Good morning, Syracuse.

Syracuse's Hancock Airport is expected to be busy today+ officials advise travelers to arrive early to catch their flights.

The City of Syracuse will close several downtown streets on Friday, Nov.

28 from mid-afternoon until 9 p.m. for the annual Home for the Holidays tree lighting ceremony—residents should plan their routes accordingly.

The Food Bank of Central New York is facing a surge in demand as Thanksgiving nears — officials are preparing additional support to help local residents in need.

Syracuse Stage was chosen by the Dramatists Guild Foundation for the Lucille Lortel Foundation Indigenous Theatermaker Award—an honor that comes with a $20,000 grant to support its work in uplifting Indigenous theatermakers in our community.

The stage has a long history of showcasing Indigenous stories and partnerships that enrich the local arts scene.

Syracuse University alumna Amanda Eke became the first Black woman to host a show on The Archaeology Channel and PBS by turning her love for poetry, film and culture into The Poet Speaks & a top-chart podcast, and she plans to share stories from local neighborhoods and international places in future seasons.

A LendingTree report using 2023 American Community Survey data showed that 29.5% of Syracuse households with opposite-sex couples have a female breadwinner, making the city second only to New Haven.

National figures reveal women score higher than their male partners in just over one fourth of households—highlighting regional economic differences.

Whitman School’s graduate business program jumped from rank 24 to 17 in The Princeton Review’s rankings for entrepreneurship while its undergraduate program stayed at 11—proving its strong focus on innovation.

Chair Maria Minniti said the rise shows the school’s hard work by leadership, faculty and students—supporting its commitment to excellent business education.

Newhouse School students produced Unlocking NY, a multimedia project with over 30 stories about the Erie Canal's 200th anniversary published November 25.

Professor Jon Glass and fellow students worked with media partners—documenting statewide bicentennial events and diverse community impacts in real time.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed Bill A.7929A/S.4153A that will require retail and food service establishments in New York to accept cash payments—ensuring customers can pay with cash everywhere, and businesses must follow this new law.

Syracuse-area home sales jumped 9 percent in October while median prices rose 13 percent to $260,000—realtors say lower mortgage rates are drawing more buyers and sellers.

The Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors expects this strong trend to boost sales into early next year.

The Greater Syracuse Land Bank submitted an application for state funding under MOVE-IN NY to build 52 factory-built, single-family houses on selected vacant lots in neighborhoods such as Brighton and North Valley.

The agency expects a state decision next month and will work this winter to secure permits so that construction can begin in late spring — with one new home built each week once the program is fully running.

Syracuse home values increased 77.6% since October 2019 and ranked fifth in the nation, with current market data showing over 10,265 closed sales and rising median prices—trends that suggest growth spurred by ongoing construction in the area.

Data from Onondaga County also showed a 4.8% rise in new listings and a 9.8% increase in homes for sale.

Gingerbread Gallery Grand Opening

4-6 p.m. — Erie Canal Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive gingerbread creations, cookies, cocoa, and live music.

Live Like Liam 5K Run & Walk

8:30-10 a.m. — Jamesville-DeWitt High School — Registration required — Celebrate life and community while supporting children with special needs in honor of Liam Zoghby.

Anime Night Before Christmas

7-11 p.m. — The Song & Dance — Ticketed event — Experience the blend of anime culture with live music, vendors, and cosplay fun.

Syracuse City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Cost TBD — Enjoy the annual holiday favorite as Syracuse City Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life.

Syracuse City Ballet's The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of the holiday season with the annual presentation of The Nutcracker by the Syracuse City Ballet.

The Bog Brothers Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $13.07 — Experience a lively evening of Americana music with The Bog Brothers, a local favorite blending roots and folk styles.

Guys and Dolls

7-10 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Check website for ticket pricing — A classic musical filled with charm and wit set in New York City.

Twelve Twenty Four: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute

6-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — $— Experience an electrifying holiday spectacle with the nation's original TSO tribute band featuring soaring guitars and dazzling lights.

Christmas Candlelight Classics

7 PM — Inspiration Hall — Sold out — Experience traditional holiday favorites performed in an intimate setting with family-friendly charm.

Open Mic Night Featuring J. Heathen

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — 18+ — Enjoy an evening of Americana vibes with local talents at this open mic night.