"Home for the Holidays" Tree Lighting in Clinton Square

The “Home for the Holidays” annual Tree Lighting celebration will take place on Friday, Nov. 28th at 6 p.m. in Clinton Square. The 42-foot-tall tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse will remain the focal point of celebrations, continuing the cherished tradition of lighting the tree the day after Thanksgiving.

“Tree Lighting is a time-honored tradition to celebrate the beginning of holiday season as a community, weaving our unique backgrounds into one shared tradition”. said Mayor Walsh.

Returning to host will be 95x’s Marty. The celebration will kick off with a performance by Sydney Irving, a local indie/pop-rock artist, from 6 to 6:20 p.m., followed by a performance by Trumptight 315 and closing with the lighting of the tree at approximately 7 p.m.

Five area youth will join Mayor Ben Walsh on stage to help light up the Christmas Tree. The selected youth will each be winners from the City Parks Department Winter Art Contest. One winner will be selected from each of the following age categories: 4-6; 7-9; 10-12;-13-15; and 16-18. The theme of this year’s art contest is “A Perfect Snow Day in Syracuse”.

How to enter:

Youth between the ages 4-18 will create a freehand drawing showcasing the theme.

Submission may be made by:

-Taking a photo of your child’s drawing and submit via email to UGFya3NZb3V0aFJlY3JlYXRpb24gfCBzeXIgISBnb3Y=

-Dropping off the artwork at the following locations during designated operating hours:

Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation Office
Cecile Community Center
Magnarelli Community Center
Seals Community Center at Kirk Park
Southwest Community Center
Wilson Park Community Center
Make sure to include name, age, school, parent name, phone number, and email with submission.

The holiday mailbox will be placed on the east side of Clinton Square next to the tree for children to drop off letters for the North Pole on the night of tree lighting. To receive a response from the North Pole, letters dropped off must include a complete return address, a child’s first name and last initial, 2-3 holiday wishes, their favorite Syracuse holiday traditions, and the full name of a parent or guardian.

An accessible viewing area will be available on the east side of Clinton Square, next to the tree, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.


Ice Skating at Clinton Square:
The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open for skating on Nov. 28 following the tree lighting celebration with extended hours until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Credit card and cash payment are accepted. Patrons can visit www.syr.gov/clintonsquareicerink for a full list of hours and fees.

Also check out other Arts events in Syracuse.