In this newsletter, you'll find:

Skate: Tree Lighting & Ice Skating Information
Shop: Holiday Discounts & #DealAlerts, Shopping Events and Small Business Saturday Promotions
Taste: Thanksgiving Meals, Food Specials and Holiday Treats
Discover: Holiday & Community Events
Community Updates
Adventures of Dash & Dot

This newsletter is up-to-date as of 12:00 pm on Monday, November 23. For real-time updates, follow the Downtown Committee on social media (click on the icons below), and check out our website, DowntownSyracuse.com.
SKATE
Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 27, 6:00 pm
Tune in virtually to watch the beloved tradition of the Tree Lighting in Clinton Square! A range of entertainment is planned for all ages to enjoy, including national acts AJR and Shaed, performances by local dance troupes and musical talents, and of course, an appearance by Santa! Tune in at SyracuseTreeLighting.com starting at 6:00 pm.
Cost: Free
Skates in the City
Ice Skating in Clinton Square Opening soon!
Take in all the beauty of Clinton Square as you skate to the sounds of holiday music. Lace up your own skates or rent them at the ice rink.
Cost: $5/adult; $3/junior 12 and under; $3/seniors 55+; $5 skate rental
SHOP
Buy Local Bash (Virtual)
November 18-24

The Buy Local Bash is a one-of-a-kind shopping event designed to highlight the locally-owned, independent businesses in our community. Including today, there are just two days left to check out these special curated offers from vendors, including a handful of businesses located right here in Downtown Syracuse. When you visit the Buy Local Bash website and hover over the logos for participating vendors, the special promotions will pop up.

Cost: Free to shop!
Pop-Up Shoppes at SKY Armory
November 18 - December 23

Enjoy a festive shopping atmosphere at SKY Armory (map) with local artisans, makers and retailers, plus delicious food and cocktails available for purchase downstairs at the newly introduced, Tasting Room at Epicuse!

Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged
Crafted Underground
Saturday, November 28 - Sunday, November 29, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm at the McCarthy Mercantile (map)

Crafted Underground delivers a fun shopping experience, featuring a curated collection of 21 different crafters each weekend. This weekend, enjoy live music and beverages from Anything But Beer.

Cost: Free admission
OHA Gift Gallery Sales
Receive 25% off all apparel with code APPAREL25 through the end of the month.
Receive free shipping on all orders over $100 (valid November 27-29; no code needed).
Jessica Elizabeth Skincare
$180 for a 60-Minute Massage and Customized Facial (Reg. $205).
$450 for a package of 3 Signature Hydrafacials with Led Light Therapy (Reg. $525).
$210 for (3) 60-minute massages (Reg. $240).
Love Lola
Check off your holiday shopping lists with Buy One, Get One 50% Off sales throughout the season.
#DEALALERT: PLAID FRIDAY & SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPECIALS
NOVEMBER 27 & 28
Scholars & Champs
Now - November 30
Take 25% off all regular price items. Available through November 30.
Bergan Brothers
Saturday, November 28
Receive a free Stacy Adams tie and hankie ($19.99 value) with the purchase of a suit at a special price of $149.99! Suits available in sizes 40 regular to 54 regular.
Paladino's the Deli
Saturday, November 28
Receive a free sandwich with the purchase of a $50 gift certificate.
Anything But Beer
Friday, November 27 - Monday, November 30
11/27: FREE GIFT CARD with merchandise and to-go alcohol purchases ($10 for $50 purchase; $20 for $100 purchase).
11/28: Make a purchase at another small business and receive 20% OFF of any purchase at Anything But Beer.
11/29: Buy one, get one half off on Anything But Beer craft brews.
11/30: Online discounts and deals, like 50% off Gold Memberships and 15% off E-Gift Cards.
Showoffs & Scottie D's Popup
Friday November 27 - Sunday, November 29
Enjoy discounts, donuts, a coffee bar, giveaways and raffles!
Call 315-439-8908 to make a shopping appointment.

Buy Black Virtual Holiday Market
Fridy, November 27 - Monday, November 30
Black-Owned Syracuse and Central New York are hosting a virtual holiday market to help local black-owned businesses grow. Tune in at Facebook.com.
TASTE
Planning a smaller Thanksgiving gathering this year? Leave the cooking to Epicuse! Pick up a Thanksgiving package (Dinner for Two) featuring turkey, sides and dessert. Click here for more information and order details
Anything But Beer has created a Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Dinner for pickup (vegan options available. Click here to preorder by Wednesday, November 24.
Cristo's Cafe is selling Baklava trays for your holiday gatherings! Choose from walnut ($22), pistachio ($28) or chocolate ($20). To place your order, call 315-991-8803 at least three days in advance. Deal Alert: Receive $2 off each tray when you order two or more!
Dining Inside Out has partnered with a mano kitchen & bar and The Sweet Praxis for a unique dining experience and virtual "social" event on Dec. 12. Learn new wine tasting tricks, table styling and cocktail-making, while enjoying a delicious pre-made meal from home! Please purchase tickets by Dec. 8.
DISCOVER
35th Annual Gingerbread Gallery
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily through January 10
Each year the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows. View the creations in-person at the museum, or watch a professional video of the creations for a small fee.

Cost: $10/adult; $7/senior; $4 for children 3-17; 2 and under free
Pre-registration required
Polar Express Pajama Party Kit
Available now!
Experience the magic of the Polar Express from the comfort of your home! The At-Home Polar Express Pajama Party is a rendition of the annual tradition at The MOST. With classic activities including hot cocoa chemistry, salt crystal snowflakes and jingle bell bracelets, the box is filled with STEAM fun to bring holiday magic into your homes. Each kit also contains an online code for a special Redhouse performance of The Polar Express (available December 10-20).

Cost: $20
Everson Museum Festival of Trees & Light
November 27 - December 5
Discover dazzling seasonal creations located throughout the Museum, a virtual online auction full of unique gifts, and virtual Festival Finale from the comfort of your own home!

Cost: $10/general tickets; $100/premium tickets
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Streaming Dec. 10-20
Experience the magic of this beloved holiday classic in an imaginative retelling from the Redhouse Arts Center that plays to nostalgia. The radio play was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 1940s.

Cost: $20 presale through Dec. 9; $25 after Dec. 9
Window Wonderland Contest:
Voting Starts Friday!
Friday, November 27 - Saturday, January 2

Thirty Downtown Syracuse businesses are in the midst of transforming their windows into engaging winter and holiday scenes for the Downtown Committee's fifth annual Window Wonderland Contest. When you're visiting Downtown Syracuse this holiday season, look for an "official Window Wonderland Contest Entry" sign in the windows of a business to signify participation, and engage in a socially-distant stroll to check them all out. The community will be able to vote online (visit this link for more details!) for their favorite displays through January 2, and the winning windows will be announced on Monday, January 4.
OHA's Notorious Glorious (Virtual)
Tuesday, December 1, Noon

The Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) is celebrating the resilience of Central New York's workforce and workplaces with a virtual variety show reminiscent of the popular late-night talk shows from the television's golden age. The show will feature musical entertainment, special guests from days gone by, and classic commercials for products made in Central New York.

Cost: $100/regular ticket link; $150/ticket link & "Virtual Nightcap"
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Crave Dessert Studio "Pops Up" in Armory Square
Crave Dessert Studio has opened a pop-up location at Center Armory (map) in Armory Square for the season!

The bakery is open on Fridays and Saturdays in December from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm (or until sold out), plus special hours on Small Business Saturday (11/28) from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm (or until sold out).

PS: Crave Dessert Studio owner, Tykemia Carman, will be featured on an upcoming episode of Christmas Cookie Challenge on the Food Network. Her episode will air at 10:00 pm on Monday, December 14.

87% Downtown Businesses Open
Click here for a collection of takeout options, curbside pick up opportunities, online ordering, specials, outdoor dining locations, church services and other ways to support and engage with Downtown businesses.
Syracuse Recognized as a Smart City to Watch
The City of Syracuse has been named one of "Eight Smart Cities to Watch" in the United States, according to StateTech Magazine. Syracuse's Smart Cities progress has been advanced through its partnership with the New York Power Authority, which awarded Syracuse a $500,000 Smart Cities grant. The City used the funding to support special features on the new Smart Street Lights, which are now outfitted with SMART controls that provide programmed dimming ability, energy metering, fault monitoring and additional tools for emergency services.

Online Job Fair
Are you considering a new career path or job? Advance Media NY is hosting an Online Job Fair through January 21. Browse featured companies and search the job opportunities they have available.

THE ADVENTURES OF DASH & DOT
Our seasonal staff members, Dash and Dot our Downtown Elves on the Shelf, are quarantining following a safe arrival from the North Pole. They are excited to resume their tradition of visiting new places and catching up with their favorite places throughout Downtown Syracuse!
This season, they'll serve as tour guides, highlighting all of the activities (virtual and in person) that Downtown Syracuse has to offer during the holidays. Their mission is to spread holiday cheer and spotlight meaningful gift options found in retail shops, restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions. Each day, they'll visit a new place - or participate in an activity (perhaps virtually) - and we'll share their adventures across our social media platforms to provide you with suggestions on ways you can safely enjoy Downtown Syracuse this holiday season. Follow their adventures - starting this Friday - on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You'll notice Dash and Dot are wearing masks that match their Candy Cane U's on their brand new knitted sweaters. Our elves are honorary "Put the 'U' Back in #Syrac_se" ambassadors. PS: This sign between them is what to look for in Downtown windows - It signifies participation in the Window Wonderland contest.