In this newsletter, you'll find:
Skate: Ice Skating Information
Shop: Holiday Discounts, Shopping Events and Promotions
Taste: Food Specials and Holiday Treats
Discover: Holiday & Community Events
Giving Back: Ways to Help This Holiday Season
Community Updates
In This Together
Adventures of Dash & Dot
This newsletter is up-to-date as of 3:00 pm on Monday, December 14. For real-time updates, follow the Downtown Committee on social media (click on the icons below), and check out our website, DowntownSyracuse.com.
|
|
 |
Skates in the City
Reservations Available to Ice Skate in Clinton Square
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. Ice rink capacity is limited to nine skaters for 1.5 hour sessions. Pre-registration is required.
Hours: 11:00 am - 8:30 pm daily
Cost: $5/adult; $3/junior 12 and under; $3/seniors 55+; $5 skate rental
|
|
|
|
Antique Underground
Enjoy 50% off glassware and Christmas dinnerware!
|
|
Love Lola
Hold the phone! Buy One, Get One 50% Off continues through the holiday season.
|
|
Projex 214
Enjoy 20% to 50% off almost everything in the store!
|
|
Gypsy Freedom
Now offering curated holiday boxes and sustainable gift wrapping! Plus, receive a free gift with a purchase when you stop in to visit along your Window Wonderland route.
|
|
Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching
Give the gift of success this holiday season! Purchase a leadership assessment (for $100; a $50 savings) or an emotional intelligence appraisal ($175; a $75 savings). Each assessment comes with two hours of coaching/training via Zoom.
|
|
Mr. Shop
Enjoy 30% off the entire store!
|
|
Gift Card Giveaway!
All December
JF Real Estate is giving away a $20 gift card to a local retailer every week in December.
|
|
Rainbow
Sale on clearance items!
|
|
Showoff's & Scottie D's
Enter the 12 Days of Christmas Contest! Watch the daily deals and incentives through Instagram and Facebook stories, then share for your chance to win! A winner will be selected on Saturday, December 19.
|
|
Xavier Optical
Buy one pair of glasses, get another pair half off! Those who work in the City of Syracuse will receive an additional 20% off. If you spend $325 or more, receive a free pair of non-prescription sunglasses! Don't let your FSA/HSA funds expire before the end of the year - Call 315-396-0325 to schedule an appointment.
|
|
Jessica Elizabeth Skincare
Receive a 60-Minute Massage and Customized Facial for $180 (regular price is $205), and 15% off all gift card purchases throughout December.
|
|
Hand in Health
Get $10 off all massage and acupuncture appointments with discount code RELAX, or give the gift of health with $10 off all massage and wellness gift certificates with code XMASGC10. Purchase gift cards and book your sessions online.
|
|
OHA Gift Gallery Sales
Receive 15% off storewide and online (with code ICESKATE15) through the end of December. OHA members receive 25% off!
|
|
The Everson Museum
Shop the Everson Museum's gift shop for 50% off all items (excluding consignment).
Plus, Museum Memberships are 20% off through the end of the month.
|
|
A Cador Optical & Showroom
Located at 344 S. Warren Street, this new eyewear shop is offering Blue Blocker Eyewear starting at $19.95, and Rx Fashion Eyewear starting at $99!
|
|
#TheOtherDome Vendors
Shop the following pop-up shops this week:
12/14 (TODAY): Syracuse Public Art Commission and Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT) art bag giveaway, plus roasted chestnuts by Syracuse Poster Project
12/15: American Heart Association Go Red For Women
12/16: Villanco Streetwear Apparel
12/17: What's the Big Dill? Pickles
12/18: Free toothbrush & toothpaste from Karen Lawitts DDS
12/19: Water tower sculptures
12/20: Once Upon a Star Holiday Toy Drive and DJ set
12/21: Afica all-natural beauty care
12/22: Gypsy Freedom & Geo Dome fashion show
12/23: Holiday dance performance
12/24: McCarthy Mercantile last minute holiday pop-up shop
|
|
Pop-Up Shoppes at SKY Armory
Through December 23
Wednesday - Saturday: Noon - 8:00 pm; Sunday: Noon - 5:00 pm
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 new Tasting Room at Epicuse! Free admission, but donations are encouraged.
|
|
Crafted Underground
December 19-20, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm at McCarthy Mercantile (map)
Crafted Underground delivers a fun shopping experience, featuring a curated collection of 21 different crafters each weekend, plus live music! Free admission.
|
|
The Fish Friar is offering Make-Your-Own Cioppino, seafood stew, for Christmas Eve pick-up. Each ticket purchased will feature a family size portion (3-4 meals) of sauce and raw seafood with cooking instructions. Purchase tickets online by Sunday, Dec. 20.
|
|
Order a holiday cookie cake, sugar cookie cut-outs and other Christmas cookies at Cathy's Cookie Kitchen! All orders are available for pickup, delivery or shipping.
|
|
Byblos Mediterranean Cafe is offering Holiday Baklava Trays for $25. Call ahead to reserve your order at 315-478-3333.
|
|
Kitty Hoynes is offering curated holiday gift boxes - and tasting kits - featuring hand selected whiskey or gin, a description card and a tasting glass. Kitty Hoynes is also offering full bottles of liquor for purchase, along with glasses. Click here for more details!
|
|
Kitty Hoynes is offering house Irish whiskey cured smoked salmon to accompany your holiday sandwiches, charcuterie boards, bagels, pasta and more! Stop in or call the restaurant (315-473-9664).
Kitty Hoynes is also offering 27-ounce crowlers, 4-pack cans, bottles of wine and cocktails to go!
|
|
Peace, Love, and Cupcakes is taking orders for cookie kits featuring Gingerbread House Kits ($20) and Sugar Cookie Cut-Out Kits ($30). The Sugar Cookie kits feature Christmas, Hanukkah, Ugly Sweater and Winter Wonderland themes. Place your online order today!
|
|
The Ice Cream Stand is taking orders for ice cream, ice cream cakes, sandwiches and more for in-store pickup on December 16, 17, 18, 23 and 30. Click here to order. Please note, orders for ice crem cakes must be placed by noon on the day before you want to pick up.
|
|
Epicuse is serving a special Hanukkah menu for the Festival of Lights, now through December 18. Order online or in the store.
|
|
Epicuse is offering a $30 Taste of Syracuse Gift Box, featuring favorites from Pastabilities, Olive on Brooklea, Recess Coffee, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and more. Order online or in the store.
Plus, enjoy a free hot cocoa when you visit for the Window Wonderland Walking Tour!
|
|
Order a Baklava tray from Cristo's Cafe for your next holiday gathering! Choose from walnut ($22), pistachio ($28) or chocolate ($20). To order, call 315-991-8803 at least three days in advance. Receive $2 off each tray when you order two or more! Order online or view daily restaurant specials here, at Cristo's Cafe's Facebook page.
|
|
The Downtown Dining Weeks special (takeout edition!) has returned to Lemon Grass and Bistro Elephant. Enjoy three courses for $35 and wine specials too. Available Tuesday - Saturday from 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
|
|
Apizza Regionale is offering a "Stay at Home Special for Two" for $50, including one Antipasti bowl, any large pizza (click here to view menu), budino, and a bottle of wine (Paulie's choice).
|
|
Check out the additions to Sweet on Chocolate's website, including hot chocolate kits, truffle samplers and more!
|
|
Order a Holiday Sweet Treat Box from Eden! Contents includes housemade hot chocolate mix and marshmallows, a hot chocolate bomb, caramel, an Eden mug and maple infused popcorn for $65.
|
|
The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center is selling coupon books with more than $200 worth of savings at local restaurants and breweries for $30!
|
|
Give the gift of local craft beer this holiday season! Pick up a mixed IPA 4-pack from Talking Cursive Brewing Company for just $15 (regularly $18).
|
|
The Armory Square Deli has a full selection of seasonal and holiday craft beers, plus sandwiches, subs, salads and deli meat for your next gathering. Call 315-741-4444.
|
|
Give the gift of Cafe Kubal with the 12 Cups of Christmas Gift Set! The set includes 11 cup-sized samples of freshly roasted beans, 2 stickers and homemade mint syrup. Purchase online or in-store (limited quantities available).
|
|
Give the gift of Darwin this season! Gift cards can be purchased in-store, or can be mailed by calling the store at 315-373-0484.
|
|
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que gift card sale going on now! Purchase a $20 gift card and receive $5 free.
Christmas Catering packages are now available, including a ham-brined pork shoulder, your choice of 3 sides, choice of pie and mini potato rolls for $90! Order by today (12/14) for pickup on Dec. 23 or 24.
|
|
The Hops Spot is offering a holiday gift card sale! Purchase a $25 gift card and receive $5 free!
|
|
|
|
Let Three Lives cater your safe holiday gathering! Click here to see the new catering menu.
Follow along with the live fundraising campaign on Twitch and Facebook! Supporters can receive special items by donating, and will be entered to win one of the bar's arcade games at fundraising milestones.
|
|
Celebrate the holidays at home with Casa Mia's takeout specials:
Large cheese pizza + 2-liter of soda for $7.99 (pick up only).
Sheet pizza and 40 wings for $46.99
Large pizza and wings for $27.99
|
|
The Sweet Praxis Bake Lab is offering Take & Bake items such as scones, hand pies, and coffee cake to help you prepare for your holiday. The Sweet Praxis is also selling treats including Cookie Boxes (pictured above) and other delights including Gingerbread Spice Cupcakes, macarons, pies and pastries. Click here to order. Pickup is available 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on Wednesday, 12/23 and from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on 12/24.
|
|
|
NEW! Downtown Holiday BINGO Contest
Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Syracuse, and win fun prizes! To earn an entry into a drawing to win one of many prizes from Downtown businesses (valued at $10 - $50), upload five photos of your BINGO activities in action to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag the Downtown Committee. Earn an extra entry by sending a note to mail@DowntownSyracuse.com including the names of the businesses you visited and supported. Please put "BINGO" in the subject line. Click here to print the BINGO board.
Cost: Free to play
|
|
|
|
35th Annual Gingerbread Gallery
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Daily Through January 10
There's still plenty of time to see how 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, 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
|
|
|
|
|
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Streaming Now Through December 20
Experience the magic of this beloved holiday classic in an imaginative retelling from the Redhouse Arts Center. The radio play was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 1940s.
Cost: $25
|
|
|
|
Gypsy Freedom Virtual Holiday Sip & Shop
Thursday, December 17, 7:00 pm
Join Gypsy Freedom and guest cohost, Amanda Hughes, owner of Jaynes Collective and The Ice Cream Stand, for a virtual popup shopping event live on Facebook and Instagram. Shop along live as models show off a curated collection of exclusive new arrivals.
Cost: Free
|
|
|
|
|
Symphoria: Holiday Pops
Friday, December 18, 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 19, 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Experience the magic of the holidays with holiday tunes from Symphoria, and guest vocalist, Ronnie Leigh. Make some hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday jammies and enjoy this concert from home!
Cost: $20/individual live stream; $35/family live stream
|
|
|
|
A Crimson Holiday Concert
December 18 & 19: 7:00 pm
December 20: 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Join Sally Ramirez and musical partner Doug Robinson as they perform well-known holiday favorites in English and Spanish, plus a few of Sally's new releases as part of CNY Jazz Central's holiday line-up.
Cost: $12
|
|
|
|
|
Window Wonderland Contest:
Voting Continues through Saturday, January 2
37 Downtown Syracuse businesses have transformed their windows into engaging winter and holiday scenes for the Downtown Committee's 5th annual Window Wonderland Contest. As you're visiting Downtown this holiday season, engage in a socially-distant stroll to check them all out! Click here to vote online for your favorite displays. The winning windows will be announced on Monday, January 4.
|
|
|
|
Window Wonderland Freebies
As you tour Downtown's decorated window displays in person to vote for your favorites, make sure to stop into these businesses for a FREE special treat:
Epicuse (map): Free hot cocoa
Gypsy Freedom (map): Free gift with purchase
|
|
|
|
Do you know someone in quarantine? Glazed & Confused is offering The Quarantine Special, featuring its "Confused Dozen," including a masked donut. Receive free contactless delivery within 10-miles, plus a fun poem with each delivery!
Or, send a digital gift card in any amount to your friends, family or even yourself!
|
|
Donate meals for essential workers (healthcare, civil servants, etc.), and Anything But Beer will prepare and deliver them to those in our community performing necessary services. 10% of all donations will be given to the Food Bank of CNY.
|
|
Bring a personal care item to Cathy's Cookie Kitchen and receive a free cookie! Cathy continues to partner with The Mary Nelson Youth Center to help those in need this season.
|
|
Have you seen "Pay It Forward" boards in Downtown Syracuse restaurants and bakeries? Peace, Love, and Cupcakes has one! Here's how it works: Customers may purchase a treat in advance for someone in need, and a sticky note goes up on a corkboard to be claimed later.
|
|
Another "Pay It Forward" board is up at Paladino's The Deli. Customers may opt to be charged just $4 at the time of checkout, which will help feed a neighbor in need.
|
|
|
|
How to Support Downtown Businesses |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Voting Underway for New Gateway Sign |
Earlier this year, community members came together to brainstorm ways to improve the the gateway sign greeting those entering Downtown Syracuse from the West Genesee Street off-ramp from I-690. Now, your help is needed to vote for your favorite design, which will be installed in the spring. Voting continues until 11:59 pm this Friday, 12/18. Click here to vote!
Special thanks to Digital Hyve for the design ideas, Elevator Interiors for fabricating the winning design, and Syracuse's Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT) for supporting the initiative with a grant to landscape the area in May, 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonight: Watch Crave Dessert Studio Owner on the Food Network! |
Tykemia Carman, owner of Crave Dessert Studio, will be one of five contestants who will vie for a $10,000 prize on tonight's episode of Christmas Cookie Challenge on the Food Network. The episode will air at 10:00 pm tonight (12/14), and again at 1:00 am on Tuesday 12/15. According to the description, Carman could be tasked with creating cookies that "celebrate Christmas weddings" and building edible three-dimensional holiday trees inspired by plants found in the desert.
You can meet Carman and purchase her treats at her pop-up shop on Friday and Saturday at Center Armory, located at 183 Walton Street in Armory Square.
|
|
|
|
|
We love to see your "U" photos!
The Updowntowners got together to send seasons greetings from the "U" Wall at Lemp Park. Congratulations on celebrating 40 years!
|
|
|
|
Another popular place for a photo-opp this season is at the #IWishStar in Hanover Square. The in-ARCHITECTS crew posed for a cute picture here last week, saying they look forward to "reINvigorating the energy of a vibrant downtown." |
|
|
|
THE ADVENTURES OF DASH & DOT |
|
Follow Dash and Dot on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as they spread holiday cheer and highlight meaningful gift options found throughout Downtown Syracuse. Their goal is to provide you with suggestions on ways that you can safely enjoy Downtown Syracuse this holiday season.
|
|
A Cador Project Optical & Concept is styling elves and humans this holiday season! Check out Blue Blocker eyewear starting at $19.95, and familiarize yourself with the rare "Lucy of Syracuse" brand (Made in Italy, but fitting for Syracusians). Dot got a kick out of trying things on last Tuesday.
|
|
Dash and Dot are still singing the "12 Days of Christmas" song after their visit to Showoffs Boutique and Scottie D's on Wednesday. Each day, a new deal is revealed and all specials are cumulative! Watch Showoffs' Instagram story to learn what's on sale this week!
|
|
The elves always try to make it to some of the new restaurants that have opened in the last year in Downtown Syracuse. They were very excited to warm up at Paladino's The Deli with their famous London Broil Thursday, after reserving time to ice skate in Clinton Square.
|
|
#FamilyFunFriday saw the elves visiting the gift shop at the Everson Museum of Art, where everything is 50% off. They were especially intrigued with this igloo - it reminds them of #TheOtherDome in the Heart of Downtown!
|
|
On #ShopLocalSaturday, the elves took advantage of slightly warmer-than-usual temperatures to walk around Downtown Syracuse and check out some of the Window Wonderland displays. They treated themselves to hot chocolate from Sweet on Chocolate for the journey!
|
|
#ShopLocalSaturday also brought Dash and Dot to the "U" wall in Lemp Park! As they so eloquently stated, "You can't spell Syracuse without US!"
|
|
On Sunday, Dash and Dot went to check out the regional tradition, Lights on the Lake. One of their favorite sights was this sign encouraging folks to Skate, Shop, Taste and Discover Downtown Syracuse! |
|
Each year, as they spread holiday cheer and promote holiday experiences throughout Downtown Syracuse, some offices and service-based companies also request the presence of the elves. Dash and Dot had fun checking in with their friends at CH Insurance on Monday (earlier today). They even auditioned to be mascots of the "Hi-5" Blog.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
