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We're excited to celebrate the holidays with you this season!
In the boxes below, you'll find
special incentives, promotions and offerings from Downtown's retail shops, restaurants, service and cultural institutions. We'll also provide previews of fun holiday-themed events to look forward to in Downtown Syracuse. Regular News & Events will continue to be featured. The News & Events newsletter will resume its "normal" edition on January 2.
Businesses: If you have anything you'd like us to promote, please let us know!
Send a note to [email protected] with the highlights!
Table of Contents:
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Throughout Downtown Syracuse
(
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
*There's plenty of events happening this weekend! Scroll down for a complete list of all events. The events in this block are wrapped up in the Holidays in the City event, happening between noon and 5:00 pm on Saturday.
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Smart Santa
at City Hall Commons Atrium
(
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
There's still time to sign your children up for a meeting with Santa to go over their wish lists! Watch their faces light up when Santa already knows what's on their Christmas list! Limited time slots remain, so register now! Participation is free!
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Meet Santa's Reindeer!
at Hanover Square
(
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Santa's reindeer are making a special appearance in Hanover Square! Come meet, pet and take photos with Comet and Prancer - two of Santa's favorite pals!
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Holiday Tea
at The Jefferson Clinton Hotel
(
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Celebrate the holidays at the annual Jefferson Clinton Hotel Holiday Tea! Enjoy music, a hot chocolate bar, tea and goodies!
Cost: Free and open to the public
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Three Floors of Holiday Activities!
at Central Library
(
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This Saturday, Central Library will host holiday activities on every floor between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm!
1st floor: Learn how to create 3D prints in the MakerSpace. All participants will take home a free 3D printed snowflake.
2nd floor: Enjoy crafts, games and fun photo-ops in the Kid Space.
3rd floor: Learn about local history and genealogy with historical images that celebrate the spirit of the season.
Cost: Free and open to the public
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Santa Saturday
at the Everson Mueum of Art (
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Come visit with Santa while creating a holiday craft and enjoying milk and cookies (coffee and tea is available for adults). Tickets include admission to the museum and the Festival of Trees.
Everson.org or 315-474-6064
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children
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Children's Gingerbread Workshop
at the Erie Canal Museum (
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 1:00 pm
Children are invited to create their own gingerbread houses using milk cartons, graham crackers, icing and a variety of edible decorations. Registration includes all materials and admission to the 33rd annual Gingerbread Gallery.
Cost: $5 - $12
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Solstice at the Cathedral
at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (
map
)
(Tonight) Thursday, December 5, 7:30 pm
Friday, December 6, 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 7, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Solstice at the Cathedral is a musical experience designed to celebrate the Winter Solstice, featuring secular music from some of Central New York's most critically acclaimed performing artists.
Cost: $30-$40
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Dasher's Magical Gift
at the Oncenter Civic Center (
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 am
Dasher's Magical Gift returns to the stage with a colorful cast of characters, beautiful ballet and music, ample doses of humor and heart, and high-flying holiday magic for children and families.
Oncenter.org or 315-474-6064
Cost: $10
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Live Christmas Tree Sale
at Wildflowers Armory (
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Enjoy all of the holiday traditions during Holidays in the City, including picking out a live Christmas tree! Wildflowers Armory will have a selection of fresh Frazier Furs throughout the store for you to pick your favorite. While you shop, sample brews from Anything But Beer from noon to 5:00 pm!
Facebook.com or 315-546-4919
Cost: $40/tree
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Messiah
at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 8:00 pm
Join Symphoria at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a favorite musical tradition of the holiday season, Messiah. Conducted by Christian Capocaccia and featuring the talents of the Syracuse University Oratorio Society, and spectacular soloists including soprano Serena Benedetti, mezz-soprano Angela Christine Smith, tenor Dominick Corbacio and bass Marc Webster, the performance promises to move the audience.
Cost: $28 for adults, $23 for seniors, $5 for college students, 18 and under free
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Ice Skating
in Clinton Square (
map
)
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
Take in all the beauty of Clinton Square and the tree as you skate to the sounds of holiday music. Lace up your own skates or rent them at the ice rink.
Cost: $3 for adults; $2 for children under 12 and Seniors over 55; $3 Skate Rental
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Window Wonderland Contest:
34 Businesses Participating
Vote for your favorite display throughout Downtown Syracuse
As you're walking around Downtown during "Holidays in the City," we hope you'll take some time to check out the spectacular window displays, designed by a record 34 participating businesses.
Look for an "Official Window Wonderland Contest Entry Sign" in the windows of street-level storefronts, then
cast your vote for your favorite! Voting will remain open
through New Year's Day, January 1.
Click here
to see a map and a list of all participating businesses.
The winning window displays will be announced on January 2 in this newsletter.
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Holidays in the City Specials
Available Saturday, December 7
The following restaurants, shops and museums are offering the following specials, designed exclusively for - and only available during - the Holidays in the City event on Saturday, December 7.
Look for the event logo i
n the windows of participating storefronts.
Click here
to see all of the specials, or view them below:
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Take 25% off all E-Giftcards ($25-$200) using the promo code "ABB25OFF" online.
Or, purchase a Mug Club Membership for $150.
Enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate while you shop.
Enjoy 10% off all food items.
The Brine Well Eatery (map)
Buy one entree, get the second entree half off (of equal or lesser value).
Cathy's Cookie Kitchen (map)
Enjoy a free small hot chocolate with any purchase
.
Purchase $100 in gift certificates and receive a free Eufora Mini Product, or purchase three products and get one free (of equal or lesser value).
Available between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Enjoy a free dessert with any entree.
Enjoy complimentary food sampling from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and 10% off the entire store (all day).
Receive 10% off all purchases in the gift gallery.
Enjoy free cookies for children and $5 draft beer specials for the adults.
FHIIT Barre & Bodyworks (map)
Stay healthy through the holidays with classes in Barre, TRX, yoga and much more! Buy a one month membership and get the second month half off!
Floridella Boutique (map)
Enjoy 20% off all clothing and shoes.
- Buy three greeting cards, get the fourth 50% off (of equal or lesser value).
- The first five customers with any purchase will receive a four-pack of gift tags painted by a local artist.
- Enjoy free art-making activities for kids.
Onondaga Historical Association (map)
Enjoy 20% off the entire gift gallery (or 30% off for OHA members).
PS: Don't forget to check out the festive changes to the "Strolling Down Salina Street" exhibit, showcasing Downtown's Main Street during the holiday season!
Get a 12 oz drip coffee and any pastry for just $4, or a latte and any pastry for $6. Pick up a loaf of fresh bread for $5.
Shaughnessy's Irish Pub (map)
Enjoy half-price Pretzel Pups!
Solstice at the Cathedral (map)
Save $10 when you purchase advance-sale tickets.
Enjoy 10% off your purchase of $15 or more.
Talking Cursive Brewing Company (map)
Receive 10% off your entire check with a receipt from any Downtown Syracuse business (receipt must be dated for 12/7).
Wildflowers Armory will host a Sip and Shop from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm during Holidays in the City. Sample Anything But Beer brews as you shop local artisan goods. There will also be growler gills, mix and match four-packs, merchandise and other holiday gifts for the craft beer enthusiast on your list!
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Ongoing Holiday Specials & Promotions
Spend $75 or more in the Erie Canal Museum gift shop and receive a complimentary one-year museum membership! Benefits include a museum tote bag, 10% off all shop purchases, free or reduced-price admission to all programs and one hour of free research services). Offer valid through January 5.
Order a Mini Donut Christmas Platter, available now through December 23! Small platters are $24 and large platters are $29.
Please note, 24-hour notice required by calling 315-214-5544 or [email protected].
The Ice Cream Stand (
map)
Enjoy 15% off your purchase at The Ice Cream Stand after ice skating in Clinton Square. Show your rink receipt!
10 for $10: Enjoy ten fitness classes at Metro Fitness for just $10! That's $1 per class! Call 315-426-8917 to redeem.
Peppino's Neapolitan (map)
Buy $25 worth of gift cards, and receive a gift card for a free Neapolitan pizza!
YMCA of Greater Syracuse (map)
Pay the Day promotion: New members may "pay the day" in joining fees throughout the month of December. That means, enrollment is only $1 on December 1, $8 on December 8, $20 on December 20, etc. The earlier you enroll, the less you pay! Valid December 1 through 31.
*Businesses, if you'd like your specials to be featured in this newsletter, please send us information by Monday at 3:00 pm each week through the end of the month.
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Hope for the Holidays -
Old Newsboys Fundraiser
Throughout Downtown
December 6-7
Keep an eye out for "old newsboy" volunteers throughout Downtown on Friday and Saturday as they distribute a special edition of The Post-Standard newspaper. All of the money from the sale of the donated newspapers goes to the Christmas Bureau, which buys books, toys and food for more than 2,500 Central New York families in need.
Cost: Donation
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Festival of Trees
at the Everson Mueum of Art (map)
Continues through December 15
Preview Gala
(Tonight!) Thursday, December 5, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Get your first look (and first chance to buy!) the beautifully decorated trees at the Everson Museum of Art's Festival of Trees. Guests will enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, complimentary wine and beer, and spirit-tasting stations.
The Festival of Trees debuts to the public on Friday, December 6.
Everson.org or 315-474-6064
Cost. $75/person
First Friday
Friday, December 6, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Enjoy the Festival of Trees, and cross items off of your holiday shopping lists by browsing items from local vendors including Speach Family Candy Shoppe, Mohawk Bear Soaps, Talking Cursive Brewery and Recess Coffee.
#DealAlert: Enjoy 10% off in the museum gift shop during this time and make your own decoupage tiles as handmade gifts.
Everson.org or 315-474-6064
Cost: $5 for members, $8 for non-members
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Ugly Sweater Party
at Wolff's Biergarten (map)
Friday, December 6, 8:30 pm
Pick out your best holiday sweater, grab your friends/family and enjoy a night of fun and prizes at the Biergarten! All proceeds benefit the Syracuse City School District.
AllEvents.com or 315-474-2424
Cost: $20 (includes one raffle ticket, drink specials and food)
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Breakfast With Santa
at Marriott Syracuse Downtown (map)
Sunday, December 8, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast for all ages, holiday music, arts and crafts with staff from the Everson Museum of Art, cooking decorating, balloon figures and photos with Santa! All tickets include free admission to the Everson Museum of Art's Festival of Trees.
Please note, if you can't attend this weekend, another Breakfast with Santa will be held at the hotel on Sunday, December 15.
Eventbrite.com or 315-474-2424
Cost: $18 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; free for children under 5
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Brunch with Santa
at Talking Cursive Brewing Company (map)
Sunday, December 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Santa Claus is coming to Talking Cursive this Sunday for brunch! Menu items include Creme Brulee French Toast, croissant breakfast sandwiches, Denver Egg Casserole and much more!
Facebook.com or 315-907-6060
Cost: Free admission
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Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
at the Oncenter Civic Center (map)
Sunday, December 8, 7:00 pm
Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical follows the adventures of top scout elf, Tater Tot, as he rediscovers the spirit of the season through the lens of a disconnected, multi-generational family. This toe-tapping, heartwarming story of one small elf's big impact on his adoptive family promises dazzling sets, costumes and wondrous moments that display the magic of the season!
The beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of families everywhere comes to life in this all-new musical and premier stage production!
Oncenter.org or 315-435-2121
Cost: $29 - $59
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Dinner Club: Christmas Edition
at Liehs & Steigerwald (map)
Monday, December 9, 5:30 pm
Monday is the new Friday at Liehs & Steigerwald! Enjoy a specially-prepared meal, including prime rib, ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli, rolls and dessert, plus complimentary appetizers starting at 5:30 pm! Guests will enjoy live music from Simply Dave, wine-tasting and $15 bottles of wine (must pre-order).
Facebook.com or 315-299-4799
Cost: $50/person
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Gingerbread Build & Sip
at the Erie Canal Museum (map)
Wednesday, December 11, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Erie Canal Museum has everything you need to build your own gingerbread house using graham crackers and a variety of edible decorations. Get in the festive spirit with holiday music and a cash bar featuring Cider Sangria (alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages will be available).
Cost: $12 advance-sale, $15 at the door
Don't forget! The museum's Gingerbread Gallery exhibit, featuring amazing, edible gingerbread creations by amateur and professional bakers in our region, continues through January 5.
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Holiday Cocktail Making Class
Wednesday, December 11, 6:00 pm
Learn how to make some holly-jolly holiday cocktails! Tickets include a demonstration and samples of each cocktail, plus step-by-step instruction as you mix your two cocktails. Event attendees also receive free admission to the Funk 'n Waffles show at 8:00 pm.
Cost: $25
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A Syracuse Christmas Carol
at the Redhouse Arts Center (map)
December 12 - 22
A Syracuse Christmas Carol puts a new, Syracuse twist on the classic Charles Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, featuring many Syracuse landmarks and historical figures! Set in 1999 on Christmas Eve, prominent Syracuse businessman, Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Fred Grandy), is visited by three ghosts - each one a Syracuse legend!
Don't miss this fun-filled original show with songs, laughs and recognizable Syracuse icons from the past and present.
TheRedHouse.org or 315-362-2785
Cost: $35
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Holiday Party at the Onondaga Historical Association
at the Onondaga Historical Association (map)
Thursday, December 12; 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
See Salina Street as it looked in yesteryear, listen and sing along with old fashioned carolers, and tackle some holiday shopping with a special Gift Gallery sale, all happening during the Onondaga Historical Association's Holiday Party one week from today! You may even get a glimpse of the jolly man in red!
Guests are encouraged to wear holiday fashion from the 1940s through the 1980s, keeping in theme with the "Strolling Down Salina Street" exhibit.
Admission is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and special holiday cookies will be provided.
CNYHistory.org or 315-428-1864
Cost: Free
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The Polar Express Daily Showings
Continues through January 5, 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm
at the Museum of Science & Technology (map)
The film takes viewers on a train journey to the North Pole, seen through the eyes of a boy questioning his belief in Santa. Watch this holiday tradition from the MOST's Bristol IMAX Omnitheater!
Polar Express Pajama Parties
Friday, December 6, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 7,
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, December 13,
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 14,
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come dressed in your favorite holiday-themed pajamas for hands-on activities, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa and a viewing of the Polar Express at 6:00 pm.
12 Day of Giving
Through December 22
The Downtown YMCA (
map) is setting up collection boxes for local organizations in need. Each day, a box will be added and new items will be accepted. Please contact Angela Alvarez with questions at 315-474-6851 x313.
December 22:
Hanukkah Begins
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Kwanzaa Starts
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In this section, you'll find a run down of non-holiday events happening over the course of the next week, as well as other events (happening later in the month) to mark on your calendars.
Syracuse Crunch Home Games
Friday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm
at the Oncenter War Memorial (
map)
Watch the Syracuse Crunch take on Laval Rocket on Friday night, and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday in professional hockey action!
The Young Voices Project
Friday, December 6, 7:00 pm
at the Redhouse Arts Center (
map)
Watch students perform a unique, devised theatrical piece that celebrates diversity, inclusivity and identity.
Moda Week International Fashion Show
at Syracuse CoWorks (
map)
Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Moda Week International High Fashion Show will feature international designers from all over the world, while trademarking up-and-coming design students of wide talents and potentials.
Startup Night
Wednesday, December 11, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
at The Tech Garden (
map)
Celebrate the holidays as CenterState CEO announces the 2020 GENIUS NY finalist teams, plus startup pitches, food, drinks and networking!
Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 pm
at the Oncenter Civic Center (
map)
The National Ballet Theater of Odessa, Ukraine presents
Romeo and Juliet!
CNY Book Awards
Thursday, December 12, 6:00 pm
at the CNY Philanthropy Center (
map)
Come hear this year's CNY Book Award announced live while enjoying wine and hors d'oeuvres.
My Fair Lady
Tuesday, December 10 - Friday, December 13
All performances at 7:30 pm
at the Landmark Theatre (
map)
My Fair Lady follows the story of Eliza Doolittle (a young flower seller), and Henry Higgins (a linguistics professor), who is determined to transform her into his idea of a "proper lady." The musical features classic songs including,
I Could Have Danced All Night,
The Rain in Spain,
Wouldn't It Be Lovely, and
On the Street Where You Live.
Disney on Ice: Celebrate Memories
December 12-15
at the Oncenter Civic Center (
map)
Favorite Disney stories come to life with Elsa, Moana, the Toy Story friends and the Disney Princesses!
12 Beers of Christmas
Friday, December 13, 7:00 pm
Enjoy a 12-course meal with beer pairings!
Cost: $129, plus tax and tip
Symphoria: Holiday Pops
December 13 & 14
at the Oncenter Civic Center (
map)
Listen to your holiday favorites and "soon-to-be favorites," with a cast of thousands, including the Syracuse Pops Chorus, special guest vocalist, Broadway star and Syracuse native, Lizzie Klemperer and dancers.
Sunday, December 15, 6:30 pm
at the Oncenter Civic Center (
map)
Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller!
The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunther's Coasters
Sunday, December 15, 7:00 pm
at the Landmark Theatre (map)
Three Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends share the same stage!
An Evening with Chevy Chase
Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 pm
at the Landmark Theatre (
map
)
Enjoy a 30th Anniversary screening of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, followed by a Q&A with Chevy Chase, live on stage! Chase (who played Clark Griswold in the classic film) will share stories from his career and the making of his classic movies and legendary television programs.
Corporate Games Informational Lunch
Thursday, December 19, 11:30 am
at the CNY Philanthropy Center (
map
)
Join the YMCA for lunch and learn about the 2020 CNY Corporate Games. RSVP to Jen Kalijeskie at 315-474-6851 x346 by December 13.
It's a Wonderful Life Screening
Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 pm
at the Landmark Theatre (map)
Back by popular demand, the Landmark Theatre will screen this timeless holiday classic. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their ugly sweaters for a chance to win a prize!
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The Adventures of Dash & Dot,
Our Downtown Elves
Guess their whereabouts and earn entries for gift cards to Downtown businesses!
Are you friends with the Downtown Committee on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and liking our Instagram photos? If you are, then you can follow the adventures of our seasonal staff members, Dash and Dot, the Downtown Committee Elves! Our seasonal staff members have enjoyed their first few days in Downtown Syracuse.
Their
first stop upon arrival from the North Pole on the day after Thanksgiving was to admire the new tree in Clinton Square!
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The elves spent
Small Business Saturday at
Mixed Methods (
map), a new retail store that celebrated its grand opening in Hanover Square in September. They helped with
gift wrapping, and did some mapping work too. Dash and Dot were very impressed with all of the great gift options and cute cards Mixed Methods has. They picked up a few unique items for their friends and family back at the North Pole.
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On Sunday, the elves went to
Talking Cursive Brewing Company (
map). They were mesmerized with the phone booth.
"Hey Dot, let's call our friends back home at the North Pole!" Dash exclaimed, but Dot - a little nervous that Dash had consumed too much syrup (
they were given a special brew!) - was worried he might start to slur his words.
Fortunately, thanks to the creative name of the brewery, they learned a term for that - and their North Pole friends were amused.
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On Monday, Dash and Dot went over to The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters (map) to scope out the best seats in the house in the Crouse Hinds Theater for this Sunday's production of The Elf on The Shelf: A Christmas Musical. They're both super excited to catch up with their friend Tater Tot! Tickets are still available. Click here for more information.
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When in Syracuse, you root for the Orange. That was a tip Dash learned when he first arrived in Syracuse five years ago to spend his first holiday season with the Downtown Committee. Luckily, Downtown now has a store that is chock full of vintage, new and custom apparel dedicated to celebrating all things Syracuse. Dash and Dot visited
Scholars and Champs (
map) to pick up their "Game Day" gear ahead of Tuesday's basketball game, and they both made new friends too. Dash's friend may even join him to
shoot some hoops one of these days!
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On Wednesday, Dash and Dot enjoyed a nice dinner at
Eden (
map), Hanover Square's newest restaurant. They were happy to
warm up by the fire as they watched their food cook. "The food was delicious, and we were warm and toasty!" Dot told our team. "We loved the ambiance," Dash chimed in.
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Today, the elves are continuing their tour of Downtown Syracuse, spreading cheer, highlighting Downtown experiences and promoting meaningful gift options. If you think you know where they are today, please send your guesses to [email protected] by 11:59 tonight. Each correct guess earns an entry into our weekly drawing for a gift card to a Downtown business!
The elves will be in Downtown Syracuse through December 24th. Each day around 9:00 am, we post a picture of where they are. We hope you'll continue to follow their adventures and guess their whereabouts! G
uess often to increase your chances of winning!
Congratulations to this week's winner, Diana LaMattina Abdella, who won a four-pack of tickets to see Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical!
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