Experience Downtown Syracuse for the Holidays

Syracuse, NY – The holiday season brings the community into Downtown Syracuse to celebrate this festive time of year. The Downtown Committee makes planning easy with the Experience Downtown Syracuse for the Holidays program featuring experiences, traditions, special offerings, services and unique gifts for which Downtown Syracuse retailers, restaurants and cultural institutions are known.

Starting Tuesday, November 26, these Downtown holiday experiences and more will be found on our website, DowntownSyracuse.com, and in our weekly newsletter, sent out on Tuesdays. Those who are interested in subscribing to our newsletter, please email mail@downtownsyracuse.com. Be sure to follow the Downtown Committee’s social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) where we will showcase Downtown shopping ideas and experiences through December 24. These social media posts will give the community an opportunity to preview shopping options and holiday experiences for the whole family.

With enchanting entertainment and events, festive decorations and unbeatable shopping and dining options, you’ll make memories that will last long after the snow melts.

Now in its 8th 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. Dozens of businesses will decorate their storefront windows, transforming them into majestic winter and holiday scenes and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite displays.

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, 2025. 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 Thursday, January 2, 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, courtesy of the Downtown Syracuse Foundation.

“The holidays are a great time of year to visit Downtown Syracuse with the twinkling holiday lights, festive decorations and shopping, dining and entertainment options to fill the holiday season.” said Merike Treier, Executive Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. “We hope families enjoy Downtown Syracuse for the holidays and make special memories that will bring them back into Downtown all year long.”