Things to Do in Syracuse in December

December Weather in Syracuse

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Spectacular holiday light displays at Lights on the Lake (Green Lakes State Park) and Clinton Square Christmas tree - December weather creates perfect snow-dusted backdrop for photos
Carrier Dome basketball season peaks with Syracuse Orange home games drawing 30,000+ fans - indoor venue means weather never cancels games
Authentic winter festival atmosphere at Winterfest with ice skating, hot cocoa vendors, and holiday markets throughout downtown - snow enhances the experience rather than hindering it
Museum and indoor attraction season with reduced crowds - Everson Museum, MOST Science Center, and Erie Canal Museum offer warm refuges with shorter lines than summer months

Considerations

Lake-effect snow can dump 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) in 24 hours with little warning - flights delayed/canceled at Syracuse Hancock International Airport regularly in December
Temperatures feel colder than actual readings due to wind chill from Onondaga Lake - what feels like -12°C (10°F) can feel like -20°C (-4°F) with wind
Limited daylight hours with sunset by 4:45 PM mid-December - outdoor sightseeing window shrinks to roughly 8 hours daily

Best Activities in December

Lights on the Lake Holiday Display

December transforms Green Lakes State Park into Central New York's premier holiday light attraction. The 2-mile (3.2 km) driving tour features over 2 million lights reflecting off snow-covered landscapes. Best experienced after fresh snowfall when lights create magical reflections. Temperature averages -1°C (30°F) during evening hours, perfect for staying warm in your car while viewing.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online 7-10 days ahead as weekends sell out. Drive-through tickets typically cost $15-25 per vehicle. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings after 7 PM for shorter wait times. Bundle with nearby Skaneateles holiday shopping for full evening.

Carrier Dome Syracuse Basketball Games

December marks peak season for Syracuse Orange basketball with conference play beginning. The dome's climate-controlled environment maintains 21°C (70°F) regardless of outdoor blizzards. Home games draw passionate crowds creating electric atmosphere. December typically features 4-6 home games including holiday tournament action.

Booking Tip: Season ticket holders release seats 48-72 hours before games on secondary markets. Upper deck tickets typically $25-45, lower bowl $60-120. Book through official Syracuse Athletics or verified resellers. Arrive 90 minutes early for parking in December weather.

Downtown Syracuse Winter Walking Tours

December showcases Syracuse's historic architecture dusted with snow, particularly around Armory Square and Clinton Square. The holiday decorations complement 19th-century buildings creating postcard-worthy scenes. Walking tours last 90 minutes covering 1.6 km (1 mile) with indoor warming stops at historic venues.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours through Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost $15-20 per person with group discounts available. Self-guided options available through mobile apps. Schedule for 11 AM-2 PM when temperatures peak and lighting is optimal.

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Winter Tours

December offers unique ice wine tastings and holiday wine events across Skaneateles Lake region, just 32 km (20 miles) from Syracuse. Wineries feature cozy tasting rooms with fireplaces while snow-covered vineyards provide stunning backdrops. Many offer special holiday wine releases only available in December.

Booking Tip: Designated driver tours typically cost $45-75 per person including transportation and 3-4 winery stops. Book 10-14 days ahead as holiday tours fill quickly. Many operators provide heated vehicles and blankets for vineyard walks. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo Festival of Lights

December transforms the zoo into an after-dark wonderland with animal-themed light displays and heated indoor exhibits. The zoo stays open until 9 PM during light festival with hot cocoa stations throughout. Many animals are more active in cooler December temperatures, particularly arctic species like snow leopards.

Booking Tip: Evening light festival tickets typically cost $12-18 for adults, separate from daytime admission. Purchase online for $2-3 discount per ticket. Best visited during weeknight evenings for smaller crowds and better animal viewing. Heated buildings provide warm-up stations every 200 m (650 ft).

Erie Canal Museum and Historic Sites

December provides ideal indoor exploration weather for Syracuse's canal history. The museum's restored 1850 weighlock building stays comfortably heated while outside temperatures plummet. Special holiday exhibits often feature 19th-century Christmas traditions and winter canal operations when waterways froze solid.

Booking Tip: Museum admission typically costs $5-8 for adults with senior and student discounts. Open Tuesday-Sunday with extended weekend hours in December. Combine with nearby Armory Square shopping and dining for full day indoor activities. Parking is free at most downtown museums during winter months.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through early January

Lights on the Lake

Central New York's largest holiday light display featuring 2 million lights along a 2-mile drive through Green Lakes State Park. The display includes animated scenes, holiday music, and special themed sections that change annually.

December 31st

First Night Syracuse

New Year's Eve celebration featuring live music, family activities, and midnight fireworks over Clinton Square. Indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown host performances and activities from 6 PM to midnight.

Throughout December

Syracuse Winterfest

Month-long celebration featuring ice skating at Clinton Square, holiday markets, tree lighting ceremony, and weekend entertainment. The outdoor ice rink operates daily with skate rentals and warming huts available.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - Syracuse sidewalks become icy and snow depths reach 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) regularly

Layering system with merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell - indoor venues heat to 21°C (70°F) while outdoors drops to -5°C (23°F)

Insulated gloves plus thin liner gloves - essential for phone use and handling tickets in subzero wind chills

Warm hat covering ears - lake-effect winds increase perceived cold by 5-8°C (10-15°F)

Traction devices for shoes (Yaktrax or similar) - downtown sidewalks and parking lots become treacherous with ice formation

Hand and foot warmers - useful for outdoor events lasting more than 30 minutes in December temperatures

Sunglasses for snow glare - bright winter sun reflecting off snow causes eye strain and headaches

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster than normal conditions

Small backpack for layer removal - restaurants and attractions maintain warm indoor temperatures requiring frequent clothing adjustments

Lip balm with SPF protection - dry winter air and UV reflection from snow causes rapid chapping

Insider Knowledge

Lake-effect snow hits Syracuse hardest between 2-8 AM when winds shift off Onondaga Lake - check morning weather before booking outdoor activities and have indoor backup plans ready

Downtown parking meters are free after 6 PM and all day Sunday during winter months - significant savings during holiday shopping and evening events at Clinton Square

Most locals shop and dine during weekday lunch hours (11 AM-2 PM) to avoid weekend tourist crowds at Destiny USA and downtown attractions - follow this pattern for authentic experiences

Syracuse University students leave for winter break around December 15th, dramatically reducing downtown crowds and restaurant wait times for the remainder of the month