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WEEKEND EVENTS: Holiday Tree Lighting, Christmas Musicals & Dickens Christmas arrives in the Finger Lakes (November 30th – December 2nd)

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is in! This weekend, get out and explore the Finger Lakes to discover some of the holly jolly events taking place. Feeling chilly outside? Head over to the warm Syracuse Stage to enjoy the story of Buddy the elf. Need those family photos with Santa as soon as possible? Join him in his winter wonderland at the Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown. The first weekend of December is just the beginning of holiday cheer that we will be experiencing this Christmas season!

November 30th: Village of Cayuga tree lighting

At 6:30 pm on Friday, November 30th, come celebrate the holiday season with the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree at the Cayuga Memorial Hall at 6200 Center St., Cayuga.

This event will consist of holiday music performances by the Union Springs Middle School Band and St. John Paul II Academy, children’s visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, light refreshments at Cayuga Methodist Church, and horse-drawn wagon rides by Matson & Kellogg Employee Benefits, Oakwood Service Center and Beacon Bay Marina.


November 30th: Syracuse Stage Presents Elf the Musical

This holiday season channel your inner elf and join Buddy on his journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his family. For this journey you’ll need provisions (four food groups recommended: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup), snowballs, and an ability to sing very loud (but maybe wait for the ride home). Most of all, you’ll need family and friends and a desire to spread holiday cheer. Donna Drake (The Wizard of Oz) returns to direct this delightful holiday show.

For ticket information, call (315) 443-3275 or visit syracusestage.org.


November 30th: Skaneateles Sings

On Friday, November 30th, come visit the Skaneateles Library at 49 E. Elizabeth St., Skaneateles at 6 pm where Father Christmas and Mother Goose will be greeting children and posing for photos, candlelit creche dedication, caroling with Dickens Christmas characters, remarks, children’s stories and more.

Free and open to the public. Visit skaneateles.com for more information.


December 1st: Holiday Bazaar

The Geneseo United Methodist Women present their annual HOLIDAY BAZAAR on Saturday, December 1st, from 10 am – 2 pm, at the church at 4520 Genesee Street (Route 63 and Court Street), Geneseo.

Handcrafted items are made throughout the year by a dedicated group of women. They include placemats, potholders, pillows, dolls, wall hangings, Christmas ornaments and items, fresh and artificial greens arrangements, and much, much more. Baked goods and jams, jellies, and other “pantry” items will also be available. Cap off your shopping trip at our café where we will be serving a delicious variety of homemade soups and pies.


December 1st: It’s a Wonderful Life (in Bloomfield)

The Bloomfield Rotary Club presents the beloved holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, an original, live radio stage show with holiday music featuring local talent. This event will begin Saturday, December 1st from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm at the Bloomfield HS Performing Arts Center, 11 Oakmount Ave, Bloomfield, NY.

Refreshments available.

Tickets are $16 each (open seating) and must be purchased either online at www.SaintCathOnline.com or from any Bloomfield Rotarian. Proceeds benefit Rotary initiatives for homeless and hungry children. Sponsored by the Stan Steele Agency.

For more information, call Laurie at 585-657-6901.


December 1st – 2nd: Christmas Around the World

Join us on the Lake Ontario Wine Trail for a weekend of holiday cheer as pair traditional holiday dishes from around the world with local award winning wines, spirits and ciders. Travel the wine trail, collecting a stamp at each location, and enter to win a pair of LOWT Passports. This is a self-guided tour. The tour will begin at 11 am through 6 pm on both Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd.

Tickets are $20 and are available online or at your first stop during the event.

For more information, visit LakeOntarioWineTrail.com


December 1st – 2nd: 25th Anniversary Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles

Step back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens Christmas, as Skaneateles Area Businesses give a gift to the public for their continued support throughout the year. Plan now and join the Village of Skaneateles, located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, this holiday season.

An annual tradition, the celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 23rd, from noon to 4 pm, plus December 24th from noon – 2:30 pm. Charles Dickens and his cast of over 50 characters will interact with residents and visitors in the streets, stores, and restaurants. Don’t miss lively acts at the Library, live music, unique shopping, wonderful food and horse and wagon rides around the Village.

For more information on tickets and schedules, visit skaneateles.com/visit/dickens.


December 1st – 2nd: Holiday Photos in Santa’s Winter Wonderland

Santa’s favorite photo spot returns for a fourth year with a beautiful winter wonderland display, complimentary refreshments, activities for the kids and selfie-stations! Plan your holiday photos – kids, families, singles, couples! Photos will be snapped and emailed for your holiday greeting!

$10 per photo setup and photos can be printed onsite for an additional $10.

The event will be held at the Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown, 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland, New York.

For more information cortlandrep.org.



Zachary Cornett serves as Lifestyle Editor and Producer at FingerLakes1.com. For the latest coverage of events, and photos from around the region – visit the FingerLakes1.com Facebook Page. Send tips, photos, and events notices to [email protected]. 

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