City of Syracuse, NY

11/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2025 09:34

Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting 2025 Plans Announced

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Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting 2025 Plans Announced

Published on November 06, 2025

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced plans today for the "Home for the Holidays" annual Tree Lighting celebration on Friday, Nov. 28th at 6 p.m. in Clinton Square. The 42-foot-tall tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse will remain the focal point of celebrations, continuing the cherished tradition of lighting the tree the day after Thanksgiving.

"Tree Lighting is a time-honored tradition to celebrate the beginning of holiday season as a community, weaving our unique backgrounds into one shared tradition". said Mayor Walsh.
Returning to host will be 95x's Marty. The celebration will kick off with a performance by Sydney Irving, a local indie/pop-rock artist, from 6 to 6:20 p.m., followed by a performance by Trumptight 315 and closing with the lighting of the tree at approximately 7 p.m.
Five area youth will join Mayor Ben Walsh on stage to help light up the Christmas Tree. 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;-13-15; and 16-18. The theme of this year's art contest is "A Perfect Snow Day in Syracuse".
How to enter:
  • Youth between the ages 4-18 will create a freehand drawing showcasing the theme.
  • Submission may be made by:
  1. Taking a photo of your child's drawing and submit via email to [email protected]
  2. Dropping off the artwork at the following locations during designated operating hours:
    Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation Office
    Cecile Community Center
    Magnarelli Community Center
    Seals Community Center at Kirk Park
    Southwest Community Center
    Wilson Park Community Center
  3. Make sure to include name, age, school, parent name, phone number, and email with submission.
The holiday mailbox will be placed on the east side of Clinton Square next to the tree for children to drop off letters for the North Pole on the night of tree lighting. To receive a response from the North Pole, letters dropped off must include a complete return address, a child's first name and last initial, 2-3 holiday wishes, their favorite Syracuse holiday traditions, and the full name of a parent or guardian.
An accessible viewing area will be available on the east side of Clinton Square, next to the tree, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traffic and Parking:
There is no charge for street parking on Nov. 28. The following streets will be closed from mid-afternoon to approximately 8 p.m.:
  • 200 block of West Water Street: from South Clinton Street to South Franklin Street
  • Clinton Street: from West Genesee Street to East Washington Street
  • Erie Boulevard West: from North Clinton Street to North Franklin Street
  • North Clinton Street: from Herald Place to Genesee Street
  • North Salina Street and South Salina Street: from East Willow Street to East Washington Street
  • West Genesee Street: from Franklin Street to Salina Street
  • James Street: from North Salina Street to North Warren Street
  • 100 block of East Water Street and East Genesse Street: from South Salina Street to South Warren Street
  • Erie Boulevard East: from North Salina Street to North Warren Street
Ice Skating at Clinton Square:
The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open for skating on Nov. 28 following the tree lighting celebration with extended hours until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Credit card and cash payment are accepted. Patrons can visit https://www.syr.gov/clintonsquareicerink for a full list of hours and fees.
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City of Syracuse, NY published this content on November 06, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 06, 2025 at 15:34 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]