 5K run/3K walk begins and ends at Griffin Visitor Center, Onondaga Lake Park, and benefits Community Options, a national organization that helps empower people with disabilities. 11 a.m. $10 walk; $20 run. 431-9859.

Ice Cutting. Cut chunks of lake ice with an old-fashioned ice saw. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. 10 a.m. Free; $2/parking fee. 638-2519.

Feb. 15-19

Winter Wonders Week. Each day brings a different activity suitable for children, including building a snow cave, harvesting ice and snowshoeing. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Free; $2/parking. 638-2519.

Feb. 19

Grapes on Ice. Enjoy a wine tasting with your complimentary wine glass. Raffles and door prizes will be offered as well. 7 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $22. 638-2519.

Feb. 20

Maple Sugaring. What’s a waffle without the syrup? Join staff for a maple sugaring demonstration. Meet in the parking lot to carpool. 10 a.m. to noon. Rogers Environmental Center, Route 80, Sherburne. Free. (607) 674-4017.

Feb. 19-21

Syracuse Golf Show. This show caters to both the beginner and experienced golfer who want to tee-off on the latest products, from equipment to apparel and even travel destinations. Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pirro Convention Center, 800 S. State St. $8. 426-8741.

Feb. 21

Tully Ice Harvest. Bring your kids and your gloves to Green Lake and help the Tully community harvest a winter’s profit. The ice will be used to make delicious strawberry ice cream in June for the Tully Strawberry Fest. Noon to 3 p.m. Green Lake, off Route 80 on Lake Road, Tully. Free. This event depends on weather conditions. 696-4681.

Feb. 26-28

Syracuse Spring Home and Patio Show. There may still be snow on the ground, but that’s no reason not to think spring. Pirro Convention Center, 800 S. State St. Friday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5. 426-8741.

MARCH

March 4

Prime Rib Buffet Dinner. Served at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $14.95/adults; $7.95/children ages 5-11; free/5 and under. Reservations recommended. 683-5550.

March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Pancake Breakfasts. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee or juice. 9 a.m. to noon. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $2-$4, depending on appetite. 638-2519.

March 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

It’s Maple Syrup Time. A visit to the demonstration sugarbush will introduce you to the heritage of sugaring and the production of maple syrup. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Free; $2/parking. 638-2519.

Ongoing Winter Events

Made in the blade: The Clinton Square ice skating rink provides outdoor cold-weather fun. MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

City of Syracuse Ice Skating. Through March 31 at indoor rinks, weather permitting through March 1 at outdoor rink. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs offers skating at these neighborhood locations:

Meachem Rink (West Seneca Turnpike). Open skating: Mondays-Fridays, noon to 3:15 p.m; Fridays-Sundays, 7:15 to 10 p.m. Senior skating:: Fridays, 9 to 11:45 a.m. Admission and free coffee or hot chocolate: $1. Skate rental: $3. Skate & Shoot: Thursday, 9 to 11:45 a.m. Skate rental: $3. 473-4336.

Sunnycrest Rink (Frank Salanger Athletic Complex, Robinson Street, near Henninger High School). Open skating: Mondays and Tuesdays, noon to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, noon to 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 to 10 p.m.; Thursdays, noon to 3 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 1:45 to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 to 10 p.m. Senior skating: Thursdays, 9 to 11:45 a.m. $2/adults; $1/seniors and age 12 and under. Skate rental: $3. 473-4696. Clinton Square Ice Rink Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and school breaks, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays and holidays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $3/adults; $1.50/seniors & age 17 & under. Skate rental: $3. 423-0129.

Reduced Zoo Admission. Every day in January and February, admission is $3/adults, $2/children, students and seniors. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. 435-8511.

Winter at the Zoo Photo Contest. From Jan. 6 to 31, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will give free admission to those who show a camera and coupon printed off the zoo’s Web site. There will be three photo contests for ages 5-12, 13-18 and adults 19 and older. Contest rules are available at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. 435-8511. See related story, page 4.

Cross-Country Ski Lessons. Weekends in January and February (except for Feb. 6). Sat. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. Get a one-hour lesson to pick up the basics of this fun sport. For ages 7 and over. Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius. $20/lesson and equipment rental; $10/lesson; $2/parking. Preregister. 683-5550.

Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Weekends in January and February at 2 p.m. Use snowshoes to track wildlife. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/snowshoe rental; $2/parking. Preregister. 638-2519.

Hayrides and Sleigh Rides. Weekends Jan. 9 to March 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty-minute horse-drawn rides include a warm beverage at the end of the ride. Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius. $5/adults; free/under 5; $2 parking. 683-5550.

Cross-Country Ski Basics. Jan. 9, 20, 27 & 30; Feb. 3 & 10. Saturdays 9 to 11 a.m.; Wednesdays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. First-time skiers can pick up simple skills and new skiers can receive helpful hints from instructors. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $10 per person. You must bring your own skis and preregister. 638-2519.

Try Snowshoeing. Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 p.m.; through Feb. 28. A one-hour introduction to snowshoeing with instructions and a short hike. Call to check on snow conditions and preregister. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/snowshoe rental; $2/parking. 638-2519.

Weekday Snowshoe Jaunt. Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28; Feb. 4 & 11. Weather permitting, enjoy an hour-long hike at Beaver Lake. 1:30 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Preregistration required. $3/snowshoe rental; $2/parking. 638-2519.

Wellness Walking Group. Meets Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Walk a few miles with a group and stick around for coffee afterward. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Free; $2/parking. 638-2519.