Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.
Friday, Nov. 30
Festival of Trees Opening Day. Noon-5 p.m.; through Dec. 9. (Open during museum hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Dec. 9, noon-9 p.m.) See beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other displays, donated by local individuals and organizations. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $8/person. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.
Kids Minecraft. 3:30-4:30 p.m.; also Dec. 14. Kids in grades 3-5 can hang out and play on the library’s server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Girls Who Code. 3:30 p.m. Girls age 10 and up can learn about the library’s new computer science club at this information session. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org.
Manga Mania Book Club. 4 p.m. Young people ages 12-18 will read and discuss manga and have snacks. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.
Syracuse City Ballet Nutcracker.
7 p.m.; also Dec. 1 & 2. Syracuse City Ballet artists and children perform the tale of a young girl who ventures into an enchanted world after saving a dashing prince. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20-$75 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. syracusecityballet.com.
A New Heart. 7 p.m. In this ballet, subtitled “A Christmas Tale of Forgiveness,” members of the Christian dance company perform. Believers’ Chapel, 7912 Thompson Road, Cicero. $15/door; free/age 5 & under. lightoftheworldballet.com.
Elf the Musical. 8 p.m.; through Jan. 6. In this musical adaptation of the movie that starred Will Farrell, Buddy journeys from the North Pole to New York City in search of his human family. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $25-$59 (plus fees). (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Holiday Pancake Breakfast. 9 a.m.-noon. Eat a tasty meal including pancakes, sausage and a beverage, and get a chance to see Santa. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3-$5/person. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Dec. 2. Dozens of crafters, as well as food and music. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Admission: $2-$5/adult; free/age 16 & younger or 65 & older. (315) 472-5478. peacecouncil.net/plowshares.
Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Dec. 15, 22 & 29. Kids can read to a friendly dog from Paws Inc. of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschool-aged children, accompanied by an adult, can take part in this music and movement class. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524.
Family Film. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. See A Muppet Christmas Carol. Included with admission. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $8/person. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.
Pups ’n Pages. 11 a.m.-noon.; also Dec. 15. All ages can read to or just hang out with one of the Canine Caring Angels. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032.
Rice Creek Story Hour. 11 a.m. Elementary-aged children, especially, will enjoy tales of animals’ wild ways and how humans relate to the natural world; all ages are welcome. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek/.
Musical Holiday Storytime and Santa Pictures. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children can hear holiday stories, sing carols to live music, make crafts, and get photos taken with Santa. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. In the Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presentation, children in the audience can help the very nearsighted Prince figure out why Sleeping Beauty falls asleep every time she hears her name. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.
Syracuse City Ballet Nutcracker. 1 & 6 p.m.; also Dec. 2. See Nov. 30 listing.
Polar Express Pajama Party. 5-6 p.m.; also Dec. 7, 8 & 15. Children can take part in interactive activities and visit with Santa Claus. Then they can see The Polar Express in the six-story IMAX theater (6 p.m.). Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $15/party and movie ticket. (315) 425-9068. most.org.
Harry Potter in Concert.
7:30 p.m.; also Dec. 2. See the movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets while Symphoria performs John Williams’ score. Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $41-$71 (plus fees). ticketmaster.com.
Sunday, Dec. 2
HANUKKAH BEGINS
Syracuse City Ballet Nutcracker. 10 a.m. (sensory-friendly performance) & 2 p.m. See Nov. 30 listing.
Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.
Fun with Liquid Nitrogen. Noon-12:30 p.m.; Sundays in December. A MOST science educator teaches about substance phase changes and how objects are affected by extreme cold. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free for student teams taking part in the competition. Admission: $12/adults; $10/ages 2-15. (315) 425-9068.
Teddy Bear Tea. 1-3 p.m. Refreshments, live entertainment, art activities, and the Teddy Bear Parade. (An event of the Everson Museum of Art.) Grand Ballroom, Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse. $25 (includes Festival of Trees admission). Reservations required: everson.org/FOT18. (315) 474-6064.
Harry Potter in Concert. 1 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.
Sharing the Gift of Song. 4 p.m. Members of Syracuse Children’s Chorus perform songs about the season of winter and winter holidays observed by different faiths and cultures. Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts St., Syracuse. $10/adults; $5/ages 5-16; free/under 5. (315) 478-0582. syracusechildrenschorus.org.
Voices of Faith Concert. 7 p.m. An evening of carols, classical and seasonal music. Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Drive, Camillus. Free will offering. (315) 488-3139.
Monday, Dec. 3
Gaming for Adults with Special Needs. 1:30-3 p.m. Adults with special needs can play Wii games and board games; caregivers must remain in the room. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Sensory Friendly Films. 6-8 p.m. Sound will be turned low, lights will be left on, and patrons can talk, sing or dance during screenings of Shrek the Halls and Arthur Christmas. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 4
First Steps. 9:30-10 a.m.; also Dec. 11 & 18. Children who are good walkers, up to age 3, can with a caregiver take part in a program with music, movement, crafts and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Baby Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Dec. 11 & 18. Babies and caregivers can share rhymes, songs, stories and signs in this language-building program. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Dec. 12, 19 & 26. Share the love of books with children of all ages. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.
Early Learners Storytime. 11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 12 & 19. Children ages 2-4, with an accompanying adult, can enjoy stories, interactive rhymes, songs and a craft. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Merry Mischief. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the library and lead a sing-along. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Teen Writer’s Guild. 4-5 p.m.; also Dec. 13 & 20. Join fellow teens to write in any of a variety of genres, receive feedback and get support. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. ffl.org.
Christmas Concert. 6:30 p.m. The Lyncourt Community Band, conducted by Ray Sturge, barbershop chorus Harmony Katz and The Katz Meow perform holiday music and songs. St. Daniel School gym, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 432-1005.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 p.m. (preview); through Dec. 16. A live show based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, with a score by Vince Guaraldi. Redhouse Arts Center, 400 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $37 (including service fee). (315) 362-2785. theredhouse.org.
Friday, Dec. 7
Junior Home School Nature Series. 10 a.m.-noon. Homeschool students ages 5-10 can learn about how fish adapt to winter conditions. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. $8/class. Preregistration & payment required: (315) 365-3588. http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma.
Free to Be. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Children from infants to age 6 can take part in this early childhood music and acting class with live guitar music, creating unique lyrics. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Holiday Craft Buffet. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Kids ages 4-12 can drop in to make a variety of crafts. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Marie and the Nutcracker Prince. 6 & 8 p.m. An interactive theatrical experience inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s original tale is set in Russia on the verge of revolution. Presented by Breadcrumbs Productions. Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn. $20. (413) 344-7997.
breadcrumbsproductions.com.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 6 listing.
Saturday, Dec. 8
Holiday Craft. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All ages of children can create a seasonal craft with provided materials. (Part of Holidays in the City programming.) Central Library, KidSpace (Level 2), 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 9, 15, 16 & 23. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while the kids share Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and create a holiday craft. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Cost includes zoo admission: $18/general; free/age 2 & younger. Reservations required: (315) 435-8511, Ext. 113. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Dasher’s Magical Gift. 11 a.m. In a lively narrated ballet for children, performed by students from Dance Centre North, a crisis arises in the days before Christmas when Santa’s fastest reindeer, Dasher, loses his ability to fly. Presented by CNY Arts. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $10-$19. (315) 299-5598.
Rice Creek Rambles. 11 a.m.; also Dec. 15. Explore trails, woods and wetlands with a naturalist on a family-friendly hike. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. Call day of to check trail conditions: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek/.
Santa’s Satellite North. Noon-4 p.m.; also Dec. 16. Children with special needs (including sensory issues among others) can visit with Santa in a peaceful, non-commercial setting. 9217 Caughdenoy Road, Brewerton. Call Elf Liz for a 15-minute appointment: (315) 264-0821; or email: satellitenorth@yahoo.com.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer. Noon-4 p.m.; also Dec. 9. Meet, pet and take photos with Comet and Prancer. Part of Holidays in the City; other events include free holiday trolley at stops downtown (Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m.; Dec. 9, noon-3 p.m.); live ice carving demos (Dec. 8 & 9, 1-2:30 p.m.); Santa visit at the Galleries of Syracuse (Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m.; Dec. 9, noon-3 p.m.; advance registration required). Hanover Square, Syracuse. Free. holidaysinsyr.com.
Polar Express Day. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Children of all ages can make themed crafts, eat popcorn and more. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. Registration recommended:
maxwellmemoriallibrary.org. (315) 672-3661.
Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.
Santa Saturday. 1-4 p.m. Enjoy the Festival of Trees, meet Santa, engage in art making, and have a drink and cookies. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $12/adults; $10/children. (315) 474-6064. everson.org/FOT18.
Ukulele for Beginners. 1-2:30 p.m. Pat Doherty teaches a class for newcomers to the ukulele. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Caroling in the Woods. 7-8:30 p.m. Pick up a song sheet and take part in a Baltimore Woods tradition; bring treats to share with fellow carolers. Lanterns provided. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Free. (315) 673-1350. Registration requested: baltimorewoods.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 6 listing.
Marie and the Nutcracker Prince. 7:30 p.m.; also Dec. 22 & 23. An interactive theatrical experience inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s original tale is set in Russia on the verge of revolution. Presented by Breadcrumbs Productions. SALTspace, 104 Marcellus St., Syracuse. $15. (413) 344-7997.
breadcrumbsproductions.com.
Sunday, Dec. 9
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 15, 16 & 23. See Dec. 8 listing.
Christmas Cookie Cafe. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Create custom cookie trays from dozens of homemade varieties. Bring your own tray or buy a tray. Columbian Presbyterian Church, Routes 20 & 11, LaFayette. $10/pound. (315) 677-3293.
columbianpresbyterianchurch.com.
Holidays with the Animals. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch animals receive enrichment “gifts” that they can open and play with while demonstrating natural behaviors. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults; $5/senior citizens; $4/children; free/age 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer. Noon-3 p.m. See Dec. 8 listing.
Montessori School Open House. 2-4 p.m. Parents and prospective students can learn about the Montessori school that serves children ages 3-12. Montessori School of Syracuse, 155 Waldorf Parkway, Syracuse. (315) 449-9033. mssyr.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2 p.m. (an ASL interpretation performance); through Dec. 16. See Dec. 6 listing.
Voices of Faith Choir Concert. 3 p.m. Carols and classical music with the Voices of Faith Choir and guest performers. A social gathering follows the concert. Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 927 Park Ave., Syracuse. Free will offering. (315) 422-2343.
Monday, Dec. 10
Minecraft Nights. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kids can compete with others their age with survival mode turned on. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Homeschoolers ages 5-11 can learn with hands-on activities. Parents and siblings welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.
(315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Teen MOPS. 5-7 p.m. Young mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 569-2542.
Christmas TV Specials. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Watch Christmas TV specials including Charlie Brown Christmas, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and more. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also Dec. 19. Teens can play board games in the first session of the month and video games in the second. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.
(315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Dec. 13
Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Dec. 27. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by a caregiver, can hear some stories and go on a trail walk. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $4/parking.
(315) 638-2519.
Smartplay. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children age 6 and under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374.
fflib.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 6 listing.
Star Party. 7-9 p.m. Using a telescope, look for the Geminid meteor shower, and possibly see the area surrounding Orion, and various nebulae and clusters. Dress warmly. (Backup date: Dec. 14.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.
Disney on Ice. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. Characters from a variety of Disney films—including Lightning McQueen, Buzz Lightyear, Anna and Elsa—appear in the “Worlds of Enchantment” show. War Memorial Arena, Oncenter, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $22-$125 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. ticketmaster.com.
Friday, Dec. 14
Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m. Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist.org/Tots.
Preschool Books and Cooks. Noon-2 p.m. Children ages 3-5 and their families can discover books and recipes. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required:
lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.
Christmas Caroling. 1-4 p.m. Join the singers in this United Methodist new faith community’s one-day-a-year choir, or simply hand out candy canes and gifts to the residents of Ahepa 37 senior living apartments. Wholely Grounds at the ROAD, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 414-9051. wholelygroundsattheroad.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 6 listing.
Disney on Ice. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 13 listing.
Saturday, Dec. 15
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 16 & 23. See Dec. 8 listing.
Disney on Ice. 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 13 listing.
Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2 & 7 p.m.; through Dec. 16. See Dec. 6 listing.
Family Dance. 6:30 p.m. People of all ages can take part in fun and simple dances to live music. United Church of Fayetteville, 310 E. Genesee St.- Fayetteville. $2/adults; $1/teens & kids.
syracusecountrydancers.org/community-dance/.
Sunday, Dec. 16
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 23. See Dec. 8 listing.
Disney on Ice. Noon & 4 p.m. See Dec. 13 listing.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2 p.m. See Dec. 6 listing.
Monday, Dec. 17
Teen Minecraft. 3-4:30 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 can hang out and play on the library’s server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m. Parents can learn how to organize their home spaces and schedules for homeschooling in this session. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 18
See Ongoing Events
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Safe Place to Game. 4-6 p.m. Kids ages 7-18 can learn to play games such as Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and more. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.
Winter Wonderland Storytime. 6-6:45 p.m. Enjoy a wintery mix of tales. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Thursday, Dec. 20
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. 4 & 8 p.m. The international touring ballet company returns to Syracuse for its holiday performance. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $28-$175 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. (800) 745-3000. ticketmaster.com.
Teen Gingerbread Houses. 6-7:30 p.m. Young people in grades 6-12 can build structures using provided supplies. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required:
(315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Friday, Dec. 21
WINTER BEGINS
Solstice Hike. 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about ancient solstice traditions on a lantern-lit hike through the woods; snowshoes provided. For age 8 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.
Saturday, Dec. 22
Saturday STEAM. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Children ages 5-10 can do hands-on activities and experiments. Parents and siblings are welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.
(315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.
Sunday, Dec. 23
Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon. See Dec. 8 listing.
Monday, Dec. 24
See Ongoing Events
Tuesday, Dec. 25
CHRISTMAS
See Ongoing Events
Wednesday, Dec. 26
KWANZAA BEGINS
Create Kwanzaa Crafts. 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Children of all ages can make projects in honor of Kwanzaa. Central Library, KidSpace (Level 2), 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.
Boxing Day Crafts. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids can make soccer, fancy hats and high tea crafts; all materials provided. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
High Tea on Boxing Day. 2-4 p.m. All ages can enjoy tea and scones in this exploration of British traditions. Wear a fascinator or make one with provided materials. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required:
lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.
Thursday, Dec. 27
Building Day. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids of all ages can use their imaginations and skills with building kits. Central Library, KidSpace (Level 2), 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.
Jeff the Magic Man. 2-3 p.m. Jeff performs a holiday-themed magic show. At the end, he’ll twist a balloon creation for each child. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484.
The Shimmering Winter Sky. 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to identify constellations and major stars. Bring a flashlight with a red filter. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Friday, Dec. 28
Dino Feet vs. Junk Creatures. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids of all ages can raid the recycling bin to make dinosaur feet or junk creatures. Central Library, KidSpace (Level 2), 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.
Friendship Crafts. 3-4:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can make crafts such as friendship bracelets and more. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.
Saturday, Dec. 29
Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of an epidemiologist with hands-on activities. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.
Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.
Sunday, Dec. 30
See Ongoing Events
Monday, Dec. 31
Noon Year’s Eve at the Zoo. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ring in the “noon” year with entertainment, games, crafts, and a sparkling-juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults (ages 19-61); $5/over age 62; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511.
FFL Noon Year’s Eve Party. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids and parents can ring in the New Year with an event that features music, dancing, crafts, snacks, and a countdown at noon. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
Donna B. Performance. Noon-2 p.m. Children of all ages can rock in the New Year with Miss Donna B. Participants can also get their faces painted. Central Library, KidSpace (Level 2), 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.
Tuesday, Jan. 1
NEW YEAR’S DAY
See Ongoing Events
Wednesday, Jan. 2
First Snow Leopard Day. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See snow leopards, Humboldt penguins, red wolves and other animals for half price through Feb. 28. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission January and February: $4/adults; $2.50/age 62 & up; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511.
ONGOING EVENTS
Lights on the Lake. 5-10 p.m., daily; through Jan. 6. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays, themed sections and a grand finale. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $6/car, Mondays & Tuesdays with Wegmans Shoppers Club card. $10/car, Monday-Thursday; $20/car, Friday-Sunday. (315) 453-6712.
Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; through Jan. 6. (Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1.) Dec. 24 & 31: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See a fantastical village of houses, boats and more, built with gingerbread, candy, crackers and other edible items. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. $7/adults; $5/seniors; $2/age 12 & under. (315) 471-0593.
Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Saturdays & Sundays, noon-4 p.m., through Dec. 23; plus Dec. 24, noon-2:30 p.m. More than 50 Victorian characters, including the author of A Christmas Carol himself, fill the village of Skaneateles, on Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets. Free. (315) 685-0552. skaneateles.com.
Horsedrawn Sleigh (or Hay) Rides. Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Dec. 15-Feb. 24. Also Dec. 26-Jan. 1; Jan. 14 & Feb. 18. A 20-minute ride into the woods.Highland Forest Park, County Road 128, Fabius. $6/adults; $3/age 5 & under. (315) 683-5550.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Thursdays, 5 p.m. Members of the community can join in making more than a hundred bagged lunches to hand out to the hungry and homeless in downtown Syracuse. The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 218-6066. wholelygroundsattheroad.org.
Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails. Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900-foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and wetland and grassland restoration areas. The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. (315) 697-2950.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. Snowshoe rental: $5/day. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.
Regional Market Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paintings and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 2100 Park St., Syracuse. (315) 422-8647.
