Good morning, Syracuse.

The Salvation Army is accepting registrations for holiday assistance in Syracuse—families and individuals can sign up until December 11 to get a food basket and gifts for children 17 and under.

The distribution event will take place on December 17 at The Oncenter.

Today, the 38th annual Lights of Love event illuminated the Crouse Hospital clock tower with 3,000 lights to honor loved ones and raise funds for hospital services and community programs—over $40,000 has been collected so far.

Tim Kennedy of Crouse Health said the money will pay for clock tower renovations and launch the Crouse Women's Health Institute to improve personalized care for women across Central New York.

A Syracuse TV station changed its call letters from WTVH CBS 5 to WKOF CBS 5 on Dec 1, and viewers with antennas may need to re-scan their channels to continue watching CBS — the station still airs CBS network programming and local news.

Sinclair Broadcast Group operates the station, which remains a CBS affiliate.

Eight faculty members in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and five Universitywide organizations in Syracuse were named among more than 2,400 recipients of NYSCA awards for 2026.

The funding includes $110,000 for groups such as Community Folk Art Center, Light Work, Punto de Contacto, Syracuse Stage, and Syracuse University Art Museum, and $10,000 Support for Artist awards for projects—like Aphrodite’s Conception and Night Field.

Syracuse scientists teamed with international partners to combine data from the T2K and NOvA neutrino experiments and shed light on why matter prevailed over antimatter after the Big Bang — the study published in Nature shows that using each experiment’s strengths provides new insight into the cosmic puzzle. Professor Denver Whittington and his students helped monitor the experiments and analyze the data, a contribution that may guide future research in particle physics.

Faculty and staff must apply by Dec.

5 for reduced health plan contributions and dependent care subsidies — eligibility is based on household income and size — and they must also submit required supplemental insurance forms if elected during Open Enrollment.

Residents are preparing for a quick snow storm today in Syracuse that is expected to deposit 3 to 5 inches of snow, reducing shoveling compared to the heavier Black Friday event.

The snow will begin in the morning, peak at midday, and taper off by early evening—travelers should plan for slippery roads.

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program began Dec.

1 after a record 43‐day shutdown delayed the process—local officials said eligible households may receive up to $996 based on income, household size, heating method and presence of a vulnerable member. Governor Hochul set specific income limits and residents can apply at local social services offices either online, by mail or in person.

Attorney General Letitia James delivered more than $100,000 worth of baby formula from Marine Park Distribution to the Food Bank of Central New York for local families.

The donation comes from a $675,000 settlement following price gouging during the 2022 baby formula shortage—over 7,000 bottles and cans were secured to help families access needed nourishment.

Central New Yorkers can now apply for HEAP to get up to $1,000 help with energy bills as cold weather sets in.

The federal shutdown delayed the application period by more than a month and county social services will process the forms.

Central New York observed World AIDS Day yesterday as ACR Health prepares outreach events, with one event scheduled for Wednesday in Utica + another planned for Thursday in Syracuse.

CEO Lisa Alford said new HIV infections continue among vulnerable groups + stressed that increased testing is needed.

Kinney Drugs partnered with EnlivenHealth to offer free Medicare Part D plan comparisons for seniors — the service is available by phone or online — and seniors can compare plans until December 7.

National Grid is urging residents to use safe holiday decorating practices as they set up indoor and outdoor displays this season.

The guidelines advise testing smoke alarms, keeping lights and cords away from water, and avoiding overloaded circuits to prevent fires and injuries.

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.

Grateful Upstate Toodeloo

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Age 18+ — Celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead with talented local jam bands.

Guys and Dolls Musical Performance

7 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the charm of New York City through the engaging romantic comedy of gambling and love.