Your Guide to a Syracuse Holiday
Take a study break with some holiday festivities.
by MAYA CAMPOS ★ DECEMBER 14, 2021
With the stress of finals, we all know we are ready for a break. Christmas is quickly approaching, but it can be hard to feel the holiday spirit while being stressed. Here are some cute, fun things you can do right here in Syracuse that will alleviate some of the stress from finals and get you in the holiday spirit.
Skates in the City
Credit: syracuse.com
Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Clinton Square ice skating rink is up and running. Right next to it is a beautifully lit-up Christmas tree and Christmas music is always playing. Admission and skate rentals are only $10 (Like, how convenient is that?!). The rink is open through January so there is plenty of time to skate! It also makes for the perfect photoshoot opportunity with friends. Grab a cup of hot chocolate at Recess (which is just a couple blocks from Clinton square) and soak in the holiday spirit of all the skaters.
Lights On The Lake Drive-Through
Credit: syracuse.com
Just a short drive away is the cutest, most decked-out light show there ever was (...and I’m not being dramatic). This two-mile-long lake light show is going on through January 14th. There are different sections from The Wizard of Oz light show to a classic Christmas wonderland. The price ranges from $6-20 per vehicle depending on the day. It is such a fun activity that you and your friends can do in the comfort of your sweatpants! Tune into their radio station that plays Christmas classics and cruise through the dazzling lights. You’ll for sure feel like you’re in the North Pole!
Crazy Daisies
Credit: @crazydaisiesflowers
Want a cute place to sip on some holiday-themed drinks? Crazy Daisies is open in the winter! Surround yourself with little plants in their greenhouse while you enjoy delicious pizza, holiday desserts, and cute winter drinks (the colder months call for an espresso martini or a hot chocolate)! We all know how instagramable Crazy Daisies is during the warm summer months but who knew they decorated this much for the winter?
Gingerbread Gallery
Credit: syracuse.com
A few steps from Water Street Bagel is a gingerbread gallery! Grab your favorite bagel sandwich and waltz over to the Erie Canal Museum. Open all the way through January, you can find countless impressive gingerbread houses on display. Admission to the museum is only $10. Walk through the rows of houses as well as take in the delicious smell of gingerbread. I honestly can’t think of anything better!
Dickens Christmas Village in Skaneateles
Credit: theactivetimes.com
Although in Syracuse, just a short drive away is the Dickens Christmas Village in the cute town of Skaneateles. This town already looks like it could come right out of a holiday Hallmark movie. This time of year, the village sets up their shop to make it look like they are part of the old tale of a Christmas Carol. So nostalgic! It occurs on Saturdays for only a couple of weekends in December, so go there ASAP!
Whether you go ice skating with friends or just take a solo drive through the amazing light show, these little holiday activities might make you feel a little more festive as finals can be pretty stressful. Syracuse, at times, can feel like a super small place with not a whole lot to do. However, the city really puts on its holiday spirit with fun things to do all through the cold winter months!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from UGirl!
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest