Lights on the Lake, Liverpool, N.Y. Lights on the Lake, a 2-mile display of lights along Onondaga Lake in Liverpool, N.Y., has been named one of the best holiday light displays in the United States. (The Post-Standard file photos/The Post-Standard file photos)
Central New York is buzzing with a variety of events this week, from family-friendly activities to live music, holiday workshops, and community gatherings.
Kick off the season with sparkling displays at Lights on the Lake, explore local arts and crafts at fairs, or enjoy engaging book clubs and creative workshops.
Music lovers can catch everything from intimate guitar performances to full orchestral concerts, while food and drink enthusiasts can celebrate with festive dinners, craft brews and seasonal treats.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out, a creative experience, or a way to connect with the community, this roundup of events has you covered.
Monday, November 17Lights on the Lake
Experience one of Central New York’s most beloved holiday traditions with Lights on the Lake, a two-mile drive-thru show featuring over 600,000 dazzling lights. The display includes themed sections like the Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, and a fairy tale finale, all synced to holiday music. Tickets are $10 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday.
Where: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Monday, November 17 to Monday, January 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $10 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday and are available online.
Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park Cars enter the “Under the Sea” section of Lights on the Lake in Onondaga Lake Park on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool, N.Y. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com/Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.) Tuesday, November 18Mystery Book Club: ‘A Very Fairy Funeral’
Join the Golden Bee Bookshop’s murder mystery book club for a discussion of “A Very Fairy Funeral” by A.N. Sage. This witty and whimsical mystery follows Lyra Moore, an introverted fairy and funeral director who finds herself entangled in a magical murder case involving a secret society and a snarky talking cat. The club meets every other month to dive into spellbinding mysteries and lively conversation.
Where: 324 1st St., Liverpool
When: Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend. Registration is recommended online.
The Golden Bee Bookshop Elizabeth Chase of Cicero shops at the Golden Bee Bookshop Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in Liverpool, N.Y.
(Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com)
(Scott Schild/Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Wednesday, November 19Salt City Books and Brews
Raise a glass and join fellow book lovers at Salt City Books & Brews, a monthly book club held at Talking Cursive Brewing Company. This relaxed gathering is perfect for anyone who enjoys good conversation, great beer, and even better stories. November’s discussion features “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore.
Where: 301 Erie Blvd. W Syracuse
When: Wednesday, November 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Wreath Making
Bring holiday cheer to your home with a hands-on Wreath Making workshop at Beaver Lake Nature Center. Create a beautiful evergreen wreath using fresh boughs, wire, and a festive bow, perfect for decorating your door or gifting to friends and family. Participants should bring their own clippers and a metal hanger if they are able.
Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville
When: Wednesday, November 19 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $25 for nonmembers and $22 for members and are available online.
Thursday, November 20Loren & LJ Barrigar
Father-son duo Loren & LJ Barrigar return to the 443 stage for an evening of masterful guitar and heartfelt melodies. Loren Barrigar, a guitar prodigy from the age of four, has performed from the Grand Ole Opry to stages across Las Vegas and Central New York. Audiences can expect a mix of expertly played originals and timeless favorites, all delivered with dynamic guitar work and captivating vocals.
Where: 443 Burnet Ave., Syracuse
When: Thursday, November 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.
How much: Tickets are 33.77 and are available online.
Friday, November 21The Gingerbread Gallery
Step back in time and celebrate the holidays at the Erie Canal Museum’s annual Gingerbread Gallery, where the museum transforms into a charming 1800s canal town lined with festive storefronts and intricate gingerbread creations. Running from Nov. 21 to Jan. 11, the exhibit features dozens of edible works of art crafted by local bakers of all ages.
Where: 318 Erie Blvd. E, Syracuse
When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 11
How much: Admission, which includes access to the museum, is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $5 for children ages 3–17, and free for kids 2 and under.
2024 Gingerbread Gallery Youth Winner: Gingerbread Family Sleighride by Evelynn and Ariya Jennings Over 40 gingerbread creations are on display at the 39th Annual Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum including this year’s first place in the Youth Category: Gingerbread Family Sleighride by Evelynn and Ariya Jennings (Erie Canal Museum/Erie Canal Museum) Ryan Montbleau Band with Kellen Asebroek
The Ryan Montbleau Band brings their high-energy, genre-blending mix of folk, rock, funk, hip-hop, and reggae to Syracuse. With over 150 million Spotify streams and collaborations with artists like Trombone Shorty, Galactic and Anders Osborne, their live performances are full of heart, rhythm and connection. Opening the night, Kellen Asebroek (of Fruition) sets the stage with warm harmonies and beautifully crafted songs for an evening at Middle Ages Beer Hall.
Where: 120 Wilkinson St., Syracuse
When: Friday, November 21 at 8 p.m.
How much: Tickets for general admission are $30.86 and are available online.
‘Lizzie Borden Took An Axe’
The Covey Theater continues its chilling new production of Lizzie Borden Took An Axe at the Everson Museum, unpacking one of America’s most infamous murder cases. Critic Len Fonte described this production as “a skillful retelling of the events surrounding the killings, blending a melodramatic family saga with snippets of court transcript and speculative inner monologues from principals.”
Where: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22. Various times.
How much: General admission tickets are $30.60.
Lizzie Borden Took An Axe Jodi Bova-Larham as Lizzie Borden and Amy Bader as Alice Russell. (Amelia Beamish/AB Photography) The Rough & Tumble
The Rough & Tumble, a dynamic duo of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, bring their unique blend of dumpster-folk and thrift store-Americana to the stage. With over a decade of weaving joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama into their music, their performances are full of heart and unpredictability. Known for touring relentlessly in a 16-foot camper with their instruments and dogs, Graham and Tyler continue to captivate audiences while staying rooted in their New Hampshire community.
Where: 3800 East Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Friday, November 21 at 8 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $20 for general admission and $17 for Folkus Members and are available online.
Friendsgiving Dinner Party
Celebrate the season with the Friendsgiving Dinner Party hosted by the Community Folk Art Center. Guests will enjoy a soul-food Thanksgiving meal catered by local chef Danielle Bullock, live music, a seasonal art activity, and a polaroid station to capture memories from the evening. This holiday social is designed to foster connection and positivity.
Where: 805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Friday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets are $22.53 and are available online.
Haze Craze – CNY Beer Week
As part of 2025 CNY Beer Week, Meier’s Creek Inner Harbor will host a celebration dedicated to all things hazy. On Nov. 21 from 5–9:30 p.m., hear live music and sample brews from some of the region’s best, including Underground Beer Lab, Prison City Brewing, Grow Brewing Co., Willow Rock Brewing Company, Good Nature Brewing, and Yakima Chief Hops. This event is free to attend.
Where: 720 Van Rensselaer St., Syracuse
When: Friday, November 21 from 5 to 9:30 p.m
How much: Free to attend.
Saturday, November 22New York State Craft Brewers Festival
The 12th annual New York State Craft Brewers Festival returns to Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse. This celebrated event gathers more than 45 breweries from across New York State, offering guests the chance to sample an impressive variety of unique and award-winning beers. General admission is $71.25.
Where: 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m.
How much: General admission is $71.25 and tickets are available online.
Craft New York Brewer Festival Crowds flow in to the annual Craft New York Brewer Festival at the Landmark Theatre on Saturday, November 7, 2015. (Sam Maller | smaller@syracuse.com) The Syracuse Orchestra – Hansel & Gretel
The program begins with Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante,” showcasing the talents of Syracuse Orchestra concertmaster Peter Rovit and violist Arvilla Wendland. Audiences will also be treated to a performance of Humperdinck’s enchanting “Hansel and Gretel.” This concert promises an evening of classical brilliance and storytelling through music.
Where: 220 E. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 23 at 3 p.m.
How much: Ticket prices vary and are available online.
Salt City Holiday Antiques Show
Celebrate more than 30 years of holiday tradition, returning to the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds. The event features around 100 exhibitors in booths, offering antiques, vintage treasures, collectibles and unique holiday gifts for all ages.
Where: NYS Fairgrounds, Horticulture Building, Syracuse
When: Saturday, November 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Admission is $8 for adults and children 16 and under are free.
Antiques Show The Salt City Holiday Antiques Show takes over the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend. David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.com (David Lassman/David Lassman) Ebb and Flow
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra continues its 2025–26 Orchestral Series with Ebb and Flow in Ford Hall at Ithaca College. Led by Music Director Guillaume Pirard, the program features Grammy-winning violinist and 2024 MacArthur Fellow Johnny Gandelsman performing works by Mendelssohn and Brahms. A pre-concert chat begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hockett Recital Hall.
Where: Ford Hall, Ithaca College – 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
When: Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets are pay-what-you-can pricing and are available online.
Liverpool Marching Programs Craft Fair
The Liverpool Marching Programs Craft Fair offers a vibrant mix of handmade goods, from unique jewelry and cozy textiles to home décor and delicious treats. Guests can also enjoy raffles and concessions while supporting local artisans. It’s the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and enjoy a festive community atmosphere.
Where: 204 Saslon Park Dr., Liverpool
When: Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Favorite Things Holiday Market
Get into the holiday spirit at SavorCuse’s Favorite Things Holiday Market, featuring more than 20 local vendors offering art, gifts, baked goods, seasonal drinks and more. Enjoy samples as you sip, snack and shop your way through some of Central New York’s best small businesses.
Where: 1970 W. Fayette St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, November 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Sunday, November 23 Lights on the Lake 5K Run
Kick off the holiday season with a festive run through the dazzling Lights on the Lake display. This early morning 5K lets participants enjoy the glow of hundreds of light displays before sunrise, starting from the Marina Parking Lot at Onondaga Lake Park. Runners will receive a commemorative beanie, and the top finishers in each age group will earn a limited-edition 2025 Lights on the Lake ornament.
Where: 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool
When: Sunday, November 23 at 6 a.m.
How much: Tickets are $43.95 and are available online.