Good morning, Syracuse.

This weekend, Central New York hosts festive events – from an It’s a Wonderful Life festival in Seneca Falls and Syracuse Crunch’s ogre-themed game on Saturday to STEM sessions, artisan markets, and fundraisers planned through Sunday.

Residents can enjoy a variety of holiday activities across the region.

Recess Coffee on Tipperary Hill reopened at 1 p.m. on Friday (Dec.

12) after a fire in the apartment above and a subsequent pipe burst caused damage; no injuries were reported, though one person was displaced.

Country singer Dylan Scott will kick off his 2026 tour at Landmark Theatre in Syracuse on March 12, 2026 with special guest 12/OC opening at 7:30 p.m.—tickets are on sale now.

Local census data shows that unemployment for Hispanic workers at 11.5% and Black workers at 13% in Syracuse significantly exceeds 4% for white workers, prompting workforce experts to call for better training and job outreach ahead of the planned Micron Technology project in Clay.

Outreach efforts aim to assist all job seekers.

The new STEAM High School in Syracuse now accepts applications from current 8th graders, and an open house is set for Tuesday, Dec.

16 at 701 Warren St. S & East Adams St. Students may earn up to 30 free college credits through local partnerships.

Syracuse University's Summer High School Internship Program expanded this summer to include chemistry and environmental sciences along with physics, where local students worked with faculty & returning peer mentors on hands-on projects.

The program, supported by the university and school district, helps break financial barriers for aspiring STEM professionals.

As of Thursday, Dec. 11, the Syracuse-led Golden Snowball contest recorded 33.7 inches of snow—nearly double the normal average—with Rochester, Buffalo, Albany and Binghamton trailing.

The contest tracks snowfall in five key cities and will continue as winter gathers pace.

The New York DEC issued nine environmental permits to support Micron's construction in Clay, including measures for wetlands and endangered species — a draft air permit now invites public comment until Wednesday, Dec.

17.

The Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation has expanded programming to support collaborative health research and veteran well-being through new pilot grant programs and a student research cohort.

Grant applications will open (Jan. 20 to Feb. 12) as the center plans additional workshops and community engagement initiatives.

Joe Lunardi, the ESPN bracketologist and Syracuse alum, offered early remarks on the team’s tournament hopes after Syracuse beat St. Joseph’s 71-63 at the JMA Wireless Dome on Thursday — he said the Orange showed promise with wins over Tennessee yet must win key ACC games.

In Thursday night's game at the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse edged St. Joseph's 71-63 despite being out-rebounded by 10 as the Orange struggled with rebounding.

Center William Kyle logged 12 points and 11 rebounds while coach Adrian Autry said the team must improve on the boards.

Syracuse linebacker Fatim Diggs, brother of NFL player Fadil Diggs, said he will enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan.

2. He joins other Orange players who have seen limited playing time and are seeking a new opportunity.

Chittenango sophomore Alivia Cavotta announced on Instagram that she will play softball at Le Moyne, becoming the third sibling to play college sports (her siblings have also competed at the college level) and aims to compete at the Division I level this spring.

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.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Tickets from $86 — Experience the magic of holiday ballet with the World Ballet Company's enchanting performance of The Nutcracker.

Disney On Ice - Mickey's Search Party

4:00-5:30 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey with Mickey and friends in this enchanting ice show.

Open Mic Night with ATTAMIZK & Friends

8:30-11 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $7.17 — Enjoy a night of live Americana music at Syracuse's vibrant open mic event.

Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting ice show featuring Mickey and friends on a thrilling adventure.

New Year’s Eve Party with Sophistafunk and Special Guests

8:30 PM - 1:00 AM — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $29.30 — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a night of funk, hip hop, and special guests including sax legend Sam Kininger.