Good morning, Syracuse.

The Salvation Army will hold its annual Christmas Bureau event at The Oncenter on Dec.

17 with registration open until Dec. 11 for families receiving public assistance, and donations are needed to help offset rising inflation.

The Village of Manlius will host its annual Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights on Dec.

7 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Manlius Village Centre (with music, food, crafts, games, and photos with Santa) as a festive holiday event.

Central New York hosts a series of holiday events this weekend.

Enjoy Holiday Nights with festive music and a market at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the Plowshares Craftsfair at Nottingham High School, a Santa Paws fundraiser in Cicero, Christmas in Mexico festivities, and The Nutcracker performances at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater.

On Friday, Dec. 5, Freedom of Espresso Day was celebrated as Mayor Ben Walsh visited the Solar Street location at 115 Solar Street (across from Franklin Square Park) to mark the business's 30th anniversary in Syracuse.

Holiday Nights returned to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Friday, Dec.

5. The event runs every Friday and Saturday (5–8 p.m.) for the next three weeks and transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with lights, festive music, and special holiday characters.

Syracuse University College of Law student Jill Nelsen gained hands-on experience in sports and entertainment law during an internship with an alumni-founded firm (Artifex Athleta) that helped her build a professional network through events like Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week.

Funky Foodies Episode 410 aired Dec.

5 and featured tween hosts Frankie, Fern and Zara as they share kid-friendly recipes and discuss the community garden where the Ditzy Daisies and the Funkies build a growing friendship. The locally produced podcast spotlights food and environment impacts.

SUNY ESF and the Product Stewardship Institute are testing a statewide pilot to collect vape waste from September 2025 through August 2026.

The program will evaluate safe methods for disposing of batteries, plastics and nicotine residues at hazardous waste sites, vape shops and local centers.

The USPS asks local residents to verify addresses and clear sidewalks for safe deliveries this busy holiday season.

Ship packages by Dec. 17 for first class and ground mail, by Dec. 18 for priority, and by Dec. 20 for express mail — letter adoption for families in need is available until Dec. 13.

On Friday a Health & Human Services committee recommended delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until newborns are two months old, but Upstate Hospital pediatrician Steven Blatt warned that early vaccination is crucial—like buckling up before a drive (to protect against unseen risks).

LSU is reportedly targeting Syracuse Football Defensive Coordinator Elijah Robinson to join the Tigers, according to College Football Insider Pete Nakos reported Friday on X.

Head Coach Fran Brown said more details on Robinson and Offensive Coordinator Jeff Nixon’s future will come next week after a review of film.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Virgil opened new ski trails yesterday for the 2025-26 winter season — marking the first full weekend of skiing, snowboarding and tubing with 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. hours on Friday and additional trails planned for Saturday.

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.

A Tom Petty Christmas by Hard Promises

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — $ — Celebrate the holidays with classic rock tunes performed by a talented local band.

Syracuse Speed Dating Event for Singles Aged 36-49

2-4 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and efficient speed dating format.