Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens announced the city’s annual Home for the Holidays tree‑lighting celebration, scheduled for Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. in Clinton Square. The 42‑foot‑tall tree, a beloved fixture in downtown Syracuse, will be illuminated the day after Thanksgiving, continuing a cherished local tradition.
Mayor’s Vision for the First Tree Lighting of Her Administration
“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,” Owens said in a news release. “As the first tree lighting of my administration, I look forward to creating new traditions with residents and visitors.”
New “Together Under One Tree” Celebration
This year the city is adding a new tradition called “Together Under One Tree.”strong> Residents are invited to bring small flags representing their heritage or country of origin and place them at the base of the tree during the ceremony. Owens emphasized the city’s multicultural roots: “Syracuse is a city built on the contributions of people from many backgrounds and cultures. 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.”
Entertainment and Community Participation
Returning to host the event will be local favorite 95x’s Marty, who will serve as master of ceremonies. Musical performances will be provided by the Bellegrove Baptist Choir and the Syracuse Figure Skating Club. Youth winners of the City Parks Department’s Winter Art Contest will join the mayor on stage to help light the tree. One winner will be selected from each age group: 4‑6, 7‑9, 10‑12, 13‑15, and 16‑18. This year’s contest theme is “Holidays of the Future.”
How to Enter the Winter Art Contest
Children ages 4‑18 may submit a free‑hand drawing that reflects the theme. Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or dropped off at the main Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs office (412 Spencer St., Syracuse, NY 13204). Each entry must include the child’s name, age, school, parent or guardian name, phone number, and email address.
Additional Holiday Activities
The Clinton Square Ice Rink will open on Nov. 27, weather permitting, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will remain open after the tree lighting with extended hours until 9:30 p.m. Both credit‑card and cash payments are accepted. A holiday mailbox will be placed on the east side of the square for children to drop letters for the North Pole on the night of the lighting. An accessible viewing area will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Community Impact
The event underscores Mayor Owens’ commitment to fostering community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing family‑friendly holiday experiences. By inviting residents to display their heritage flags and involving local youth in the ceremony, the city aims to strengthen the sense of belonging that defines Syracuse during the season of giving.
For more information about the tree lighting, the art contest, or ice‑rink hours, residents can visit the City of Syracuse website or contact the Parks Department directly.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
