With Thanksgiving behind us, the always busy run up to the holidays have officially begun. You can take a break from the shopping, baking, and entertaining at many great events around the area during this first week of December. Children will have a blast at the Dinosaur Adventure at the Oncenter, a North Pole Pajama Party at the MOST, and “Holiday Nights” at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. This weekend is busy with holiday music and markets, including the 52nd annual Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival at Nottingham High School.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.
Tuesday
Midfielder Weston McKennie of the United States, right, participates in an official training on the eve of the group B World Cup soccer match between United States and Wales, at Al-Gharafa SC Stadium, in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)AP
USA vs. Iran
Find out if the United States Men’s National Team will advance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with your fellow soccer fans at the Landmark Theatre on Tuesday. The US plays its final match of group play versus Iran. The theater and the Syracuse Chapter of the American Outlaws is offering the community to watch all the excitement on the big screen in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. This event is free and open to the public through the support of our sponsors. Donations are always welcome. Space is limited so please arrive before the 2 p.m. start.
Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Tuesday at 2 p.m.
How much: Free, donations welcome
Thursday
CoComelon
CocoMelon Live: JJ’s Journey
The Landmark Theatre will be hosting “CoCoMelon Live: JJ’s Journey” on Thursday evening. Based on the animated kids’ series “CoComelon,” this interactive, live Broadway-style musical adventure features JJ and his family. The show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster. Prices start at $29.50, plus fees.
Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Thursday at 6 p.m.
How much: Prices start at $29.50, plus fees. Everyone over the age of 1 must buy a ticket.
The Calamari Sisters’ Christmas Carol
The Calamari Sisters return to the Auburn Public Theater this weekend for a holiday show. “Those beloved brassy Sisters from Brooklyn pull out all of your favorite Christmas songs and holiday classics and wrap them up in a delicious culinary package that will leave you wishing that Christmas came more than once a year.” Tickets are $32 at Event Brite in advance and $35 at the door, plus fees.
Where: 8 Exchange Street, Auburn
When: Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. There will afternoon matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $32 at Event Brite in advance and $35 at the door, plus fees.
Friday
Holiday Nights presented by Amazon
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be turned into a winter holiday wonderland every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 17. Enjoy a festive and fun after-hours stroll around the grounds amid sparkling holiday light displays. Warm up around fire pits and enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores, live performances of holiday music, ice carving, and roving entertainers and animals. The evening exhibits run from 5-8 p.m. Purchase tickets at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org, save $1 by doing it in advance.
Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse
When: Friday and Saturdays through Dec. 17, from 5-8 p.m.
How much: $9 for nonmembers, $8 for members, save $1 by purchasing tickets in advance. Children under 2 are free.
- The Syracuse City Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" runs from Dec. 2-4 at the Crouse Hinds Theater Courtesy of Syracuse City BalletCourtesy of Syracuse City Ballet
“The Nutcracker”
A holiday favorite, Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” will be presented by the Syracuse City Ballet this weekend at Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater. Performances will be Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets, starting at $20, plus fees, can be purchased at Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.syracusecityballet.com.
Where: 411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse
When: Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $20.
- Mile Twelve, a modern string band from Boston, will be performing at Folkus' final concert of 2022. Courtesy of FolkusCourtesy of Folkus
Mile Twelve
The final concert at Folkus for 2022 features Mile Twelve, a modern string band from Boston, winners of the 2020 International Bluegrass Music Association’s New Artist of the Year award. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for nonmembers and $17 for members. For tickets and more information go to folkus.org.
Where: 3800 East Genesee Street, Syracuse
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
How much: Nonmembers $20; members $17
Cazenovia College Arts & Crafts Fair
Held in conjunction with the village’s annual tree lighting ceremony and Holiday Walk, Cazenovia College students and staff will host the 11st Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday in the Art Gallery at Reisman Hall. Browse handmade creations from college students, faculty, and staff, including of pottery, glass, jewelry, mittens and scarves, photographs, candles and more.
Where: 6 Sullivan Street, Cazenovia
When: Friday from 4-8 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
- Deborah Fox of the NYS Baroque poses with lutes. Courtesy of Paul MillerCourtesy of Paul Miller
“An English Evening”
NYS Baroque of Ithaca and Syracuse will be performing its latest concert, “An English Evening,” this weekend in both cities. “This concert explores the rich repertoire of the late renaissance in England, when a group of viola da gamba (or viol) players would play together in luxurious counterpoint, often accompanying a singer.” This music is both sacred and secular. The Friday performance takes place at Syracuse’s First Unitarian Universalist at 7:30. There will be a free pre-concert talk at 6:45. Saturday’s Ithaca show is at the First Unitarian Society at the same time. For more information and tickets, visit nysbaroque.com.
Where: Friday at 109 Waring Road in Syracuse and Saturday at 306 North Aurora Street in Ithaca
When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert talk starts at 6:45 p.m.
How much: $30, $10 student/low-income
Saturday
Dinosaur Adventure is coming to Syracuse.
Dinosaur Adventure
Dinosaurs will be taking over the Oncenter Convention Center this weekend. Dinosaur Adventure, a prehistoric exhibit for the whole family, features big dinosaurs, and “dino-themed activities” like Jurassic jeeps, obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and fossil searches. Learn more at www.dinosauradventure.com/syracuse/. Tickets are $25 for everyone 13 and up and $35 for children ages 2 through 12. Children under 2 are free. There are additional “add-on” packages available. Learn more at www.dinosauradventure.com/syracuse/.
Where: 800 South State Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How much: $25 for everyone 13 and up and $35 for children ages 2 through 12. Children under 2 are free. There are additional “add-on” packages available.
The annual Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival takes place at at Nottingham High School this Saturday and Sunday. Valerie Escoffery of Syracuse Africa Bound works on an infinity scarf in 2015. David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.com
Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival
Now in its 52nd year, the Plowshares is Central New York’s premiere craftsfair. Each year it brings together “activists, conscientious consumers and fair traders for a weekend of commerce and communing.” It will take place on both Saturday and Sunday at Nottingham High School. There will be live entertainment and food by local food trucks. Admission is on a “sliding scale” from $2 to $5. Anyone under 16 or over 65 are free. Visit peacecouncil.net/plowshares for more information.
Where: 3100 East Genesee Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How much: A sliding scale from $2 to $5. Anyone over 65 and under 16 is free
North Pole Pajama Party
Celebrate the start of the winter season at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Syracuse at a North Pole Pajama Party each Saturday through Dec. 17. There will be a hot cocoa bar and new and exciting activities exploring the North Pole. Then, step inside the new National Grid Exploradome for a specially created planetarium program, “Night in the Arctic.” Pajamas are encouraged, best for kids in grades K-8. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. Go to www.most.org for tickets and more info.
Where: 500 South Franklin Street, Syracuse
When: Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. through Dec. 17, which is a Sensory Friendly Party
How much: $12, $10 for members. Includes museum admission.
95X Pajama Jam
Throw on your PJs and head to the Westcott Theater on Saturday for an evening of music at 95X’s Pajama Jam. Featuring the music of Wilderado, Andrew McMahon, and Almost Monday, all ages are welcome for this show which starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 day of the show. Purchase them at www.95x.com/amp-events/95x-pajama-jam/.
Where: 524 Wescott Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 7-11 p.m.
How much: $30 in advance, $40 on day of show
- Syracuse's Black Artist Collective will be hosting a “Snowmies Holiday Market” from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Salt City Market. Provided photoProvided photo
Snowmies Holiday Market
Get the help with your holiday shopping with the Black Artist Collective on Saturday. They will be hosting a “Snowmies Holiday Market” from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Salt City Market. It will feature features crafters, creatives, and Black-owned businesses and allies with great gifting options for family and friends this holiday season. The event is free.
Where: 484 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Handmade Holiday Market
Visit the Handmade Holiday Market on Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Local crafts, artwork, and everything you need for your holiday shopping. Seasonal music by West of Ithaca. The market will occur at the same time as the Trumansburg Winterfest. Visit www.tburgconservatory.org for a list of vendors.
Where: 5 McLallen St, Trumansburg
When: Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
How much: Free to attend
Sunday
- The Oneida Area Civic ChoraleCourtesy of the Oneida Area Civi
“An American Christmas”
The Oneida Area Civic Chorale will present “An American Christmas”, a collection of both contemporary and traditional Christmas music, on Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School Auditorium. Holiday favorites like “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “White Christmas”, “Sleigh Ride”, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” and “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” will be performed. As is tradition with Chorale Christmas concerts, the audience will be invited to join the Chorale in singing some favorite Christmas carols. Tickets for the concert are $10 and will be available at the door and can also be purchased on the Chorale website at www.oneidachorale.org through Event Brite.
Where: 5275 State Route 31, Verona
When: Sunday at 4 p.m.
How much: $10