"Home for the Holidays" Tree Lighting 2023

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 selected 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:

1. Youth between the ages 4-12 need to create a freehand drawing showcasing this year's theme of "Winter Fun in Syracuse".
2. Take a picture of your child’s drawing and e-mail it to: ParksYouthRecreation@syrgov.net by Friday, November 17 at 5 p.m.
3. Make sure you include: name, age, school, parent name, phone #, and e-mail.

List of Events and Activities

Clinton Square Ice Skating

The Clinton Square Ice Rink will be open for skating on Nov. 24 after the tree lighting, with extended hours till 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 www.syr.gov/clintonsquareicerink

John Dunn Ice Skating
The John Dunn Ice Rink, 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 www.syr.gov/dunnicerink for a full list of hours. 

Sunnycrest Ice Skating
The Sunnycrest Ice Rink, located on the City's east side next to Henninger High School is also open for ice skating, Noon 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 www.syr.gov/sunnycresticerink 

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 Clinton Street to Franklin Street
• Clinton Street, from West Genesee Street to Washington Street
• Erie Blvd. West, from Clinton Street to Franklin Street
• Clinton Street, from Herald Place to Genesee Street
• Salina Street, from Willow Street to Washington Street
• Genesee Street, from Franklin Street to Salina Street
• James Street, from Salina Street to Warren Street
• 100 block of Water Street and East Genesee Street, from Salina Street to Warren Street
• Erie Blvd. East, from Salina Street to Warren Street