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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