Winter Special Events calendar for the greater Syracuse area
Dec. 7-11
Festival of Trees.
Join in this holiday tradition in its 26th year running, featuring more than 100 decorated trees, wreaths and holiday displays, along with musical performances by local schools and musical groups, decorating workshops and refreshments. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. $10/person; $8/advance sale tickets through the Everson Museum of Art’s website, everson.org. 474-6064.
Dec. 7-24Art Mart 2011.
Find the perfect gift from a selection of works of 50 fine artists and crafters, including paintings, pottery, jewelry and stained glass. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Atrium at City Hall Commons, 201 E. Washington St. Free. 243-6359.
Dec. 8Happy Holidays Happy Hours.
Be a part of the holiday cheer with this special Festival of Trees event. Look at the exhibits, sample hors d’oeuvres, visit the cash bar and enjoy musical entertainment. 5 to 8 p.m. Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free with festival admission. 474-6064.
Dec. 9-11Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice!
Get local and hand-crafted jewelry, crafts, soaps, clothes, fine art and more at this show, hosted by JB Enterprises. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 491-1130.
Dec. 9-10, 16-17Festival of Lights.
Celebrate the light of the holiday season with a horse-drawn wagon ride from the warming room at Burnet Park, through the decorated park hillside and to the North Pole-themed clubhouse, where Santa awaits with hot chocolate and candy canes. 6 to 9 p.m. Burnet Park, entrance between the 200 and 300 blocks of Coleridge Avenue. Free. 473-4330.
Dec. 10Dasher and Dancer’s Disco.
Celebrate the holiday season with a night of danc ing amid the Festival of Trees. The event will include a disc jockey and cash bar. 9 p.m. to midnight. Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free with festival admission. 474-6064.
Holiday Pancake Breakfast.
Come for the pancakes, sausage and a beverage, and stay for the holiday bake sale and a meeting with Santa. 9 a.m. to noon. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $2.50-$4.50, depending on appetite. 638-2519.
Last Chance Run and Breakfast.
Start the morning off with an eight-mile or less run, weather condition-dependent, and finish it off with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, hosted by the Syracuse Chargers. 8:30 to 11 a.m. Highland Forest Park, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius. $5/person; $3/ages 11 and under; $10/ family. 449-9615.
The Adventures of Rudolph.
Be part of the 33rd annual presentation of this holiday favorite. This narrated ballet from the Center of Ballet and Dance Arts tells the tale of Rudolph and his friends’ adventures to save Christmas. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St. $10-$19, discounts available when four or more tickets are purchased. 476-7372.
Dec. 10-11, 17-18Breakfast with Santa.
Join the Big Guy for breakfast or lunch, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and enjoy the zoo during the winter holiday season. 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. $12/person, includes zoo admission; free/under 2. Reservations required. 435-8511.
Dec. 10-11, 17-18, 24Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.
Experience a return to the Victorian age with the Dickens festival. Interact with actors on the streets, take a carriage ride, have a free roasted chestnut or two and some eggnog, learn from local artisans about their works at Skaneateles Gallery Under the Stone and watch the Revels Live performance each day at 2 p.m. Noon to 4 p.m. Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets, Skaneateles. Free. 685-0552.
Dec. 18Breakfast with Santa.
Come join jolly old St. Nick and his elves for a breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee in this city Parks Department event. 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m. Pensabene’s Casa Grande, 135 State Fair Blvd. Free; Reservations required. 473- 4330, Ext. 3006.
Holidays with the Animals.
Celebrate the holidays with the zoo animals as they open their gifts. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.
Dec. 27Evening Snowshoe Rental.
Take a self-guided winter walk on the trails. 5-7 p.m. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Free/members; $5/nonmembers. 673-1350.
Dec. 28Snowshoe Ramble.
Feeling lethargic between holidays, or need a novel way to entertain guests? Join naturalist Becky Lynch for a guided snowshoe hike. Lynch will give a beginners’ tutorial, if necessary. 1-3 p.m. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $5/ members, $15/family; $8/nonmembers; $25/family. 673-1350.
Dec. 31First Night CNY.
Join family and friends in celebration of our Central New York community. 5 p.m. to midnight. Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. Free. 471-9597.
Noon Year’s Eve.
Learn all about our animal neighbors from the zoo staff. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.
Prime Rib Dinner.
Enjoy an evening of dinner, music, a sleigh ride and a champagne toast. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Highland Forest Park, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius. $24.95/person. Registration required. 677-3303.
Syracuse Crunch.
Special New Year’s Eve hockey game vs. the Binghamton Senators. 6:05 p.m. Onondaga County War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St. $14-$18/ adults, $14/12 and younger. 435-2121
Jan 4-8
Disney on Ice.
Experience a Disney skating adventure, from the princesses to Neverland to Simba’s pride land, and down the rabbit hole with Alice. Wednesday through Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. Onondaga County War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St. $15-$50/person. 435- 8000.
Jan. 7Run thru Lights on the Lake.
Bundle up in your warmest running attire on this four-mile stretch from the Griffin Visitor Center to Willow Bay and back, lighted by the displays. Runners only. 11 p.m. to midnight. Onondaga Lake Parkway, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. Free. 453-6712.
Jan. 8Snowshoe Race.
Strap on your snowshoes for this 5k race, and then spend the rest of the day learning about winter camping, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. 10 a.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $17/person; $5/snowshoe rental. Register in advance, or the morning of at the Visitor Center. 638-2519.
Jan. 8Bridesworld 2012.
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 at the door; $3 online pre-sale. 435-8000.
Jan. 7Winter Living Celebration.
Sample winter recreation at this festival. Indoor and outdoor activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, old-time wood cutting and live music. Some events are weatherdependent, and all are free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rogers Environmental Education Center, Route 80, Sherburne. Free. 607-674-4733.
Jan. 15Trail 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. 21-22Salt City Winter Antique Show.
More than 275 dealers offer fine antiques, all spread out over thousands of square feet of floor space. Bring an item for a free preservation consultation by West Lake Conservators. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. $7/adults; $8/weekend pass; free/under 12. 824- 2462.
Jan. 27Wine Tasting and Silent Auction.
Sample more than 100 wines from New York state wineries, each owned by Cornell University alumni, at Far Above Cayuga’s Wineries. The event will include a carving station, hors d’oeuvres, a chocolate fountain, dessert table, tea and coffee. The silent auction will feature gift certificates and other items from area hotels, restaurants, wineries and businesses. Proceeds benefit the Cornell Alumni Association of Central New York’s scholarship fund. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. $35/in advance; $45/at the door. 422-4818.
Jan. 27-29AMJAM Tattoo Expo.
The 26th annual exhibit features live music and the return of the Lizardman, performing daily. Meet internationally known tattoo artists, get inked and watch more than 20 tattoo competitions. 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/all three days. (518) 893-2273.
Jan. 28Winterfest in Skaneateles.
A little something for everyone: taste the chowder, chili, chicken wings, coffee, wine and maple syrup, go on an ice sculpture tour, or check out the wood carving demonstration, ice fishing derby, brewfest or trolley rides. And for the truly brave: take a dip in the waters of Skaneateles Lake. Visit skanpolarbear.com to register. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets, Skaneateles. Fees charged for some events. 685-0552.
Jan. 29Collectorsfest Sports Memorabilia Show.
Come see the largest one-day show of its type in New York state, featuring sports and race memorabilia, sports and non-sports cards, autographs, Beanie Babies, comics, Starting Line Up toys and more from vendors hailing from the Northeast and Canada. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Horticulture Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. $4/adults; free/ages 10 and under. 487-7711.
Chilly Chili.
Run this 5K in snowy Cazenovia and then enjoy the now-famous after party featuring a chili cookoff at the Cazenovia College Athletic Center. The race benefits the Cazenovia Children’s House. It takes place at 1 p.m. Register in advance at chillychili.com or on race day at 11:30 a.m. at the Cazenovia Middle School cafeteria, 31 Emory Ave., Cazenovia. $20/advance; $25/race day. 655-5437.
Feb. 4
Central New York Brewfest.
The 16th annual festival features two sessions, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Food will be available for purchase. Must be 21. Price to be announced. Horticulture Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. 471-6588.
Feb. 4, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18Valentine’s in the Forest.
Celebrate the holiday of love with a magical night in the forest. The evening includes a buffet of prime rib of beef, oven roasted chicken and riggies with vodka sauce, horsedrawn sleigh rides, a commemorative photograph, bonfire, live music and dancing. Proceeds benefit the Nordic Ski Patrol. 7 to 11 p.m. Highland Forest Park, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius. $85/couple. Registration required. 683-5550.
Feb. 5Midwinter Blues Run.
Outrun those cold-weather blues with the sixth annual 5K run over country roads near Beaver Lake Nature Center. All proceeds benefit the center. 9:45 a.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwins ville. Run will begin and end at the Visitor Center. $17/preregistration; $20/day of the race. 638-2519.
Feb. 10Harlem Globetrotters.
Basketball meets performance as the hoops wizards come through Syracuse. 7 p.m. Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave. Call for prices. (800) 234-4797.
Feb. 10-12Country Folk Art Craft Show.
Featuring more than 150 of the nation’s best crafters and offering quilts, florals, furniture, fine arts, jewelry, gourmet delights and much more. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Horticulture Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Price to be announced. (248) 634-4158.
Feb. 10, 12Syracuse Opera.
Carmina Burana, Carl Orff’s opera, celebrates life through all four seasons. Opera in Latin and Middle High German, with projected English subtitles. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St. $18-$165. 475-5915.
Feb. 11Cupid’s Chase.
Come give some love to Community Options, a national organization that helps people with disabilities, by running or walking a 5K. Events start and end at the Griffin Visitor Center. 10 a.m. Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. $35. 431-9859, Ext. 14.
Feb. 11-12Super Swap 2012.
This is the largest motorcycle showcase and swap in the Northeast, featuring new and used motorcycles, as well as parts and bikes. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Price to be announced. 472-7931.
Feb. 12Sweet Treats.
Animals need lovin’ too. Come watch the zoo residents get special treats in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. Free with zoo admission. 435-8511.
Feb. 15-19Central New York Boat Show.
This boat show and sale will feature more than 500 all-new models of power and sail boats. Wednesday through Friday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building, Horticulture Building and Exhibit Center, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Prices to be announced. 585-526-5460.
Feb. 15-26Syracuse Winterfest.
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. juice. 9 a.m. to noon. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville. $2.50-$4.50/person, depending on appetite. 638-2519.
March
March 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31; April 1
It’s Maple Syrup Time.
Spring is on tap, and so are the maple trees. Celebrate with syrup. Learn all about the legacy and production of maple syrup in the demonstration sugarbush. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/parking. 638-2519.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31Pancake Breakfast.
Come enjoy a repast of pancakes, sausage, coffee and
March 10Monster Truck Jam.
Bring your family to this event, filled with excitement and your favorite monster trucks. 7 p.m. Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave. $34-$85. (888) 366-3849.
March 10-11Motorsports Expo.
Come out to the 26th annual show, featuring more than 200 race cars, as well as apparel, collectables, crafts and more. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Center of Progress Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Price to be announced. 457-0175.
Greater Syracuse Antique Expo.
This year’s event features 200 exhibitor booths. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Horticulture Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. $7/adults; $8/weekend pass; free/children under 12. 686-5789.
March 13Snowmobile Sneak Peek.
Get a look at the 2013 snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo. 4 to 9 p.m. Horticul ture Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Free. (800) 746-8963.
March 15-18Home and Garden Show.
Visit the largest show of its kind in the Northeast to get advice on home building or remodeling. Thursday, 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 2 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Horticulture Building, State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. $8/adults; $7/seniors; $12/weekend pass; free/ages 16 and under. 463-6261.
March 17St. Patrick’s Parade.
Be part of this Syracuse tradition in its 30th year, with all its bands, floats, bagpipers, dancers and more. Noon to 3 p.m. Clinton Square. Free. 422-8284.
Ongoing Winter Events
Gingerbread Gallery. Come see the best looking and smelling gallery in the area, boasting more than 40 gingerbread creations from local professional and amateur bakers. Open during museum hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E. $5/adults; $2/children; $4/seniors; free/members. 471-0593.
DinoMania. Spend a day back in time with dinosaurs. Interact with the models, dig for fossils and watch T-Rex: Back from the Cretaceous at the Bristol IMAX Omnitheater. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St. Free with museum admission. IMAX: $7.50-$11.50. 425-9068.
Lights on the Lake. This holiday favorite features holiday displays along its 2-mile route. 5 to 10 p.m. Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. $8/Monday through Thursday; $12/Friday through Sunday. 453-6712.
City of Syracuse Ice Skating. Through
March 30 at indoor rinks, weather permitting through March 11 at
Clinton Square. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs
offers skating at these locations.
Meachem Rink (121
W. Seneca Turnpike). Open skating: Tues.-Fri. 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.;
Fri.-Sat. 7:15 to 10 p.m. Senior skating: Fri. 9 to 11:45 a.m. Admis
sion and free coffee or hot chocolate: $2/adults, $1/children and
seniors; skate rental: $3. 492-0179.
Sunnycrest Rink (698
Robinson St., near Henninger High School). Open skating: Mon. and Tues.
12:15 to 4:30 p.m.; Wed. noon to 5:30 and 7:15 to 10 p.m.; Thurs. noon
to 4:30 p.m.; Fri. noon to 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 to 10 p.m.; Sat. 1:45 to
6:45 p.m., 7 to 8:15 p.m. and 8:30 to 10 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 to 5:30, 7:15
to 8:30 p.m. and 8:45 to 10 p.m. $2/adults; $1/children and seniors;
skate rental: $3. 473-4696.
Clinton Square Ice Rink Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. and school breaks 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $3/adults; $1.50/children and seniors; skate rental: $3. 423-0129.
Reduced Zoo Admission. Every day in January and February, admission is $4/adults, $2/children, $2.50/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. 2 to 31, the zoo will give free admission to those who show a camera and coupon printed off the zoo’s website, rosamondgiffordzoo.org. There will be three photo contests for ages 5-12, 13-18 and adults 19 and older. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place. 435-8511.
Jan. 5-8; Feb. 2-6Moonlight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Weather permitting, trails will be open until 9 p.m. to allow skiers and snowshoers the chance to enjoy Beaver Lake’s network of trails. Guided snowshoeing on Jan. 6 and Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.; call for reservations. $3/parking. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. 638-2519.
Cross-Country Ski Lessons. Weekends Dec. 17 to March 11, daily Dec. 26-30 and Feb. 20-24; 10 a.m. by appointment, noon to 3:30 p.m. first come, first served. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius. $20 for a lesson & equipment rental; $10 for a lesson. 683- 5550.
Hayrides and Sleigh Rides. Weekends Dec. 17 to Mar. 18, Dec. 23 & 26-30, Jan. 2 & 16, Feb. 20 & 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a 20-minute horsedrawn ride, with a keepsake photograph with the sleigh team available. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius. $6/adult; $5/ages 5 and under. 683-5550.
Cross-Country Ski Basics. Jan. 14 & 28, 9 to 11 a.m.; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Feb. 1, 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. You must bring your own skis and preregister. 638- 2519.
Try Snowshoeing. Every Sat. and Sun. in Jan. and Feb., 12:30 p.m. A onehour introduction to snowshoeing with instructions and a short hike. Call each day to check on snow conditions and preregister. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3 snowshoe rental; $3 parking. 638-2519.
Wellness Walking Group. Get your biweekly nature and wellness fix with this walking group on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Meet at the Visitor Center, walk a few miles and then stay and chat over coffee. Time changes throughout the year, call for details. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3 parking. 638-2519.
Tracking Wildlife on Snowshoes. Weekends in Jan. and Feb. Enjoy this season’s guided walks focusing on tracking wildlife on snowshoes. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Preregister. 638-2519.
