Happy December everyone!
Thanks for tuning into our weekly event roundup. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now it’s time to officially get into the spirit of giving, and the songs bringing holiday cheer are allowed to be played.
This week features a lot of family fun, and many of the events are fundraisers. Checking out gingerbread houses, literary characters, spectacularly decorated trees and tea parties are perfect ways to bring the family closer together.
Santa is also making his rounds.
“A Christmas Story,” “The Nutcracker,” “Peter Pan,” and “Matilda” are all being performed on local stages. There is also a musical rendition of “Star Wars: Epsiode 4.”
I know, right?
The weather is looking mild again, so make the best of this first weekend in December.
Weather Forecast
(Subject to change, of course.)
THURSDAY
Temperature: 43 degrees / 33 degrees
Conditions: A wintery mix: Quasi-snow and cold rain.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 42 degrees / 31 degrees
Conditions: Sun, clouds and flurries.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 48 degrees / 32 degrees
Conditions: The sun will be shining!
SUNDAY
Temperature: 52 degrees / 33 degrees
Conditions: Balmy.
Arts & Crafts
Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival
The annual Syracuse Peace Council fundraiser, multicultural festival and craft fair features well over 100 vendors, artisans and community groups. It’s not only a community-based event, it promotes positive, progressive thinking with peace and compassion.
Where: Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Dec. 5: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday, Dec. 6: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $2-10 (requested donation, sliding scale) | Free (16 and younger, 65 and older) | 472-5478
Festivals and Family Fun
Candlelight Tours at Seward House Museum
What’s cooler than “traveling back in time,” taking a tour of a historic mansion and learning some national and local history? Experiencing all of this by candlelight! Head over to Auburn for this unique experience.
Where: Seward House Museum, 33 South St., Auburn.
When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays : Dec. 4 – 19 | 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.
Cost: $15 (adults), $8 (children), Free (12 and younger) | 252-1283
For its 22nd year, Dickens Christmas returns to Skaneateles, and it kicks off this Friday. Stop by for the annual tradition, whether it’s your first time or you’re re returning fan.
Where: Village of Skaneateles, Skaneateles
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, Thursday, Dec. 24: noon – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Gingerbread Gallery is in its 30th year! In late November, the event kicked off after the tree-lighting ceremony. Come check out the gingerbread displays created by local bakers. (Please eat beforehand and resist temptation to pick at the designs.)
Where: Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. : Event ends Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016.
Cost: $2 (children), $4 (seniors), $5 (adults)
The 30th Anniversary of Festival of Trees is taking place at the Everson again, and its aging and becoming more vibrant every year. The event kicks off Friday, Dec. 4.
To celebrate, here are some special events:
Festival of Trees Gala | Thursday, Dec. 3 | 6-8 p.m.
Formal attire | $150 (per person, includes AfterParty admission) | Buy Online | 474-6943
Festival of Trees AfterParty | Thursday, Dec. 3 | 8-10 p.m.
Cocktail attire | $50/person | Buy Online | 474-6943
Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 13 | Open Wednesdays – Sundays
Cost: $5 (per person) | Free (10 and younger)
The two-mile-long light spectacular continues to the beginning of January. Come ring in the holiday season with favorite and familiar displays and new ones.
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool
When: Daily | Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Jan. 3 | 5-10 p.m.
Cost: $10/car (Monday – Thursday) | $15 (Friday – Sunday) | $6/car with Wegmans Shoppers Club Card (Mondays and Tuesdays) | 453-6712
The Special Olympics fundraiser is taking place in and around the frigid Oneida Lake waters. It only costs $300 to support one athlete for one sports season. Checks made to Special Olympics NY, and no donation is too small.
Where: Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Rd., Brewerton
When: Sunday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
Cost: Free admission, raise funds to participate
For the 27th year, the Teddy Bear Tea is taking place at The OnCenter. Family members of all ages are encouraged to attend an afternoon of entertainment and activities (and tea, of course).
Where: The OnCenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 6: noon – 2 p.m.
Cost: $25 (adults), $20 (children) | Buy Online | 474-6943
Each Saturday during the Festival of Trees, Santa is making a special appearance. He’s a busy guy this month, and the Everson is pleased to have him stop by these afternoons.
Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Saturdays, Dec. 5 & 12: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $5 (per person) | Free (10 and younger)
The Great “Outdoors”
Each weekend, stop by Beaver Lake Nature Center for guided walks and talks. This month, enjoy and learn about winter homes of the creatures that roam around the nature center.
December: Winter Wildlife Homes
January: Tracking Wildlife on Snowshoes*
February: Tracking Wildlife on Snowshoes*
*Offered only on snowshoes, with appropriate snowfall
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, Dec. 5- Sunday, Dec. 6: 2 p.m.
Cost: Free with cost of admission | Pre-registration may be required: 683-2519
A bar crawl technically takes place outdoors (for some of the time), and we cannot forget about the urban environment either. Well, I had no other place to add this in, and it’s something to get you out from inside. Throw on your jolly attire and get crawlin’.
Where: Begins at Modern Malt, 325 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to simply attend. Donations accepted for Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.
Literature
Author Bruce Coville hosts the 4th Annual CNY Book Awards, which serves as a fundraiser for the YMCA Downtown Writers Center. See what is literally literary great about the writers in the region (and what you should be reading).
Where: CNY Philanthropy Center, 431 E. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 3: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $75 ($50 is a taxable donation) | Buy Online | 474-6851
Music
The Grammy-awarded “Jimi Hendrix of the violin” presents her holiday show in homer. With over 80 credits to her name, come see Ivers’ acclaimed instrumentation live.
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S. Main St., Homer
When: Saturday, Dec. 5: 8 p.m.
Cost: $33 (general), $28 (seniors), $15 (students 18 and older), Free (military, veterans, and children under 18) | Buy Online | (877) 749-ARTS
Live holiday music is the best way to get into the holiday spirit — but that’s just an opinion. Where the radios are playing repeated tunes, head to Hendricks Chapel for the university’s brass ensemble.
Where: Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University.
When: Sunday, Dec. 6: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.Non-perishable food items and monetary donations will benefit the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry.
The tradition continues. Join the Syracuse University Oratorio Society conducted by Boon Hua Lien as they perform Handel’s “Messiah” at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 310 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Dec. 6: 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 (general), $20(seniors), $5 (college students with ID), Free (18 and under) | Buy Online | (877) 749-ARTS
Sports
The Crunch are home two consecutive nights this weekend, hosting the Binghamton Senators…
Where: Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m.
Cost: $16, $20 | Buy Online | 473-4444
…and the Utica Comets.
Where: Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m.
Cost: $16, $20 | Buy Online | 473-4444
Stage
The beloved Christmas story will grace the playhouse’s stage this weekend, kicking off the 10-performance run. Come see Ralphie Parker’s ninth Christmas play-out live as he hopes to find that Red Ryder BB gun under the tree. Bring your own pink rabbit onesies.
This weekend’s schedule:
Friday, Dec. 4 | 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m.
Where: Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 – Saturday, Dec. 19
Cost: $17 (Thursday, Sunday); $20 (Friday, Saturday)| Buy Online | 885-8960
Roald Dahl’s timeless story, Matilda, comes to life on-stage and in time for the holiday season. The child was granted with the gift of telekinesis, and she’ll certainly move you and touch your heart in this award-winning adaptation.
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 4 | 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. (ASL interpreted dance performance) & 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 6
Cost: Ticket prices vary by day, time $35 – $85| Buy Online | 424-8210
The legendary holiday story is a popular one, especially when it’s performed by the Syracuse City Ballet.
Where: Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Dec. 5: 1 p.m. &6 p.m. | Sunday, Dec. 6: 2 p.m.
Cost: $17, 31, $55 | Buy Online | 424-8210
The adventure comes to life, live on stage in this adaptation of the beloved timeless children’s (and adult’s) story. The shows continue until January 3, 2016.
This weekend’s schedule:
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 4 | 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Jan. 3
Cost: Ticket prices vary by day, time $20 – $53 | Buy Online | 443-3275 (Famous Artists), 315-475-7979 (Landmark box office)
Have you seen Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope? Sure. Have you seen the musical based on that chapter? No? Rarely Done Productions’ “musical romp” will be performed at Jazz Central for six shows.
This weekend’s schedule:
Friday, Dec. 4 | 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: CNY Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 13
Cost: $20 | Buy Online | 546-3224