It is Christmas week in Central New York.
Between shopping for those last-minute gifts, wrapping presents, baking cookies and dashing off to holiday parties, you might not have noticed that there are several chances this week to get out of the house for some relaxing fun.
We have you covered.
There are several live theater choices, including “The Nutcracker,” Disney on Ice, and the traditional day after Christmas GREAT Salt City Blues concert and more.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at [email protected].
Monday
Art Mart
Looking for the last-minute Christmas gift? Perhaps something unique and original, created by a local artist and crafter? The Art Mart at the Syracuse Museum of Science and Technology will be open through Christmas Eve, featuring works from more than 30 local artists. Items for sale include jewelry, watercolor painting, oil painting, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glasswork, textiles, photography and other unique products. The mart is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 500 South Franklin Street, Syracuse
When: Monday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free to attend.
Art In Windows Tour Downtown Syracuse
If you are in downtown Syracuse between now and New Year’s, check out the Interactive Art in the Windows Street Gallery by MIDOMA. Visit four locations to view rotating art and fashion by NY Creatives. Installations are 231 E. Washington Street, 210 Walton Street, 400 S. Salina Street and 111 West Onondaga Street. Complete the tour with a visit to the art haus gallery at 120 Walton Street on Tuesday and Wednesday to find out more about the local art scene.
Where: Downtown Syracuse
When: 24/7 through New Year’s Eve
How much: Free
Tuesday
Mickey and Minnie Mouse
Luv Handlz frozen yogurt shop will have two famous guests at their James Street store on Tuesday. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in their finest from 5:30 to 7:30 to share the magic of the season. The iconic couple will be available for photos. No purchase necessary.
Where: 2500 James Street, Syracuse
When: Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
How much: How much
Wednesday
Dickens Christmas
A shortened version of Skaneateles’ Dickens Christmas program starts on Wednesday at noon. It runs until 2:30. It includes midday revels at 2 p.m., chestnut samples at 61 East Genesee Street and a visit with Mother Christmas on the porch of the Masonic Temple. Events are free to attend.
Where: Downtown Skaneateles
When: Wednesday from noon to 2:30 p.m.
How much: Free
Friday

Disney on Ice Presents “Road Trip Adventures”
Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his friends this weekend at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial. Running from Friday to Monday, “Road Trip Adventures” promises exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations, including Mary Poppins’ London, the Pride Lands with Simba, and sun-soaked Motunui with Moana. Tickets can be bought from Ticketmaster. Family-friendly ticket plans are available.
Where: 515 Montgomery Street, Syracuse
When: Friday through Monday at noon and 4 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $26, plus fees.

The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 9
The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 9 will once again be held this year at Syracuse’s St. George Church Hall. Some of the area’s best musicians will be celebrating Blue Wave Record’s 40th Anniversary with a special concert featuring selected songs from the extensive catalog of Blue Wave Record’s artists. Blue Wave is Central New York’s oldest nationally distributed Independent Record Label, founded in 1985 by Baldwinsville native, Greg Spencer. Scheduled to perform include Morris Tarbell, Joe Whiting, Tom Townsley, Phil Petroff and many others. Purchase your tickets here. Attendance is limited to 400 patrons. There will be ample free parking.
Where: 5083 Onondaga Road, Syracuse
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6.
How much: $30 in advance; $40 at the door if available.

World Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker”
A holiday favorite takes the stage on Friday evening at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater. The World Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker” is a vibrant holiday production filled with festive magic and timeless music, honoring the best of this beloved ballet. It features 40 professional dancers, over 150 dazzling hand-crafted costumes and exquisite hand-painted sets. This “sugar-dusted spectacle” is designed to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
Where: 411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $48.35.
Ladies Only Dance Party
Support Vera House the night after Christmas with a “Ladies Only” Dance Party at Middle Ages Beer Hall in Syracuse. Sponsored by radio station 95X, the event promises “good music, great company and plenty of room to dance and unwind.” The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets can be bought here.
Where: 120 Wilkinson Street, Syracuse
When: Friday from 7-10 p.m. Doors open at 6.
How much: $12.88
Saturday

“A Christmas Story”
Syracuse Stage’s version of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” comes to an end this weekend. This heartwarming and hilarious adaptation directed by Robert Hupp. Based on the beloved 1983 film and the stories of Jean Shepherd, the play follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift. Tickets can be purchased here.
Where: 820 East Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2.
How much: Tickets start at $35.
Sunday
Kwanzaa celebration
Celebrate the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima, collective work and responsibility, at Syracuse’s Café Sankofa from 4-6 p.m. This free and family friendly celebration includes a soul food dinner, books and gifts for children, music, and cultural activities. Please RSVP here.
Where: 2323 South Salina Street, Syracuse
When: Sunday from 4-6 p.m.
How much: Free
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.syracuse.com ’












