Mayor Walsh Announces 2023 “Home For The Holidays” Tree Lighting
Published on November 06, 2023
Mayor Walsh Announces Plans For 2023 “Home For The Holidays” Tree Lighting Celebration
City begins assembly of Clinton Square Christmas tree as countdown to Nov. 24 tree lighting commences
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the assembly of the Clinton Square Christmas tree begins, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced plans today for the “Home for the Holidays” Tree Lighting celebration on Friday, Nov. 24 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 long tradition of lighting the tree the day after Thanksgiving.
“The Tree Lighting Celebration marks the start of ice skating, winter activities and the holiday season here in Syracuse. Thank you to the local bands and community partners who help us deliver this annual tradition,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I encourage families to come to Clinton Square and join us as we kick-off the holiday season.”
Returning to host will be 95X’s Marty and Shannon. The celebration will kick off with Sydney Irving, a local indie/pop rock artist, from 6 to 6:20 p.m., followed by a performance by TrumpTight315 and closing with the lighting of the tree at approximately 7 p.m.
Three area youth will join Mayor Ben Walsh and Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens on stage to help light up the Christmas Tree at the tree lighting celebration. The participating 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.
How to enter:
- Youth between the ages 4-12 need to create a freehand drawing showcasing this year's theme of "Winter Fun in Syracuse".
- Take a picture of your child’s drawing and e-mail it to: ParksYouthRecreation@syrgov.net by Friday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.
- Make sure you include: name, age, school, parent name, phone number, and e-mail.
Tiny Tim, from the upcoming Syracuse Stage production, “A Christmas Carol.” will also help to light up the tree. The show will run Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 2023 in the Archbold Theatre at the corner of Irving Ave and East Genesee Street.
Traffic and Parking
There is no charge for street parking on Nov. 24, but the following streets will be closed from mid-afternoon to approximately 8 p.m.:
- 200 block of West Water Street: from South Clinton Street to South Franklin Street
- Clinton Street: from West Genesee Street to East Washington Street
- Erie Boulevard West: from North Clinton Street to North Franklin Street
- North Clinton Street: from Herald Place to Genesee Street
- North Salina Street and South Salina Street: from East Willow Street to East Washington Street
- West Genesee Street: from Franklin Street to Salina Street
- James Street: from North Salina Street to North Warren Street
- 100 block of East Water Street and East Genesee Street: from South Salina Street to South Warren Street
- Erie Boulevard East: from North Salina Street to North Warren Street
Related Events and Activities
Ice Skating at Clinton Square
The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open for skating on Nov. 24 following the tree lighting celebration with extended hours until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. The general admission fee is $5.00. The admission fee for children (12 and under) and seniors (55 and older) is $3.00. In addition to admission, skate rentals cost $5.00. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Pre-registration is not required. Patrons can call 315-423-0129 for more information or visit syr.gov/clintonsquareicerink for a full list of hours.
Ice Skating at John Dunn Ice Rink at Meachem Park
The John Dunn Ice Rink at Meachem Park, located on the city’s south side is open for ice skating on Nov. 24 from 12 to 3:15 p.m. The general admission fee is $5.00. The admission fee for children (12 and under) and seniors (55 and older) is $3.00. Skate rentals cost $5.00. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Pre-registration is not required. Patrons can call 315-492-0179 for more information or visit syr.gov/dunnicerink for a full list of hours.
Ice Skating at Sunnycrest Ice Rink
The Sunnycrest Ice Rink, located on the city's east side next to Henninger High School is also open Nov. 24 for ice skating, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 to 10 p.m. The general admission fee is $5.00. The admission fee for children (12 and under) and seniors (55 and older) is $3.00. Skate rentals cost $5.00. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Pre-registration is not required. Patrons can call 315-473-4696 for more information or visit syr.gov/sunnycresticerink for a full list of hours.
Additionally, the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs will be offering Holiday Hayrides at Burnet Park on Dec. 8, 9, 15 & 16 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. The horse-drawn wagon rides through an illuminated Burnet Park will conclude with a visit with Santa. Rides are $2 per person. Pre-registration is required and opens on Monday, Nov. 13 at 8 a.m. on syracuse.recdesk.com
For more information on the event or related winter programs call the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs at 315-473-4330 or visit syr.gov/clintonsquaretreelighting2023