Seasonal and holiday traditions return to add joy to this last week of November.
If you’re looking to work off your Thanksgiving meal, the Jordan and Liverpool Turkey Trots on Thursday and Saturday’s Ugly Sweater 5K can help.
Light things up in Baldwinsville and downtown Syracuse with live entertainment, tree lightings and more this weekend. Or raise a glass to wines, local beverages and chocolate at the Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival Saturday at the fairgrounds.
Get started on your local holiday shopping at the Merry Mingle Market and Night Market, on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Plus don’t miss a visit from a bestselling author, a holiday classic on stage and much more this week. Have a warm and happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 24
Beaver Lake Photography Group
If you have an interest in photography and nature, you’re invited to join Beaver Lake’s photography group. The sessions include educational presentations, photo sharing and socializing. There are member-only photography field trips throughout the year and the group meets monthly on the fourth Monday.
Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville
When: Monday, November 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Tuesday, November 25
FOCL Author Series: Liz Moore
Best-selling author Liz Moore will be the third visiting author for the 2025-2026 season of the Friends of the Central Library Author Series. Moore is best known for literary thrillers, including New York Times bestsellers “Long Bright River” and “The God of the Woods.” This event will be held at the Oncenter Convention Center ballroom.
Where: 800 S. State St., Syracuse
When: Tuesday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m.
How much: $53.75, tickets are available online.
‘A Christmas Story’
See the beloved 1983 film brought to life at Syracuse Stage this holiday season with a family-friendly play directed by Robert Hupp. The adaptation follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on a wintery adventure for his perfect Christmas gift. Patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to performances for donation to the Food Bank of Central New York.
Where: 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Nov. 25-Dec. 28. See the full schedule on the website.
How much: Tickets start at $35 and are available online.
Wednesday, November 26
Thanksgiving Eve Bash
Enjoy pizza and food specials from Crazy Daisies’ Garden Cafe and winter specialty cocktails while staying warm in the heated greenhouse. Live music from The Barrigar Family kicks off at 6 p.m.
Where: 4693 Kasson Rd., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, November 26 from 4 to 9 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Friendsgiving in Syracuse
Meier’s Creek is hosting a day of brews and bites at the Inner Harbor Taproom, where Colin Aberdeen will be performing roots and blues music from 6 to 9 p.m. The brewery’s Cazenovia location will be hosting a similar event, with both its taproom and cellar open.
Where: 720 Van Rensselaer St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, November 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Sesame Street Live! Elmo & Friends Say Hello
Bring your kids to the Landmark Theatre for an interactive show with songs, dancing and fun featuring beloved Sesame Street characters, including Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and Elmo. The performance includes special effects such as moving lights, confetti cannons, theatrical smoke and loud sounds. Children who have reached their second birthday require their own ticket.
Where: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Wednesday, November 26 at 6 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $38.55.
Thursday, November 27
Jordan Turkey Trot
The 17th annual Jordan Turkey Trot will include a 5K and a 1-mile fun run in support of the Jordan-Elbridge Ecumenical Food Pantry. If you plan to participate or have extra to give, see here for the list of helpful items.
Where: 12 N. Main St., Jordan
When: Thursday, November 27 at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
How much: Free to attend. Pre-register online or register on-site starting at 8:30 a.m. with a canned food donation.
Liverpool Turkey Trot
The 12th annual Liverpool Turkey Trot will take participants along village streets and the shore of Onondaga Lake with 5K and 5-mile loops. There is also a kids’ run that is just over a half-mile, and a dog walk course. Stay for a post-race party in the parking lot of the Barking Gull with free coffee, donuts and bagels, plus a free beer for runners 21+, and live music. The race supports a number of local organizations and generated $31,000 in donated funds last year.
Where: Starting line is near Griffin Visitors Center, Onondaga Lake Park, 4 E. Shore Trail, Liverpool
When: Thursday, November 27, registration and packet pickup begin at 7:30 a.m.
How much: $50 for 5K run/walk; $45 for 5-mile run/walk; $10 each for kids’ run and dog walk. Register online in advance.
Friday, November 28
Dickens Christmas
This year marks the 31st edition of the treasured holiday tradition which brings to life Dickensian characters from “A Christmas Carol” in Skaneateles. Be transported to 1842 in this street theater production that begins this week and runs each weekend through Dec. 21, with a special limited show on Christmas Eve.
Where: Locations throughout the village of Skaneateles
When: Friday, November 28 from noon to 4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Merry Mingle Market
Stop by the annual Merry Mingle Market outside the State Tower building downtown for a festive display of handmade holiday gifts, signature cocktails and a hot cocoa bar, home décor, gourmet treats, craft spirits, jewelry and more. With live performances and other activities, the event is for all ages.
Where: 109 S. Warren St., Syracuse
When: Friday, November 28 from 4 to 8 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting
Cheer on the annual lighting of the downtown Syracuse Christmas tree, along with live music and entertainment, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and weather permitting, the opening of the Clinton Square Ice Rink.
Where: Clinton Square, Syracuse
When: Friday, November 28 at 6 p.m. Lighting of tree around 7 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Saturday, November 29
Syracuse Ugly Sweater 5K
Get into the holiday spirit with the 11th annual Syracuse Ugly Sweater 5K, a festive and friendly competition held at Onondaga Lake Park near the Salt Museum. Participants will receive a custom stocking (Team Santa or Team Grinch) and a finisher medal, with post-race awards and a celebration taking place at the Cobblestone in Liverpool. Runners can compete for overall and age-group prizes, as well as awards for the best holiday attire.
Where: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Packet pickup starts at 8:30 a.m.
How much: $43, register in advance.
Not So Tiny Nutcrackers Display
More than 600 nutcrackers will be on display at the Oneida County History Center until Jan. 10, along with daily crafts, activities and a nutcracker scavenger hunt. New to the collection is a series of historical nutcrackers from Baron Steuben, Lucy Carlile Watson, Jesse Williams, F.X. Matt and Chauncey Goodrich.
Where: 1608 Genesee St., Utica
When: Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: $5 suggested donation, free for members.
Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival
Enjoy unlimited sampling of New York State wines, spirits and ciders in the Horticulture Building at the NYS Fairgrounds Saturday. Indulge in the complimentary chocolate fountain, purchase other sweets and treats, and shop the mini boutiques. Admission includes all beverage samples, a souvenir wine glass and a chocolate surprise. Food will be available for purchase. Choose from one of two available sessions.
Where: 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
When: Saturday, November 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m.
How much: $35 online in advance; $45 at the door or online day of; $20 designated driver in advance; $30 at the door or online day of.
Post Turkey Day Hike
Get your wobble on after you gobble. Round up some friends and family post-Thanksgiving for a moderate-to-challenging 2.5 mile hike at Clark Reservation State Park through woodland trails. The group will meet at the flag pole in front of the nature center ahead of the hike.
Where: 6105 E. Seneca Tpk., Jamesville
When: Saturday, November 29 from 3 to 4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Night Market
More than 70 artisans, makers and local retailers come together for one of the largest pop-up holiday markets in Syracuse. Browse and purchase home goods, art, personal care products, jewelry and accessories, apparel, gourmet foods, beverages, holiday gifts and more. Sip drinks or nosh on bistro-style foods from host SKY Armory and enjoy live music throughout the day. New this year: basket raffles with proceeds benefiting the Food Bank of Central New York.
Where: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, November 29 from 3 to 9 p.m.
How much: $5 in advance, which includes tote bag, or at the door
Baldwinsville Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting
The Village of Baldwinsville and Baldwinsville Volunteer Fire Company will host their annual parade starting at the intersection of Oswego Street and Smokey Hollow Road. The event will be complete with a tree lighting, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and participation by local businesses, community groups and more.
Where: Village of Baldwinsville
When: Saturday, November 29 at 5:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Christmas in Jordan
The 5th annual Christmas in Jordan event features a packed day that includes a pancake breakfast, chili cook-off, story walk and crafts, Jordan Historical Society museum open house, scavenger hunt, tree decoration contest, wagon rides, a Santa visit and the tree lighting.
Where: Jordan Fire Department and downtown Jordan
When: Saturday, Nov. 29 starting at 8 a.m.
How much: Most activities are free. The chili tasting is $1.00 per sample. The pancake breakfast is a pay-what-you-wish donation.
Sunday, November 30
Lauren and the Good Souls: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell
Spend your Sunday afternoon at the Hangar Theatre listening to Joni Mitchell’s music. Played by a nine-piece band of multi-instrumentalists, the depth and complexity of her songs comes through in this live performance. Ithaca native Sue Tierney joins as the featured musical guest.
Where: 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca
When: Sunday, November 30 at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m.
How much: Advance tickets are $30 and available online. $35 tickets will be available at the door.
A Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent
The Choir of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will present a Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent featuring readings and choral works, led by Jim Potts, the church’s choir director and organist. Parking will be available in the church lot with more on surrounding streets.
Where: 220 E. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, November 30 at 4 p.m.
How much: Free to attend; Donations are accepted.
