By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Gear up and head out to enjoy these top outdoor winter events.
• Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool shines through Jan. 13. From majestic arches to whimsical fairy tales, the drive-through light display is unrivaled throughout the region. Buy tickets online, as they’re not sold at the gate. Admission is by the carload.
• Skaneateles hosts its annual Dickens Christmas event weekends throughout December. Stroll, shop, dine and experience life in Dickens’ Christmas Carol world as interactive, costumed carolers and story characters bring the treasured tale to life in downtown Skaneateles. Savor hot roasted chestnuts, attend the Fezziwig Ball and peruse the quaint storefronts of the town, among other experiences that celebrate Christmas.
www.facebook.com/DickensChristmasSkaneateles
• “All aboard” in Utica to experience The Polar Express and Visit with Santa on the Adirondack Railroad with dates through Dec. 22. The event reenacts the classic story by Chris Van Allsburg with a train ride, hot chocolate, Santa Claus visit and the gift of a silvery bell. Riders are encouraged to wear their pajamas.
https://adirondackrr.com/utica/polar-express
• In Old Forge, don’t miss the Snowdeo, slated for Dec. 13-14. Visitors can prepare for snowmobile season with equipment and gear snowmobile dealers and vendors. Watch races, enter raffles and door prizes and enjoy a fireworks display and live entertainment.
https://visitmyadirondacks.com/snodeo.html
• From Jan 17-19, celebrate winter at Canandaigua’s Winter Carnival with local shopping, live music, food and beverage tasting, waterfront firepits and carnival festivities. The venues include Bristol Mountain, Event Barn at The Lake House and NY Kitchen.
• 25th Annual Great Eastern Whiteout Antique And Vintage Snowmobile Show And Swap Meet returns to Fulton Feb. 1. View vintage snowmobiles, swap and shop for parts and accessories. Hundreds of sled enthusiasts attend annually, making this a top event for snowmobile riders.
https://northeastwheelsevents.com/events/25th-annual-great-eastern-whiteout
• Syracuse Winter Fair, slated for Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 at the Expo Center of NYS Fairgrounds, brings food, entertainment, a mini-midway, vendors, crafters and even fireworks. See related story in this issue of the Winter Guide.
• Syracuse Winterfest which runs Feb. 13-23, offers family fun at various venues throughout the city to celebrate the frosty time of year. Many of these activities are held outdoors, like human dogsled races, fireworks and food competitions. The website lists a complete schedule.
• Sweeten your late winter with Maple Weekend, which will take place March 22-23 and March 29-30, 2025. Both weekends, numerous farms across the state open their sugarhouses to the public for tours, sales, samples and at some, pancake breakfasts. Most farms sell small gift items, pancake mix and other goodies in addition to syrup. Learn modern and vintage maple syrup making techniques and why New York is one of the nation’s top syrup producing states. The website lists participating maple syrup producers statewide. Check their social media pages to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. Keep in mind that these are working farms, so dress for the weather and anticipate uneven ground.