Ben Walsh Mayor at City Of Syracuse | Official website
Ben Walsh Mayor at City Of Syracuse | Official website
The City of Syracuse is preparing for its annual "Home for the Holidays" Tree Lighting celebration, set to take place on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m. in Clinton Square. Mayor Ben Walsh announced that the event will feature a 42-foot-tall Christmas tree as the central attraction. This tradition continues to mark the start of holiday festivities in downtown Syracuse.
Mayor Walsh expressed the significance of this gathering: “Each year this annual event allows us to come together to celebrate our vibrant city during the holiday season,” he said. “The lighting of the tree is a great family and friend tradition that lets us share our unique stories and backgrounds that continue to keep our community shining brightly.”
Hosting duties will be undertaken by Marty and Shannon from 95X radio station. The evening's entertainment lineup includes local indie/pop rock artist Sydney Irving from 6 to 6:20 p.m., followed by Trumptight 315, culminating with the tree lighting around 7 p.m.
A highlight of the event will be five area youth joining Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens on stage to assist with lighting the Christmas tree. These children are winners from various age categories in the City Parks Department Winter Art Contest.
In addition, a special holiday mailbox will be available for children to send letters to the North Pole during the event. A complete return address is required for those wishing for a response.
An accessible viewing area near Clinton Square's east side will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Street parking will be free on November 29; however, some streets will close mid-afternoon until about 8 p.m.
Following the tree lighting, Clinton Square Ice Rink opens with extended hours until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Other ice skating options include John Dunn Ice Rink and Sunnycrest Ice Rink opening earlier in the day with varied hours.
The city's Department of Parks & Recreation offers additional activities like Holiday Hayrides through Burnet Park on selected December dates and handcrafted gift workshops throughout December at Burnet Parks Arts & Crafts facility.
For more information about these events or winter programs, contact Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation at 315-473-4330 or visit their website.
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