Syracuse will return with an in-person “Home for the Holidays” tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving in Clinton Square. The 42-foot tall tree will be a focal point in downtown for the holiday season.

Join District Councilor Latoya Allen at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, on the corner of Salina and Colvin for the Sankofa Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Step inside Beauchamp Branch Library prior to event for special festivities.

The Southside TNT meeting will be held virtually at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6.

Syracuse Joined Artists, Musicians and Singers (JAMS) will host live musical entertainment on Wednesday evenings during the month of December at Salt City Market. These performances are sponsored in part by a small grant from CNY Arts. On Dec. 8, Grupo Pagan will perform.

Who Want Smoke will lead a cooking class Thursday, Dec. 9, in the Salt City Market teaching kitchen. The menu will include: Sweet tea, homemade baked mac & cheese, oven roasted chicken, fried cabbage and a mini Charcuterie board (including a meat flower). Each participant will leave with a dinner that feeds 4 to 6 individuals and a mini Charcuterie board. 

This in-person and virtual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the Community Folk Art Center or over Zoom. The event will feature performances by Adanfo Ensemble (African drum and dance), Dr. Joan Hillsman, vocalist Sonia Hudgins, poet Kayla Skipper and dancer Habibitou Traore.

The Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs will offer Holiday Hayrides from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at Burnet Park. The horse-drawn wagon rides through an illuminated Burnet Park will conclude with a visit with Santa. Rides are $2 per person. Online pre-registration is required and opens starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Syracuse.recdesk.com

The Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs will offer Holiday Hayrides from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at Burnet Park. The horse-drawn wagon rides through an illuminated Burnet Park will conclude with a visit with Santa. Rides are $2 per person. Online pre-registration is required and opens starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Syracuse.recdesk.com

Seatings begin at 9, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 12 and 19. Tickets include admission to tour the Syracuse Zoo. Cost is $21.95 adults and $9.95 youth aged 3-12 for Zoo members; non-member tickets are $24.95 adults and $12.95 youth. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are available at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/brunch-with-santa.

More than 30 Black- and Brown-owned businesses will be present at the final Shop Small Sunday event of the year held at Salt City Market. Vendors will feature everything from home décor and art to skin and beauty care.