What to do during Thanksgiving in Syracuse

As Thanksgiving break approaches, students who choose to stay on campus rather than make the journey home for the week will have ample time to explore the sights of upstate New York. The SU break spans from Sunday, Nov. 19 to Sunday, Nov. 26. 

For those choosing a Syracuse-centric Thanksgiving, the city offers a variety of activities to try. This list of activities should ensure your stay is filled with memorable experiences in the spirit of the season.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Syracuse’s annual Christmas tree lighting will take place in Clinton Square on Friday, Nov. 24th this year. The tradition will commence at 6 p.m. with local musical acts Sydney Irving and TrumpTight315 and will close at 7 p.m. with the lighting of a 42-foot-tall tree warming the heart of the city. 

Lights on the Lake

Courtesy of Michal Lepore | Lights on the Lake

Lights on the Lake in Liverpool is a drive-through holiday light display running from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12, from 5 to 10 p.m. each day. Tickets are available for $20 per vehicle online only and must be purchased in advance.

Syracuse Crunch Games

For hockey lovers, the Syracuse Crunch will host games throughout Thanksgiving break, including the Utica Comets on Friday, Nov. 24, and the Laval Rocket on Saturday, Nov. 25. Tickets are available for starting at $32 per person. Both Thanksgiving weekend games will begin at 7 p.m.

Ice Skating

Located in downtown Syracuse, the Clinton Square Ice Rink is one of the most popular destinations in Central New York for beginners or pros to skate during the holiday season. Here, Syracuse residents and visitors can bring friends and family to experience the rink under the holiday lights. Don’t fret; a warming room is available for skaters to escape the cold.

The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open the last week in November with admission starting at $3. Public skate hours run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. 

Thanksgiving Take-Out

Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without the food. Luckily, Syracuse has no shortage of places to eat. Many restaurants are even offering Thanksgiving-inspired take-out meals that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home (or dorm).

Craftsman Wood Grille & Taphouse has a special take-out turkey dinner, The Inn of the Seasons has a variety of seasonal meals, and Mona Lisa’s Ristorante offers both dine-in and take-out Thanksgiving platters. You can also add a Thanksgiving breakfast from Water Street Bagel and sweet desserts from The Mixing Bowl to round out the day.