2022 Downtown Syracuse Holiday Guide

Syracuse, NY – As traditions bring the community into Downtown Syracuse to celebrate the holiday season, the Downtown Committee is excited to raise awareness about all of the unique gift options, offerings and holiday experiences found here, in Downtown Syracuse.

Beginning this Friday, November 25, the Downtown Committee’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) will showcase Downtown shopping options and experiences everyday through December 24. Through photos and videos, the community can preview shopping opportunities and holiday experiences for the whole family. In addition to daily social media highlights, our website provides detailed guides designed to help easily explore the holiday experience in Downtown Syracuse.

The Downtown Syracuse Holiday Guide highlights the experiences, traditions, special offerings, services and gifts that Downtown’s retailers, restaurants and cultural institutions creatively provide and deliver during the holiday season. There are four sections that showcase Downtown Syracuse traditions: Holiday Pop-Up Shops; Holiday Experiences; Downtown Deals; and the Window Wonderland Walk & Contest.

• The Holiday Pop-Up Shop section showcases locations to peruse and buy local, handmade craft and artisan items-truly unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
• Holiday Experiences features a series of family-friendly experiences, with holiday events including the City of Syracuse’s Tree Lighting and the Menorah Lighting, traditions including the Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum and the Festival of Trees & Light at the Everson Museum of Art, and special programs including Nutcracker Twist at the Landmark Theatre.
• In the Downtown Deals section, readers will find information about shopping deals and discounts taking place during the holiday season. Get all the gifts on your shopping list at a great price!
• Now in its 7th year, the Window Wonderland Walk & Contest boosts festive spirits, entertains visitors and attracts new customers to experience the variety of retail offerings found in Downtown Syracuse. This year, dozens of businesses will decorate their storefront windows, transforming them into engaging winter and holiday scenes. The displays will officially be unveiled this Friday, November 25.

How to Vote: An “Official Window Wonderland Contest Entry” sign signifies a storefront’s participation. The community will be able to vote for their favorite displays through January 1, 2023. A QR code displayed within participating businesses’ windows will take users directly to the link to vote. Winning displays will be announced in the Downtown Committee’s News & Events newsletter on Tuesday, January 3, and a press release will be sent out to the media that morning.

• Prizes: The business featuring the display with the most votes will receive a grand prize of $500, second place will be awarded $250 and third place will get $100.

Throughout the holiday season, the Downtown Committee’s Marketing and Communications team will electronically distribute holiday newsletters, highlighting specials at Downtown businesses and all of the exciting holiday activities happening throughout Downtown Syracuse.  The first edition will go out today, November 22. Those who are interested in subscribing to our newsletter, please email mail@downtownsyracuse.com.