Craft Brewers Festival, Lights on the Lake, Art Mart: 15 things to do this week in CNY

The holiday season is in full swing in Central New York and this week has enough events to get you in the holiday spirit.
Start off your week at Lights on the Lake where you‘ll be surrounded by dazzling lights and Christmas music. Head to Art Mart for a curated selection of arts and crafts to get ahead of gift shopping.
Get some laughter in at Nurse Blake’s Shock Advised Tour on Tuesday. Thursday brings a twist to a typical museum visit with Drag Docents at the Everson Museum of Art where you can catch a one-of-a-kind tour.
Near the end of the week, head to the Westcott Theater for a nostalgic 90s themed dance party or attend a heated hockey matchup between Syracuse and Utica.
Wrap up your weekend with a concert by the Syracuse Orchestra or nerd out with family and friends at the Holiday Nerd Market, filled with everything from video games to superheroes.
Lights on the Lake is a two-mile drive-thru holiday light show with over 600,000 dazzling lights across themed displays. Visitors can drive through sections like the Land of Oz, a fantasy forest and a fairy tale finale. This beloved Central New York tradition draws over 40,000 vehicles each season, bringing holiday cheer. Guests are encouraged to tune into Sunny 102.1 while driving through. Tickets are not available at the gate so remember to purchase tickets online in advance.
Where: 6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy., Liverpool.
When: Monday from 5 to 10 p.m.
How much: $5 per vehicle and tickets can be purchased here.
Stop by the 2024 Art Mart and shop a fantastic selection of holiday arts and crafts, perfect for completing your Christmas gift shopping. The event features local artists and crafters and has operated for the past 69 years.
Where: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Free.
Nurse Blake’s Shock Advised Tour is coming to Syracuse on Tuesday where he will perform at the Crouse Hinds Theater. Part-nurse and part-touring comedian, fans can expect hilarious and relatable insights on healthcare and his life as a nurse.
Where: 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse.
When: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $96 and can be purchased here.
Drag Docents, jointly presented by the Everson Museum of Art and Breadcrumbs Productions, will combine art and drag on Thursday. Guests can enjoy guided tours of exhibitions Final Edition and California King.
Where: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse.
When: All day. Tours begin at 6 and 7 p.m.
How much: Pay what you wish.
Fool House brings a 90s dance party to life on Friday, with a concert celebrating the biggest stars and hits of the 1990s. The live show features an immersive production, a video DJ and non-stop performances. Expect choreographed dance moves, sing-alongs, and party throwbacks. Fans are encouraged to dress in 90s outfits and be ready to sing and dance all night.
Where: 524 Westcott St., Syracuse.
When: Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.
How much: $20-25 and tickets can be purchased here.
The Erie Canal Museum‘s annual Gingerbread Gallery will transport visitors an 1880s canal town scene, filled with gingerbread creations. This holiday event draws over 4,000 guests each year and celebrates the rich history of Erie Canal, with a special competition for the best canal-inspired creation. Bakers and confectioners can participate in the Confectioner‘s Competition for cash prizes. Guests can also cast votes for the People‘s Choice Award, which will be announced on New Year’s.
Where: 318 Erie Blvd E., Syracuse.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Museum tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for ages 3 to 17 and free for ages 2 and under.
Hockey fans can catch the Syracuse Crunch as they face off against the Utica Comets in an exciting Friday night matchup. The game will take place at Upstate Medical University Arena and tickets start at $42.
Where: 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse.
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased here.
Professor Louie and The Crowmatix will bring American roots music to Westcott Theater on Saturday. The group will perform classics by The Band, Bob Dylan and original blues songs. With over 100 shows a year and a legacy in blues and roots music, audiences can expect to catch an unforgettable set.
Where: 524 Westcott St., Syracuse.
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
How much: $20-25 and tickets can be purchased here.
Celebrate the holiday season at the Salt City Holiday Antiques Show this Saturday in the Horticulture Building of NYS Fairgrounds. Explore a variety of antiques, collectibles and vintage Christmas treasures inside draped booths. Whether you’re looking for a holiday decoration or a Christmas gift, this event is the perfect place to go to.
Where: 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse.
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Admission is $8 for adults, free for ages 16 and under.
The 11th annual New York State Craft Brewers Festival returns to the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse on Saturday. The event will showcase over 45 breweries from across the state. New and seasoned beer enthusiasts can sample award-winning brews and connect with craft owners and representatives. Local food vendors will also offer food pairings to complement the beer selection.
Where: 362 S Salina St., Syracuse.
When: Saturday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here.
Daniel O‘Donnell will bring a blend of music and humor to The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater on Saturday. The Donegal-born singer has had a 35-year career, and is the only artist to chart on the UK album charts every year since 1988. Known for country and Irish folk music, this Syracuse performance is one of many in the singer’s prolific career.
Where: 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse.
When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
How much: Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here.
Award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Nakoa will perform live at the 443 Social Club on Saturday. Nakoa has established himself as a modern troubadour and shared the stage with legend Tom Rush. The Berklee College of Music graduate combines classical training with grand storytelling, making his performances a one-to-see.
Where: 443 Burnet Ave., Syracuse.
When: Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m.
How much: $25-35 and tickets can be purchased here.
Producer Subdocta will perform at the Westcott Theater on Saturday night and is known for his signature “West Coast Wobble” sound. He first broke out with his 2017 single “2009 Was Tight” and has since toured alongside acts like Excision and Dirt Monkey. The night is not to be missed for bass music fans with doors opening at 10 p.m. and the show starting at 11 p.m.
Where: 524 Westcott St., Syracuse.
When: Saturday at 11 p.m.
How much: $20-25 and tickets can be purchased here.
The Syracuse Orchestra takes center stage in an afternoon concert featuring classical favorites. Audiences can enjoy a fun surprise in Haydn‘s Symphony No. 94 and compare with Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony.
Where: 310 Montgomery St., Syracuse.
When: Sunday at 3 p.m.
How much: $50 for adults, $44 for seniors, $5 for students, free for ages under 18. Tickets can be purchased here.
Relieve yourself of Christmas shopping stress at the Holiday Nerd Market on Sunday, perfect for video games, Pokemon and superhero fans. Local artists will sell one-of-a-kind items, attendees can take pictures with a Santa Pikachu and meet a Marine from Toys for Tots. All toy donations go to Toys for Tots and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Where: 2000 LeMoyne Ave., Syracuse.
When: Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
How much: Free for ages 12 and under, $5 for ages 13+ or 1 toy donation per person.