What's going on, 315!
The middle of the month is almost here, and it's cold outside! Grab your coat and bundle up, because there's still so much to do - craft markets, caroling, cookies, tree lighting, holiday parties, and more! Catch a performance of the Nutcracker, or go see a showing of a nostalgic classic like Elf or Nightmare Before Christmas.
Not into all the holiday cheer? No worries - we've got lots of other stuff, too. A gourmet dinner pairing at the zoo, a wine tasting event, a historic homes tour, and even a live performance of Clue! As always, live music is plentiful around the 315, from orchestral concerts to a Beatles vs. Stones musical showdown. And if you're feeling creative, check out a painting event - or perhaps even a beeswax candlemaking class! Handmade gifts are always great, so here's your chance to make one of your own!
Thank you so much to our awesome subscribers, and if you're new here, welcome! Be sure to share our events with your friends, and as always, follow our Instagram and Facebook to stay in the know.
Let's get into it…
Local Events
Syracuse Area:
Friday, December 12 - Sunday, December 14
Christmas Craft and Holiday Market 🛍️🎄 4pm
This CNY favorite Holiday Shopping event will be held indoors at the NY State Fairgrounds. The Horticulture building will be transformed into a Christmas shopping wonderland!
Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13
Holiday Nights at the Zoo 🐯🎄 5 - 8pm
Enjoy a festive and fun after-hours stroll amid sparkling displays of holiday lights that transform Syracuse's zoo into a winter wonderland. Warm up by the fire pits and enjoy hot chocolate, s'mores, live performances of holiday music, roving entertainers, and more!
Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13
Fair Trade Holiday Sale 🛍️🎄 2 - 6pm
Come to ArtRage Gallery for your Holiday Shopping and support craftspeople from around the world!
Saturday, December 13
2025 Christmas Party 🎄🎊 12 - 3pm
Get ready to rev up your holiday spirit at Performance Harley-Davidson's Annual Christmas Party! Join us for good cheer, live music, great food, and that unmistakable Harley camaraderie.
Saturday, December 13
Christmas Candlelight Classics 🕯️🎄 7pm
Enjoy traditional holiday music in an intimate setting at Inspiration Hall. Bring the family for all your familiar favorites!
Saturday, December 13
Rooftop Holiday Movie Series: Elf 🎬 5pm
Join us at Emerald Cocktail Kitchen for holiday movies on the roof!
Saturday, December 13
The Jess Novak Band 🎸🎶 6pm
Enjoy some live music at Harvey's Garden!
Sunday, December 14
Holiday Artisan Market 🎨🎄 11am - 5pm
We're turning The Westcott Theater into a festive marketplace this holiday season — showcasing the best local artists, makers, and small businesses from across Central New York!
Wednesday, December 17
December Gourmet Dinner Pairing 🥘 6pm
Join us at the zoo for an enrichment-themed Gourmet Dinner Pairing! Learn about how we enrich the lives of our animals while enjoying a fantastic feast of French cuisine.
Thursday, December 18
Die Hard on 35mm Film 🎬 8pm
Come see this classic the way it was meant to be seen, and just in time for the Holidays! Join us at the Palace Theatre.
Oswego County:
Friday, December 12
Holiday Party 🎄🎊 7 - 9pm
Wear your ugly sweaters and enjoy complementary hors d'oeuvres and drink specials at Pleasant Beach Hotel in Sterling!
Friday, December 12
Time to Write ✍️ 1pm
Join us at Ainsworth Memorial Library in Sandy Creek for a writing session and optional group feedback!
Friday, December 12
Bryan Syrell 🎸🎶 6 - 9pm
Join us for some tunes at Central Square American Legion Post 915!
Saturday, December 13
Stop by Phoenix's First United Methodist Church for cookies, craft vendors, and Italian style meals to-go!
Saturday, December 13
Beatles vs. Stones Musical Showdown 🎸🎶 8 - 11pm
Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the Kallet Theater in Pulaski! Witness the greatest music rivalry of all time as tribute bands battle it out on stage.
Saturday, December 13
Community Reading of "A Christmas Carol" 🎄📖 1pm
Fulton Public Library is inviting the community to step into the spirit of the season during the Library's first-ever public community reading of Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol!
Saturday, December 13
The Bodega Cats 🎸🎶 7 - 10pm
The Bodega Cats will be rocking the Lock in Phoenix for a special show!
Sunday, December 14
Holiday Sip & Shop 🍷🛍️ 12 - 6pm
Join us at Sterling Valley Vineyards for a cozy and festive day of sipping, shopping, and supporting local makers!
Monday, December 15
Trivia Night 🤓 7pm
Try your hand at trivia at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton!
Thursday, December 18
Holiday Party 🎄🎊 4 - 6pm
Come join us at the Recovery Community Outreach Center in Fulton for crafts, holiday snacks, and activities!
Mohawk Valley Region:
Friday, December 12
Munson Art Market 🎨 10am - 5pm
This event will feature a diverse array of artistic expressions and artisanal goods, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates the unique talents within our community, including Pratt Munson students! Come support fellow artists while engaging with the broader community.
Friday, December 12
Music Bingo Fundraiser 🎶🎄 7 - 9:30pm
A fun and unique event awaits you at our Christmas themed fundraiser at the Burrstone Inn. Dress to impress in your favorite festive Christmaswear - from an ugly sweater, to luxurious light up cardigans, and more!
Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13
The Nutcracker 🩰 7pm
Catch this festive performance at the Rome Capitol Theatre!
Saturday, December 13
Holiday Market 🎄🛍️ 9am - 1pm
Located inside Utica's Historic Union Station - our great year-round farmers market with special holiday flair. There is truly something for all at the market!
Saturday, December 13
Kari's Warm and Cozy 🎨☕ 12 - 3pm
Join us for an afternoon filled with warmth and community! We'll have arts and crafts, food provided by the Rome Polish Home, and vendors.
Sunday, December 14
Dashin' Through The Harbor 5k 🏃 10am
Join us for our first annual Copper City Fitness Dashin' Through the Harbor 5k!
Sunday, December 14
Grace and Gratitude 🧘 10am
Looking for a way to slow down and reconnect before the holiday rush? Bring your kiddo and join us for a cozy, gratitude-themed family yoga class at Renegade Kickboxing!
Sunday, December 14
CLUE: Live on Stage 🎭 7:30 - 9pm
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they'll never forget! Catch this performance at The Stanley Theatre in Utica.
Monday, December 15
Moon Medicine 🌜🍵 6:30 - 8pm
Join us at The Portal for a quiet, end-of-year gathering to introduce Moon Medicine: at The Portal—our new monthly full moon series for 2026. This evening is intentionally soft and low-key, a chance to settle in with warm tea, gentle lighting, and thoughtful conversation as we explore the lunar rhythm of the year ahead.
Thursday, December 18
Shawn Smith 🎶🎸 5 - 8pm
Enjoy some live music at the Beeches Manor!
North Country:
Friday, December 12
Watercolor Christmas Cards 🎄🎨 4 - 7:30pm
Join us at The Gallery in Waddington to create your very own greeting card for the holidays!
Friday, December 12
Blood Drive 🩸 10:30 - 4pm
Donate blood at the First Presbyterian Church in Potsdam!
Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13
Christmas in Waddington 🎄🎅 6:30pm
The annual Festival of the Trees, Christmas parade, Santa 5K Fun Run, craft and vendor market, tree lighting and auction will take place in Waddington this weekend!
Saturday, December 13
Christmas Carols on Canvas 🎄🎶 11am - 1:30pm
Come to The Gallery in Waddington, where Yvonne Corbett will show you how to turn your favorite Christmas Carol into wall art. All materials provided. Surprise bonus craft to take home!
Saturday, December 13
The First Congregational Church in Lisbon will hold its annual Christmas Cookie Sale, featuring dozens of varieties of homemade cookies sold by the pound!
Saturday, December 13
Home for the Holidays Concert 🎄🎻 7:30pm
The Orchestra of Northern New York will host its Home for the Holidays concert at Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam.
Saturday, December 13
Adirondack Wine Tasting 🍷 1 - 4pm
Wine lovers, mark your calendars! Join in Potsdam for an Adirondack Winery Tasting featuring a handpicked selection of New York wines from the beautiful Adirondack Winery in Lake George.
Sunday, December 14
Dekalb Town Tree Lighting 🕯️🎄 4:30pm
The Town of Dekalb will host the annual tree lighting at the town's gazebo.
Sunday, December 14
Holiday Craft Event 🎄🎨 1 - 3pm
Create a handmade ornament, cards, or a dozen scones at the Parishville Town Hall!
Thursday, December 18
Holiday Mixer 🎄🍻 5 - 7pm
Join us for a festive evening of networking, appetizers, and holiday cheer at Sergi's Potsdam Italian Restaurant! Enjoy a complimentary drink ticket, great company, and a surprise visit from Santa (yes — with gifts!).
Finger Lakes Region:
Friday, December 12
Holiday Village & Market 🎄🛍️ 3 - 7pm
Make magical memories this holiday season with us at Prison City Brewing North Street! We're transforming the brewery & barn into a festive Holiday Market & Village filled with cozy vibes, great beer, and plenty of cheer.
Friday, December 12
Jaxx Unplugged 🎸🎶 7 - 10pm
Come enjoy some live music at Kostas Bar and Grill in Auburn!
Friday, December 12
Brews and Brushes 🍻🎨 6:30pm
Join us for a paint and sip event at The Artist's Lounge in Seneca Falls!
Saturday, December 13
The Whole Nine Yards 🎸🎶 7pm
The Whole Nine Yards Band (W9Y) is comprised of talented veterans of the north country music scene - check out the show at The Strand in Watertown!
Sunday, December 14
Historic Homes Tour 🏡 12 - 4pm
Check out the first floor of Becker Mansion and five other homes along Cayuga Street in Seneca Falls!
Sunday, December 14
History's Hometown Holiday Traditions 🎄❄️ 12 - 5pm
The City of Auburn's Historic and Cultural Sites Commission invites all to experience the beauty, history, and holiday magic of History's Hometown this Christmas season!
Wednesday, December 17
90's Nightmare Before Christmas 💀🎄 7 - 10pm
It's the Christmas party your parents hosted in 1994… but with better drinks! Join us at Bad Apple in Watertown.
Wednesday, December 17
Beeswax Candle Crafting Class 🕯️🐝 5:30 - 7:30pm
Join us at CCE in Watertown as we turn raw beeswax into warm, glowing candles!
Thursday, December 18
Walley's Christmas Party 🎄🎊 6pm
Celebrate the holiday season at Walley's in Auburn!
Thursday, December 18
Yule Cinnamon Intention Broom Workshop 🎨🧹 6:15pm
Join us at Serenity Wellness in Auburn for a magical Cinnamon Intention Crafting Workshop, where we'll create handcrafted brooms to celebrate the autumn season and honor the ancient traditions of this sacred season!
Foodie Corner
LORBIRD Modern American Kitchen & Bar (Fulton)

LORBIRD Kitchen & Bar
Whether you're craving scallops, squash risotto, or a burger and fries, you have to check out this place in Fulton! LORBIRD Modern American Kitchen & Bar is the latest culinary venture from Laurie and Will O'Brien, the team behind Port City Café and Red Sun Fire Roasting Company in Oswego.
The restaurant name itself tells a story - "LorBird" is a nickname Laurie's father gave her, making this culinary autobiography a personal reflection of her style and passion. The menu showcases creative American comfort food with global influences including Creole, Vietnamese, and Asian flavors. As their tagline says, this is a place "where fowl is fabulous," featuring standout chicken dishes alongside expertly prepared steaks, seasonal creations, sustainable seafood, and innovative pasta dishes.
The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and classy. You'll find a bird-themed decor with patterned upholstery, bird art on the walls, and a stunning backlit white bar. The golden bird sculpture at the bar adds a touch of whimsy. Wooden tables, leather chairs, and all-gold utensils create an elevated dining experience where you can feel comfortable in jeans while enjoying sophisticated cuisine.
Menu highlights include their famous potato croquettes, the "Flew the Coop" burger, tender chicken marsala made with leg and thigh on the bone, garlic and Guinness mussels, and their popular smash burgers. The portions are generous, and the craft cocktail menu complements the food perfectly. Don't skip dessert - though the menu is selective, what they offer is worth it!
Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch (11:30am-2pm) and dinner (4:30pm-8pm, until 9pm on Friday and Saturday). Located at 371 South 2nd Street in Fulton. Reservations are recommended!
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