Mayor Owens Announces Annual 'Home For The Holidays' Tree Lighting

Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens announced the "Home for the Holidays" annual Tree Lighting celebration on Friday, Nov. 27 at 6:00 p.m. in Clinton Square. The City of Syracuse will continue the cherished tradition of lighting the 42-foot-tall tree in the heart of Downtown Syracuse the day after Thanksgiving.

"The Tree Lighting Ceremony is an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate the unity of the holiday season and enjoy all that makes Syracuse special", said Mayor Owens. "As the first tree lighting of my administration, I look forward to creating new traditions with residents and visitors."

Returning to host this year's ceremony will be 95x's Marty and will include performances by Bellegrove Baptist Choir and the Syracuse Figure Skating Club.

This year, the City is launching a new tradition called "Together Under One Tree" where residents are invited to celebrate the diverse cultures that shape Syracuse by bringing small flags representing their heritage or country of origin to place at the base of the tree during the lighting ceremony.

"Syracuse is a city built on the contributions of people from many backgrounds and cultures," said Mayor Owens. "The holiday season reminds us of the values that unite us, and we are proud to provide a space to celebrate the stories and traditions behind every flag, knowing that every person and story has a place here."

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. An accessible viewing area will be available on the east side of Clinton Square, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Youth selected as winners in the City Parks Department Winter Art Contest will join Mayor Owens on stage to help light the tree. 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 "Holidays of the Future."

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 artwork and submitting via email to [email protected]

2. Dropping the artwork at the main Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs office, (412 Spencer St., Syracuse, NY 13204).

Submissions must include name, age, school, parent or guardian name, phone number and email address.

The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open on Nov. 27, weather permitting, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and immediately following the tree lighting, with extended hours until 9:30 p.m. Credit card and cash payment are accepted.

For Media Inquiries

Related Information

• Communications
• Media Relations
• Media Relations Policy