Family Times December 2022

When you’re expecting, expect the best.

Crouse Health’s family-centered maternity care goes beyond the expected when you’re expecting, providing around-the-clock care and support throughout all phases of pregnancy — before, during and after delivery.

That’s why our diverse team of highly regarded OB/GYN physicians, nurses, midwives and doulas delivers more babies than any other hospital in Central New York.

Along with 24-hour in-house OB and anesthesia coverage, Crouse offers the most comprehensive resources and services to make your birth experience special — from an array of pre-birth classes, lactation support and integrative therapies, to personalized post-delivery care for both mom and baby.

Thankfully, most births go as planned. Yet it’s reassuring to know the region’s highest level of specialized newborn care is only available in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

For the health of you and your baby, choose a provider who delivers at Crouse.

CROUSE Kienzle Family Maternity Center

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Crouse

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Everson

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FEATURE

FROM

EDITOR

The holiday season comes with a long to-do list. There are presents to wrap, cookies to bake, decorations to hang, and gatherings to plan. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin! In our anniversary content on page 7, Laura Livingston Snyder offers nine tips that will help keep your spirits high (and your stress low) this year.

The holidays can also lead to an influx of toys. Sarah Lyons outlines one strategy to reduce clutter on page 22

With so much going on this month, celebrating a birthday can be challenging. Turn to page 20 for some ways you can make your child’s December party special.

And make sure to check out our Central New York Holiday Guide on page 17, which features light displays and more.

Happy holidays from all of us at Family Times!

COURTNEY KLESS EDITOR IN CHIEF

INSIDE

20th ANNIVERSARY

THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

DECEMBER 2022 | ISSUE NO. 246

GENIUSES AT WORK

PUBLISHER/OWNER

William Brod

EDITOR IN CHIEF Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com

CONTENT DIRECTOR Steve Guglielmo

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Robin Barnes

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renate Wood

CONTRIBUTORS

Neil Davis Jr., Tammy DiDomenico, Eileen Gilligan, Molly Morgan, Janelle Davis, Laura Livingston Snyder, Christy Perry Tuohey, Natalie Davis

SALES MANAGER

Tim Hudson (ext. 201)

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Lesli Mitchell (ext. 204) LMitchell@familytimescny.com

ADDRESS 9 Albany St., Suite 2e Cazenovia, NY 13035 (315) 422-7011 fax (315) 422-1721 familytimescny.com

Advertising deadline for April is March 16. Calendar deadline for April is March 3.

Advertising deadline for January is December 5.

Design by Renate Wood Cover Photo by iStock

Karen Notte, the early literacy coordinator at the Fairmount Community Library, shares her favorite books for winter, the holidays on page 18

Grades

Spring 2023 Classes

Grades 2 12

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Saturdays 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

Sundays 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Sundays 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

Pre-K - Grade 1

Tuesday or Thursday

4:00 - 5:15 p.m. or 5:45 - 7:00 p.m.

Classes begin January 21, 22, 24 & 26, 2023

Performances in May 5-14, 2023

9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Grades 1 10 April Break April 3 7, 2023

9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Performance on Friday, April 7, 2023

GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT

Nine ways to ease your holiday season

BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

When I think about the perfect holiday, it’s casual and involves fuzzy socks and pajamas, not pantyhose and Spanx. If you’re like me, then an important part of enjoying your season is figuring out how to maximize your fun and minimize your hassle. So, consider these ideas for keeping your spirits high and your sanity intact through out the month of December.

Plan ahead. Talk to family members and figure out what’s happening, where it’s happening and who’s doing what. Who will host which day? Will there be overnight guests? Organize menus and assign dishes. A potluck prevents one person from taking on all the cooking. It also allows each person to showcase a favorite dish. Planning in advance clears up miscommunication and allows the hostess ample time to coordinate her calendar and prepare her home.

Get comfortable. Now that the calendar is set, it’s time to write out a timeline. Start with the house. For those who will have extra family staying with them, accommodations will need to be decided. Inventory bedding and linen to be sure there’s enough. Laundering

now can free up precious time later. Assign duties to everyone and start in on cleaning and tidying, especially spare rooms that are ordinarily used as a catchall for stray items. Offer to help out-oftowners with hotel options. If travel plans are in your future, keep track of what to bring and what to buy once there.

Prep to save time. From this point forward start stocking up each week on ingredients that might be hard to find at the last minute. Keep these in designated bags out of sight to avoid pilfer ing. Bake and freeze dishes in advance. My friend Lorraine Grassi hosts Christmas Eve for 25 to 30 people and does this. All chop ping is done days earlier, and casseroles go right from the freezer to the oven. Even eight pounds of potatoes can be peeled and kept in water the day before cooking so the focus can stay on enjoying company.

Work together. For those families who give cookie trays as gifts, go in with others. Making a couple dozen in an afternoon is fun. Being tied to the kitchen for several dozen more becomes drudgery. Combining and then sharing the varieties also saves money on costly ingredients for several recipes. Or peruse sites

Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article (or a few) from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our December 2016 issue.

like Pinterest to look for a new approach. The site features, for example, ideas for layering dry ingredients in decorated mason jars—a strategy that takes a fraction of the time that baking does.

Clear out the old. This is a great time to remind kids of those less fortunate. We go through our house for toys no longer of interest and bag them up for goodwill. Our children understand these items might go to families who can’t afford new presents. It also creates room for what will be left under our tree.

Get it in the mail. It’s not too late to send cards. I love sending photo cards of the kids, especially to friends and rela tives who we don’t see often. These days we can do everything online without having to wait weeks, so be creative. Check out the postal service’s guidelines for sending goodies through the mail (usps.com). You can avoid priority-mail charges by sending packages by Dec. 15. Cards mailed before Dec. 19 are likely to arrive by Christmas Day.

Pick and choose. Part of holiday burnout is attempting to do too much. There’s no rule that says every tradition must be followed. Between work functions and school parties, sometimes we barely have time for a breather between events. But limiting ourselves to a couple makes these obligations more manageable, and the novelty of a few helps to keep them enjoyable.

And focus on those traditions that make the season special for your family. Every year, three generations of our family meet at Granger’s Christmas Tree Farm in Mexico with our cameras. After a tractor ride and a hike, we cut and haul our own tree, then warm up with hot cocoa. I look forward to it each year.

Make a budget. Set a price limit per person. No one should still be paying in August for toys their kids have already broken. Tally purchases and record what’s left to buy and which stores to visit. Some teachers offer a classroom “search and find” list for parents to identify an elusive item or offer information on where they’ve seen it. And when the shopping is done, don’t second-guess or go back to the store for “one more thing,” even if it’s on sale.

If funds are low or stress levels high, don’t feel badly about trimming the recipient list to one that is manageable for your budget. Maybe this is the year to offer time instead of spend ing money.

That’s a wrap. Everyone has their routine of wrapping gifts. Keep it fun. I know someone who does all her wrapping at one time, which turns her day into drudgery and gives her a sore back. I prefer to load a DVD of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or A Charlie Brown Christmas and limit my wrap ping to about an hour. With the first chunk of my chore done and memory lane visited, I have a renewed sense of holiday spirit.

Planning and paring down expectations are ways to stay in control and reduce stress, helping to keep the holiday season jolly and bright.

SUGAR-FREE CHOCOLATE WREATH COOKIES

RECIPE FROM CHRIS XAVER

Appeared in the December 2012 issue

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 frozen bananas (or 2 very ripe bananas)

• 2 egg whites, whipped

• 1 cup chopped dates

• 1½ cups raisins (I like the golden raisins, but use what you have)

• 1½ cups rolled (also called old-fashioned) oats

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (my favorite brand is Hershey’s Special Dark)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (for decoration)

• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped in half (for decoration)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and call in the kids! Take the ba nanas out of the bag and squeeze them in the peels. It’s fun, messy, and a perfect job for your helpers. Remove the peels and put the chunky mixture into a large bowl.

I use my food processor to pulse together the dates and raisins into a paste or butter-like consistency. Add the egg, cinnamon, vanilla and salt to the food processor and mix. Pour into the bowl with the bananas.

Stir in the oatmeal and cocoa powder until the mixture is fully incorporated. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes, or until any liquid is absorbed.

Line your cookie tray with parchment paper or a Silpat nonstick sheet (or spray with a nonstick spray). Drop by the spoonful onto the tray. Flatten with the palm of your hand and then press the center out with a finger to form a wreath—a perfect kid job.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until set (but not firm). Transfer cookies to a wire rack and immediately decorate with cranberries and pistachios (they are your ornaments) while still warm; this is another good task for your helpers. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about two dozen cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to a week—but they won’t last that long!

MINDFUL MERRYMAKING

Eat, drink and move healthy over the holidays

BY MOLLY MORGAN

This article originally appeared in the December 2017 issue

The holiday season is filled with traditions, fun memories and lots of food and drinks. Then right around the corner is the New Year, along with resolutions, which are often tied to eating healthier and losing weight. The good news is that there is no need to give up all of your holiday favorites. Rath er than depriving yourself, use these tips to adjust your menu, stay mindful and get active throughout the holiday season.

MIX IT UP

If you are planning a holiday get-together, mix up your menu. Start by ensuring that it includes a variety of foods. Say yes to your favorite holiday splurges, but also incorporate plenty of lighter and healthier items.

Go beyond the basic fruit-and-veggie platter, and offer some creative options. Try things like fresh fruit kebabs, colorful layered fruit salads or sliced apples with caramel dip. And how about a roasted vegetable platter, a leafy green, wreath-shaped Caprese sal ad or a tree-shaped vegetable platter with a yogurt-based dip? For appetizers, opt for vegetable-based dips like black bean and veggie dip, hummus and whole wheat pita or spinach artichoke dip.

Include sources of healthier fats like salmon, tuna, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Put out dishes of mixed nuts, pistachios, almonds or cashews. Or try serving an appetizer that centers on salmon or tuna. In recipes choose olive or canola oil, and look for infused oils to flavor recipes.

Add whole grains to enhance your foods’ nutritional value. Consider substituting whole wheat pastry flour, quinoa, brown rice, whole grain bread crumbs, oats or whole wheat pasta for more pro cessed flours and grains called for in recipes. Serve dips and spreads with whole grain crackers, multigrain pita chips or whole wheat pita bread.

A swap that works for quick breads and baked foods is using whole wheat pastry flour. This flour has a smooth texture and light wheat taste, with all the nutritional power of a whole grain flour. To substitute whole wheat pastry flour in a recipe, it is a one-to-one substitution.

Lighten up a cheese platter with foods that are lighter in calories. Great options include slices of roasted vegetables (such as roasted red peppers), a variety of olives, fresh sliced vegetables, grapes, berries or pickled vegetables.

PAY ATTENTION

Think less about depriving yourself and more about being mind ful about your food and beverage selections.

Avoid mindless eating at parties by moving away from the food spread and socializing with guests! If you are the hostess, check on the food periodically but otherwise spend your time talking, not eating.

Decide in advance how you want to spend your calories. For example, at a party, go light on the snacks and appetizers and save some room for a dessert. If you love savory dips and appetizers, enjoy the appetizers and then skimp on the desserts. Budget your calories the way you would budget your money on a shopping trip.

Pay special attention to what you are drinking, and focus on limiting the sugary drinks. You can help your guests cut down on sugar intake by serving a variety of naturally flavored seltzer waters, infused waters or unsweetened teas. Instead of sugary holiday punch, try a fresh fruit and seltzer punch with lime seltzer, slices of limes and sliced strawberries. Turn this into the base for an adult punch by adding vodka.

To help lessen some of the focus on food at gatherings, plan non-food activities for you and your guests: play games, assemble a puzzle, take a walk, have fun outside, build a snowman or make simple crafts.

GET AND STAY ACTIVE

Don’t forget to stay active, even during the frenzy of the holidays. You always have options, from swimming at community indoor pools to walking at the mall, exercising at home or heading to the gym. Of course, bundle up and enjoy outdoor activities as well: shoveling, snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating or cross-country skiing.

If you are traveling over the holidays, seek out ways to stay active wherever you are going, such as yoga classes, trails, roller skating, ice skating, skiing and more! Plus remember the holiday to-do list: shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and baking all burn calories.

If you will be going to a party, plan to use these ideas to bring healthier choices with you to the gathering. The day of a party, rath er than skipping meals, squeeze in a few extra minutes at the gym, on a walk, or exercising to offset the party food and drinks.

I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays in Central New York?

– Connie

“Lights on the Lake.”

– Bob

Fayetteville

“To drive around at night and look at Christmas lights with [my] grandson and it makes me almost want to go to the door and thank them for the excitement and enjoyment he gets.”

– Jodee

“I love being outdoors in our beautiful parks, ice skating downtown, and spending time with family.”

– Julie

Syracuse

Clay

Fulton

“Go sledding and get hot chocolate afterwards.”

– Danielle

“Being

– John

“Lorenzo House in Cazenovia, followed by dinner by the fire at the Brae Loch.”

– Rina

Fayetteville

North Syracuse

“Taking a ride around town to see all the houses decorated for the holidays!”

– Katie

“Baldwinsville Parade of Lights, followed by the village tree lighting! There’s always visits with Santa and hot cocoa!”

– Kelly

Baldwinsville

QUESTION of the MONTH

Visit our social media pages to answer the January Question of the Month!

“With family.”

surrounded by family on a snowy day.”

Jamesville

Auburn

Lynn Hy, Chief Development Officer, and Debra Mimaroglu, Community Nutrition Manager, at Food Bank of Central New York

BY JANELLE DAVIS

1. Food Bank of Central New York is a very well-known organization. Can you tell us a little about it and who you serve?

Lynn Hy: The Food Bank has been around since 1985 and works within 11 counties. We are the distribution cen ter that works behind the scenes for the emergency food network: food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters. We acquire and distribute nutritious food to our partner programs. There are more than 400 emergency and non-emergency programs that we work with throughout the year. During our last fiscal year, we distrib uted more than 17.4 million pounds of food. That’s equivalent to 14.5 million meals. We have our mobile food pantry, where we do truck-to-trunk delivery of healthy foods, and we also provide SNAP Outreach.

We focus on advocacy work in our com munity because we believe that it’s im portant to inform elected officials how the pieces of legislation could affect the food bank and people who rely on food assis tance programs.

2. Can you share some of your nutrition initiatives?

Debra Mimaroglu: We have several initiatives to promote and improve health and nutrition status, while enhancing indi vidual and household knowledge and skills that encourage autonomy and resiliency for

our participants. We partner with the Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetable program to deliver a comprehensive nutrition educa tion workshop at emergency food programs or any community program working with adults and families who are struggling to make healthy meals while trying to stretch their food budget.

The Food Bank also partners with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse to present Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegeta bles at the Farmer’s Market. This initiative inspires healthy habits, while promoting the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Local, fresh produce is fea tured in the recipe demonstrations. Each attendee receives Central New York Health Bucks, which they can use to purchase local produce from farmers at the market. This initiative increases access to local produce, while supporting local farmers. All are welcome to the workshops.

We also partner with Kids’ Café, the after-school meal sites, to provide ageappropriate nutrition education activities. Workshops empower the children to make healthy food choices for good physical and mental health.

3. There are some events that the Food Bank provides for the community. Are there any upcoming?

Debra Mimaroglu: We are always active in community events. We do not have any

scheduled at this time, but in October, we were at the inaugural Mile Marketplace on the Creekwalk, where the community was brought together through hosting vendor booths representing city-based farm stands, artisans, crafters, small businesses, and non-profit agencies.

4. Is there anything new on the horizon for the Food Bank?

Lynn Hy: At the start of our new fiscal year, we embarked on a five-year strategic plan. We updated our mission, vision, and our overall goals. We’re looking forward to a lot of new enhancements, such as using community partnerships and data to enhance our programs and services. This will allow us to better meet people where they are. Many people feel that there are barriers to accessing nutritious food, like they may not have transportation to their local food pantry, or the pantry may not be open when they can get there. Our focus in the next five years is working with the communities to address the barriers people facing hunger are experiencing to increase food security and equity.

Janelle Davis is a freelance writer living in Fair mount with her family.

Know an educator who deserves a mention?

Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

From left to right: Debra Mimaroglu and Lynn Hy

Treat Yourself

Gingerbread Gallery returns to Erie Canal Museum

BY COURTNEY KLESS

The Erie Canal Museum’s Ginger bread Gallery has been a popular holiday destination for the past 37 years.

Steve Caraccilo, the museum’s operations manager, has been there for 24 of them.

“It’s gotten quite popular,” he said. “It’s become one of the family traditions. We get a lot of repeat visitors.”

The Gingerbread Gallery began as oneday event in 1986. These days, it runs for six weeks, allowing visitors to walk through an 1800s canal town with gingerbread cre ations in the storefront windows.

Caraccilo said it typically takes about two and a half to three weeks to put the exhibit together.

“On average, we’ve had about 30-35 hous es in the past,” he said. “This year, we’re going to have about 45-50…We put the

word out, and anybody is eligible to enter. We have families do it. Girl Scout troops. Nursery school classes. There’s a category for seniors. Some professional bakers.”

When you’re done admiring the hand made creations, make sure to check out the museum’s eight permanent exhibits (they’re included with admission to the Gingerbread Gallery), including a full-size replica boat and children’s area.

“We’ve discovered that we’ve become peoples’ go-to choice for bringing out of town visitors,” said Caraccilo. “It seems like people are quite proud of this place.”

IF YOU GO

GINGERBREAD GALLERY,

Erie Canal Museum

Where: 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse.

Hours: Daily (except Christmas, New Year’s Day) through Jan. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: $10/adults; $7/seniors (65+); $4/children ages 3-17; free/children ages 2 and under.

More information: eriecanalmuseum.org/gingerbread.

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. She lives in Camillus with her husband.

Steve Caraccilo, the museum’s operations manager, said 6,000 people visit the Gingerbread Gallery each year.

Syracuse Stage Adds Pay-What-You-Will Performances

A program at Syracuse Stage is expanding.

The theatre recently received a $20,000 grant from M&T Bank, allowing it to add more pay-what-you-will performances to the 2022/23 season.

“There’s nothing like the joy that live entertainment brings,” said Steve Gorczynski, Central New York regional president at the bank, in a press release. “It’s a chance to join with family and friends, to unplug from our screens and to celebrate our vibrant arts commu nity. We are proud to help bring that shared experience to as many members of our community as possible.”

The pay-what-you-will program was first created during the 2017/18 season, and has sold more than 1,100 tickets since then, according to Syracuse Stage. They typically cost $7-$8 (tickets are limited to two per person), and will be available for the following shows: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Nov. 30-Dec. 4); Espejos: Clean (Feb. 15-19); Our Town (March 29-April 2); Tender Rain (May 3-7); and Clue (June 7-11).

For more information, visit syracusestage.org.

Micron Announces Funding for MOST

In late October, Micron announced that it is investing $500,000 in the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). The funds will be used to create a hands-on exhibit that explores semiconductors (and some of their common applications), and the company will also present Dollar DeSTEM ber Days this month, with $1 admission on select Thursdays and Fridays.

“We are thrilled for this tremendous and generous support from Micron,” said Lauren Kochian, president of the MOST, in a press release. “Partnering with a company like Micron will improve the access and reach of our incredible STEM education programs for our students…Micron’s investment in the MOST and their belief in our mission of hands-on STEM education demonstrates the great opportunity they will provide to our community’s students.”

For more information about the museum, visit most.org.

The Kelberman Center Becomes “Kelberman”

The Kelberman Center was created in 2005, inspired by the vision of a local father.

Now, nearly two decades later, it has rebranded and developed into an independent organization.

“Our new brand symbolizes a new and exciting phase for us as an agency,” said Executive Director Tara Costello in a press release. “We thank Upstate Cerebral Palsy for providing leader ship and resources to our organization in its infancy, as it did to many other new and growing agencies over the years. Now, as a completely independent organization, we are fully positioned to realize Dr. Kelberman’s dream of a center of excellence for autism here in our community; a dream that began decades ago as he searched for a place for his son to receive autism services locally.”

For more information, visit kelbermancenter.org

For more community news, visit communityguide. familytimescny.com/article. To submit a news item, email courtneyk@familytimescny.com.

COURTNEY KLESS PHOTO

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SYRACISE STAGE

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KELBERMAN

Guide Holiday

The holiday season is here, and there are many ways to celebrate locally. Here are a few.

LIGHT DISPLAYS

LightDISPLAYS Visits fromSANTA

VISITS FROM SANTA

Bright Nights

Where: Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica. When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18. More information: uticazoo.org/brightnights.

Christmas Festival

Where: Abbott Farms, 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. When: Dec. 3, 10 & 17. More information: abbottfarms.ticketspice.com/ christmas-2022.

Holiday Nights

Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. When: Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 17. More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/events.

Jungle Bells: Holiday Lights

Where: Animal Adventure Park, 85 Martin Hill Road, Harpursville.

When: Thursday-Sunday (through Dec. 31). More information: theanimaladventurepark.com.

Lights

on the Lake

Where: Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. When: Daily through Jan. 13 More information: lightsonthelake.com.

Winter Wonder Lights

Where: Zoo New York, 1 Thompson Park, Watertown. When: Weekends, through Jan. 8. More information: zoonewyork.org/upcoming-events.

Bass Pro Shops

Where: 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn (Auburn location); 710 Horatio St., Utica (Utica location). When: Daily through Dec. 24. More information: basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland.

Chuck Hafner’s

Where: 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon-4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 11 from noon-4 p.m.

More information: chuckhafner.com/santa-claus-at-chucks.

Destiny USA

Where: 1 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse. When: Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday from noon-6 p.m.; Dec. 24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More information: destinyusa.com.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo (Brunch with Santa)

Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. When: Saturday, Dec. 3; Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/events.

Sangertown Square

Where: 8555 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford. When: Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-7 p.m.; Sunday from noon-2:30 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24 from 10 a.m.1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

More information: sangertown.com.

Holiday Nights.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROSAMOND GIFFORD ZOO

list of area holiday events

WinterReads

These books were recommended by Karen Notte, the early literacy specialist at the Fairmount Community Library, FOR AGES 4-10

Learn about the holidays, winter with these books |

BY COURTNEY KLESS

• Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins Even though it’s cold and snowy outside, two siblings launch a lemonade (and limeade) stand, teaching readers about math in the process.

• Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan Join Little Owl as he watches fall change to winter for the first time.

• One Candle by Eve Bunting While coming together for Hanukkah each year, a family reflects on a historical event.

• Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by James Dean and Kimberly Dean

This twist on the classic Christmas song follows Pete (and his friends) on a trip the ocean.

• The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow by Lora Koehler The Little Snowplow is back – and is anxiously waiting for snow to fall.

• The Very Fairy Princess Sparkles in the Snow by Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Andrews

In this book by the Academy Award-winning actress and her daughter, Geraldine hopes to get a chorus solo at her school’s Winter Wonderland Festival. But things don’t exactly go as planned.

• We Celebrate Hanukkah by Bobbie Kalman, Cecilia Ohm-Ericksen and Susan Hughes Children can explore the history of Hanukkah in this non-fiction book.

• Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker

From snowmen to sledding to holiday lights, a boy reminds his sister of all the reasons why winter is so special.

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. She lives in Camillus with her husband.

PHOTO

10 TIPS

on Making Your Child’s December Birthday Party Special

BY KATY M. CLARK

When my daughter was born on a cold December night, I was overwhelmed with love. I cuddled with her as my husband and I listened to Christ mas music. We found an ornament in the hospital gift shop with her name on it. We dined on a Christmas dinner that year that someone else prepared.

Having a baby in December? It was better than I expected.

Fast forward 10 years and nearly as many birthday parties later. December birthdays can be sweet, but they can be hard when it comes to throwing birthday parties. Luckily, I have years of experience and 10 tips to share that will make your child’s next December birthday party as fun and stress-free as possible.

1. Plan in advance. Everyone is busy during the holidays. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend, and special activities at school. I recommend picking a date for your party as far in advance as possible.

2. Be flexible with your date. Every year, our town hosts a holiday parade on the Saturday closest to my daughter’s birthday. The whole town goes. Thus, to avoid competing with it, we usually have her party a week or so after her birthday.

3. Consider piggybacking on a special holiday event. Once, we took my daughter and her friends to a “Visit with Santa” event. The kids visited businesses in a shopping center, collecting candy or toys, before meeting Santa. The treats served as their goody bags (bonus!) and afterwards, we celebrated with cake at our house. That party was one of the easiest we’ve had.

4. Think right before or after the holidays. If you can wait until the weekend before Christmas, then kids are ready to attend a birthday party. By then, they’ve already visited Santa, had their school party, performed in the holiday play, etc. The same goes with right after the New Year. All the holi day excitement is gone, and kids are bored – and available.

5. Skip the week between Christmas and New Years. Not only is it Kwanzaa, but most people are traveling or enter taining relatives.

6. Prepare your child that not everyone can come. One year, a friend couldn’t come because she was celebrating the holidays early with out-of-town family. However, it’s no different from other times of the year. My oldest child has a summer birthday, and someone is always on vacation.

7. Go full-out birthday party mode. Yes, Christmas music blares from every stereo and the stores offer gifts galore for Hanukkah’s eight nights. That makes it even more im portant to celebrate with a standard birthday cake and typical birthday party decorations.

8. Prepare your child that someone may double-up on a birthday/holiday gift. Most kids don’t do this. Usual ly, the two-for-one gift is from a relative. It’s not the end of the world.

9. Give yourself a pep-talk. I’m not going to lie. Plan ning and throwing a birthday party amidst all the other things you have to do during the holidays is hard. But we are parents. We are nothing if not strong!

10. Remember it is your child’s special day, no mat ter where it falls on the calendar. I like to remind people of this fact whenever someone says, “It must be so hard having a birthday in December.” Because it doesn’t have to be hard, it can be awesome.

Throwing a birthday party during the holidays? It can be done. And, if you keep these tips in mind, it can be a happy birthday indeed.

REDUCE TOY CLUTTER IN SIX EASY STEPS

BY SARAH LYONS

Toy clutter, it’s a problem all parents face. From the toddler years when blocks, push toys, and board books seem to be scattered down the hallway to the school age years where kids collect tiny Legos, matchbox cars, and Barbie dolls, clutter remains an ongoing issue. A toy rotation is one way to fight this problem.

Step 1: Gather

In the main play area, gather all the toys to the center of the room. You are making a bigger mess at first, but this will help you get organized in the long run. “It may be best to start this process when the kids are in bed or out of the house,” said Colorado Springs mom, Kara Thomas. The process may go quicker and smoother sans children. However, if that isn’t an option, get the kids involved and have them help bring toys to the center of the room.

Step 2: Reduce

Go through the pile you have gathered and throw away bro ken toys and items that have missing pieces. Take out any toys that are no longer age appropriate. Lastly, pick out toys that the children don’t play with. Jill Miller, Cedar Rapids, Iowa mom of two, said “We purge things every year for the annual neighborhood garage sale. It also gives us a little cash boost.” If your family is not up for the work that goes into selling items, consider donating them to a local charity or passing them along to a friend.

Step 3: Sort

Once you have reduced the amount of toys, you should be left with age appropriate toys that your children enjoy. Now divide toys into three categories: thinking toys (puzzles, board games, shape sorters), pretend play (play food, dolls, blocks), and toys that encourage gross motor play (balls, push toys, cars). When you have the items sorted, there should be three piles, one for each category.

Step 4: Divide

Divide toys into three to four groups. Each group should have equal amounts of toys from the categories of thinking toys, pretend play, and gross motor toys. Place each group of toys into a large box and label it. Plastic tubs work well and can double as a toy box.

Step 5: Store

Once the toys are sorted and separated into three to four box es, keep one out and put the remaining boxes in storage. Make sure you have easy access to the stored boxes so you can rotate them frequently.

Step 6: Rotate

Decide how long to keep a box out for play. Some families switch weekly, while some switch every two to three weeks, and some may switch every month or longer. Choose a time that works for your family. When each box is out, take note of what toys are most popular and which items get ignored. As you are packing up the box, remove the items that didn’t get played with and donate or sell them.

By implementing a toy rotation system, you will be able to cut down on toy clutter in your living space because three-fourths of the toys will be in storage at any given time. In addition to a tidier home, there will also be less mess for kids to clean up and a better chance for all toys to be utilized.

DECEMBER

Please note: This calendar was up-to-date at the time of publication. Please call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website to confirm event details.

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

DIY Lava Lamps. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees in grades 3-5 can make a lava lamp. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St, Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

CoComelon Live! 6 p.m. Families can help JJ write a song. Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $29.50-$205.50 (plus fees). landmark theatre.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11;

$10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Family Interactive Movie. 6-8 p.m. Families can enjoy an interactive screening of Home Alone. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. 6-8 p.m. Syracuse City Ballet artists and children perform the tale of a young girl who ventures into an enchanted world after saving a dashing prince. Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20-$75 (plus fees). syracusecity ballet.com.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

Junior Naturalist Walk. 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Each month, families can enjoy themed walks and nature activities. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek.

Canvas Crafts for Kids! 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children ages 5-12 can make a canvas zipper pouch. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St, Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This event features more than 120

crafters. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Admission: $2-$5/adult; free/under age 16 and over age 65. (315) 472-5478. peacecouncil.net/plowshares.

The Kids’ Table Presents: Keep Calm, It’s Just the Holidays. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Families will learn self-care practices, gratitude and more. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration required: (315) 6826400. manliuslibrary.org.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Kid’s Craft Workshop. 1-3 p.m. Attendees can create nature crafts. Great Swamp Conservancy, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. $5/child. greatswamp conservancy.org/events

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Syracuse City Ballet artists and children perform the tale of a young girl who ventures into an enchanted world after saving a dashing prince. Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20-$75 (plus fees). syracusecitybal let.com.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$75. (315) 443-3275. syracuse stage.org/mermaid.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This event features more than 120 crafters. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Admission: $2-$5/adult; free/under age 16 and over age 65. (315) 472-5478. peacecouncil.net/plowshares.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. 2-4 p.m. Syracuse City Ballet artists and children perform the tale of a young girl who ventures into an enchanted world after saving a dashing prince. Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20-$75 (plus fees). syracusecity ballet.com.

MONDAY, DEC. 5

LEGO Club. 3:30-7 p.m. Attendees ages 2-18 can build with LEGOs. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Teen Drawing and Art Club. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can take part in a variety of art mediums, including drawing and painting, sculpting, general crafting, and coloring. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 6

Homeschool Hangout. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Families can get together for games, crafts, and activities. There are two sessions: one for all ages, and one for tweens ages 10-13. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Tuesday Crafternoons. 3:30-7 p.m. Children ages 3-10, and a caregiver, can drop in to make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemorial library.org.

Teen Tuesday: Sphero Golf. 4-5 p.m. During today’s session, teens in grades 6-8 can help program a Sphero robot. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Tween/Teen Anime Club. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees in grades 5 and up can watch an anime episode. This session will also include a craft and a snack. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Teen Holiday Party. 6-7:30 p.m. Teens in grades 7-12 can decorate cookies, watch a Christmas mov ie and more. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315)-458-6184. nopl.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7

Big Games Wednesday Afternoons. 2-6 p.m. Attendees can play big Connect 4, big Jenga and more. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Macrame for Teens. 3-5 p.m. Teens can create a macrame wall hanging. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

Teen Tabletop Games. 3-7 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can play board games. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 6723661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

DASH Robot Challenge. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades K-2 can play with the library’s DASH robots. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Spanish Holiday Celebration. 5-6 p.m. Children ages 5-9 can learn how the holidays are celebrated around the world during this Spanish lesson. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. $30-$75. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/ mermaid.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Teen Book Discussion. 4-5 p.m. December’s book is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Robot Challenge. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees in grades 3-5 can participate in a coding chal lenge. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages

2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Christmas in The City. 5-8 p.m. This event includes horse-drawn wagon rides, music, food trucks and more. 1110 Black River Blvd, Rome. Free. (315) 339-0242. lifechurchny.com/christmas.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

Pancakes and Pajamas Santa Brunch. 9-11 a.m. & noon-2 p.m. This event features crafts, games and more. Fireside Inn, 2347 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville. $20/adults; $16/children ages 2-16. thebvilleconnection.square.site.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Dasher’s Magical Gift 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. In a lively narrated ballet for children, a crisis arises in the days before Christmas when Santa’s fastest reindeer, Dasher, loses his ability to fly.  Crouse Hinds Theater at the Oncenter Civic Center, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $10-$19. (315)299-5598. cnyarts.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$75. (315) 443-3275. syracuse stage.org/mermaid.

Teen LGBTQIA+ Club. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Each month, attendees ages 12-19 can celebrate who they are. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey. 3 p.m. Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and more will perform Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Landmark, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $15-$65. (315) 299-5598. experiencesymphoria.org.

Christmas in the City. 5-8 p.m. This event includes horse-drawn wagon rides, music, food trucks and more. 1110 Black River Blvd, Rome. Free. (315) 339-0242. lifechurchny.com/christmas.

Family Twilight: Light Up the Holidays. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees can make an illuminating craft. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Tickets required:

$40/adult-child pair (non-members; $30 for mem bers). (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Caroling in the Woods. 7-8:30 p.m. Pick up a song sheet and take part in a Baltimore Woods tradition. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Free. Registration required: (315) 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Pictures with Santa. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Families can have their photo taken with Santa Claus – and enjoy holiday music and crafts as they wait. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required (for each family): (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Nature Explorers. 2-3 p.m. Join the library and the Student Environmental Education Coalition at SUNY-ESF for a nature lesson. Recommended for ages 5-10. Shove Park, 1 Shove Park Drive, Camillus. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Holiday Frozen Tea Party. 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Attendees can meet characters from Frozen during this tea party. Sugar Rush Boutique, 45 Main St., Camillus. Tickets: $49/person. sugarrush. boutique.tickets.

MONDAY, DEC. 12

Holiday Preschool STEM. 10:15-11 a.m. Children ages 3-5 can complete holiday-themed STEM activities. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

LEGO Club. 3:30-7 p.m. Attendees ages 2-18 can build with LEGOs. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Teen Drawing and Art Club. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can take part in a variety of art mediums, including drawing and painting, sculpting, general crafting, and coloring. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

Sensory Bins. 10-10:30 a.m. Children ages 5 and under can explore sensory bins. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St, Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Homeschooling children ages 5-10 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math

through hands-on activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Homeschool STEAM Club+. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Homeschooling children ages 10-13 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Drop-In Holiday Crafts. 3-7 p.m. Attendees can make holiday crafts. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

Tuesday Crafternoons. 3:30-7 p.m. Children ages 3-10, and a caregiver, can drop in to make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemorial library.org.

Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. During today’s session, attendees in grades 6-8 can create a scarf – then dye it. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Video Game Club. 4-6 p.m. Attendees in grades 3-6 can play video games, including Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Tween/Teen Anime Club. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees in grades 5 and up can watch an anime episode. This session will also include a craft and a snack. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Homeschool STEAM. 10-11:30 a.m. Homeschooling families can join the library for holiday-themed STEAM activities. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Homeschool Meet-Up. 1-2:30 p.m. Attendees can meet other homeschooling families and select resources with the help of a librarian. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

Big Games Wednesday Afternoons. 2-6 p.m. Attendees can play big Connect 4, big Jenga and more. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Teen Tabletop Games. 3-7 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can play board games. Maxwell Memorial

Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 6723661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Kids Make: Snow Dough. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Attendees can make their own “snow dough.” NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

DIY Winter Wonderland Snow Globes. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades K-2 can make a snow globe. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

Holiday Learning Lab. 4-5:15 p.m. Children ages 6-10 can make holiday cards, a plate for Santa’s cookies and more. $5/child. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fair mountlibrary.org.

How to Induce Your Labor Naturally. 6-7:30 p.m. Learn about some ways to naturally induce your labor during this Zoom session presented by CNY Doula Connection. Free. Registration required: (315) 707-8097. cnydoulaconnection@ gmail.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Discovery Den. 10-11 a.m. This session will include sensory bins, crafts and fine motor skills practice. Recommended for children ages 5 and un der. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Young Writers. 4-5 p.m. Teens can share their current projects – and create new stories. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Breakout Escape Room. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades 3-5 must solve puzzles and riddles to “break out” before time expires. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Holiday Singalong with Santa. 6-7 p.m. Families can enjoy stories, songs and crafts with Santa Claus. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Party Like a Toddler! 10-11:30 a.m. Children ages 0-5 can enjoy stories, crafts and more. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Santa and Mrs. Claus. 2-3:30 p.m. This event will feature singalongs, a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas and visits with Santa. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Kids’ Night Out. 5:30-9 p.m. Children ages 6-10 can take a tour of the zoo, play games and more. The event also includes a pizza party. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $35/non-members (per child); $30/mem bers (per child). Registration required: rosamond giffordzoo.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

December Baby Circle. 10-10:45 a.m. This monthly storytime is for infants up to 9 months. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Drive, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 4878933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Holiday Concert with Aaron Druger. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Families can enjoy holiday music from Aaron Druger. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration encour aged: (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge 11 a.m. Watch as the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company per forms the classic holiday tale. Downtown Cortland Theatre, 24 Port Watson St., Cortland. Tickets: $5 (free/ages 12 and under). cortlandrep.org.

Gingerbread Houses. 1-4 p.m. Attendees can make a gingerbread house. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib. ny.us.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$75. (315) 443-3275. syracuse stage.org/mermaid.

Winter Solstice Hike. 7-8:30 p.m. Go on a lantern-lit hike through the woods; snowshoes provided (if needed). For age 8 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $6-$9. Registration required: (315) 6731350. baltimorewoods.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

HANUKKAH BEGINS

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

MONDAY, DEC. 19

LEGO Club. 3:30-7 p.m. Attendees ages 2-18 can build with LEGOs. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Hanukkah Storytime. 4:30-5:15 p.m. Families can join the library for a special storytime. This ses sion will also include a craft. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration encouraged: (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Teen Drawing and Art Club. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can take part in a variety of art mediums, including drawing and painting, sculpting, general crafting, and coloring. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

Santa and Mrs. Claus. 6-8 p.m. This event will feature singalongs, a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas and visits with Santa. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Brewerton. Free. Registration required: (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

Homeschool Chess Club. 1:30-3 p.m. Families can play chess. All levels are welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Tuesday Crafternoons. 3:30-7 p.m. Children ages 3-10, and a caregiver, can drop in to make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemorial library.org.

Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. During today’s session, teens in grades 6-8 can answer trivia questions about the weather. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration re quired: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Tween/Teen Anime Club. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees in grades 5 and up can watch an anime episode. This session will also include a craft and a snack. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Holiday Storytime. 6-7 p.m. Families can listen to stories about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

WEDNESDAY, DEC.

WINTER BEGINS

21

Homeschool Hangout. 2-3 p.m. Homeschooling families can complete STEM challenges. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Big Games Wednesday Afternoons. 2-6 p.m. Attendees can play big Connect 4, big Jenga and more. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Teen Tabletop Games. 3-7 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can play board games. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 6723661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

No Bake Snowflake Cookies. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades K-2 can make their own snowflake cookies. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration re quired: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

PJ Storytime. 6-6:30 p.m. Families can enjoy a holiday-themed story and songs. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Winter Solstice Hike. 7-8:30 p.m. Go on a lantern-lit hike through the woods; snowshoes provided (if needed). For age 8 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $6-$9. Registration required: (315) 6731350. baltimorewoods.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages

2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

DIY Snow Globes. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades 3-5 can make a snow globe. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Teen Craft: Giant 3D Paper Snowflakes. 4-5 p.m. Attendees can create paper snowflakes. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

SATURDAY, DEC. 24

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

CHRISTMAS

See Ongoing Holiday Events

MONDAY, DEC. 26

KWANZAA

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 3-5). 9 a.m.- noon (morning session) & 1-4 p.m. (afternoon session). Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $38/child

(per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 6-10). 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $55/ child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Teen Drawing and Art Club. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can take part in a variety of art mediums, including drawing and painting, sculpting, general crafting, and coloring. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 3-5). 9 a.m.- noon (morning session) & 1-4 p.m. (afternoon session). Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $38/child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 6-10). 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $55/ child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Winter Fun Fest. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Activities include ice cube sculptures and indoor snowball tossing. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Candy Cane STEAM. 6-7 p.m. Children ages 7-12 can experiment with candy canes. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 4586184. nopl.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$75. (315) 443-3275. syracuse stage.org/mermaid.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 3-5). 9 a.m.- noon (morning session) & 1-4 p.m. (afternoon session). Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $38/child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 6-10). 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $55/ child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Big Games Wednesday Afternoons. 2-6 p.m. Attendees can play big Connect 4, big Jenga and

more. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

Kids Make: Modeling Clay Art. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Attendees can use clay to create works of art. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

THURSDAY, DEC. 29

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 3-5). 9 a.m.- noon (morning session) & 1-4 p.m. (afternoon session). Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $38/child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 6-10). 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $55/ child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Movie & Popcorn. 2-4 p.m. Families can enjoy popcorn and a screening of Abominable. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St, Syracuse. (315) 435-3395. onlib.org.

Hogwarts Holidays. 5-8pm. Families can celebrate the holidays with Harry Potter-themed activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Disney On Ice presents: Let’s Celebrate. 4 p.m. Characters from a variety of Disney films – in cluding Frozen, Toy Story and Aladdin – appear in Disney On Ice presents: Let’s Celebrate. Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $18-$115 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. disneyonice.com.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$75. (315) 443-3275. syracuse stage.org/mermaid.

FRIDAY, DEC. 30

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 3-5). 9 a.m.- noon (morning session) & 1-4 p.m. (afternoon session). Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $38/child

(per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

School Break Zoo Camp (Ages 6-10). 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children can meet the zoo’s animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $55/ child (per session). Tickets required: (315) 435-8511 x8559. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Disney On Ice presents: Let’s Celebrate. noon & 4 p.m. Characters from a variety of Disney films – including Frozen, Toy Story and Aladdin – appear in Disney On Ice presents: Let’s Celebrate. Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $18-$115 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. disneyonice.com.

Gingerbread Man Story Time and Crafts. 1-2 p.m. Children ages 3-6 can enjoy a reading of

The Library Gingerbread Man , then make their own gingerbread man Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$75. (315) 443-3275. syracuse stage.org/mermaid.

SATURDAY, DEC. 31

Noon Year’s Eve at the Zoo. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ring in the “noon” year with entertainment and a sparkling-juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Included with zoo admission: $9/adults (ages 18-61); $5/seniors (62+); $5/ages 3-17; free/ ages 2 and under. (315) 435-8511. rosamond giffordzoo.org.

STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Included with admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 2. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

PARENTS’ NIGHT

OUT

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

A Capella Jam. 5:30-8 p.m. Performances by Harmonic Collective, Spirit of Syracuse and more. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Included with admission to the Festival of Trees & Light: $10/adults. (315) 474 6064. everson.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

Christmas Craft & Holiday Market. 5-9 p.m.; also Dec. 10 and 11. This holiday market features artwork, holiday décor, candles, jewelry and much more. Horticulture Building, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. $8/adults (at door). countryfolkart.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Adult Twilight: Festive Fun Paint-N-Sip. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees can create a holi day-themed painting. Attendees must be 21 and older. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Tickets are required: $60/individual (non-member; $55 for members); $110/pair (non-member; $100 for members); $200/ group (non-member; $180 for members). (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Have an event or an idea for Parents’ Night Out?

Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com

Disney On Ice presents: Let’s Celebrate. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Characters from a variety of Disney films – including Frozen, Toy Story and Aladdin –appear in Disney On Ice presents: Let’s Celebrate Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $18$115 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. disneyonice.com.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Kids and parents can ring in the New Year with an event that features a dance party, crafts, and a countdown at noon. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration encouraged: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 2 p.m. Watch as Syracuse Stage presents the classic Disney tale. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30$75. (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org/mermaid.

ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS

FAMILY TIMES

CALENDAR

LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Send information about your family-friendly event to: Family Times calendar, 9 Albany St., Suite 2e, Cazenovia; fax to (315) 422-1721; or email to courtneyk@familytimescny.com.

Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication. We give priority to low- or no-cost events aimed at parents, kids, or parents accompanied by kids.

For additional exposure: Upload your event to the community guide at communityguide.familytimescny.com. Click on the FAQ tab for a video tutorial.

DEC. 3, 10 & 17

North Pole Pajama Parties. 6-8 p.m. This event features Night in the Arctic screenings, STEM activities, a hot cocoa bar and more. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Tickets: $12/person. (315) 425-9068. most.org/destember.

DEC. 3-17

Festival of Trees & Light. Open during mu seum hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and other displays. The event will also include performances and fami ly-friendly activities. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $10/adults; $5/children ages 12 and under. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, THROUGH DEC. 17

Holiday Nights. 5-8 p.m. Families can enjoy holiday light displays. The event will also feature entertainment and holiday treats (including hot chocolate and s’mores). Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/ non-members (advance); $9/non-members (at door). rosamondgiffordzoo.org/zoo-events.

FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH DEC. 18

Bright Nights. 5-7 p.m. This event will include light displays, a scavenger hunts, visits with Santa Claus and more. Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica. Admission: $8/adults; $5/children ages 2-12. uticazoo.org/brightnights.

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, THROUGH DEC. 18

Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Noon-4 p.m. More than 50 Victorian characters, including

the author of A Christmas Carol himself, fill the village of Skaneateles, on Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell streets. Free.  (315) 685-0552. skaneateles. com/calendar/annual-events/dickens-christmas.

DAILY, THROUGH DEC. 24

Festival of Trees. Weekdays from 1-8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. View more than 100 decorated trees, miniature trains and more during this annual event. A kids’ play area will also be available. Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, 6880 E. Lake Road Route 38 A, Auburn. Free. (315) 252-7644. wardwoharaagricultural museum.org.

WEDNESDAYS-SUNDAYS, THROUGH DEC. 31 (AND DEC. 26 & 27)

Winter Wonderland of Lights. 5 -9 p.m. Walk through the Winter Wonderland of Lights and see the animals. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $16.99/adults; $14.99/seniors; $14.99/children up to 12; free/ages 2 and under. thewildpark.com.

DAILY, THROUGH JAN. 8

Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See a fantastical village of houses, boats and more, built with gingerbread, candy, and other edible items. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Included with museum admission: $10/adults, $7/seniors (65+), $4/children ages 3-17; free/children ages 2 and under. (315) 471-0593. eriecanalmuseum.org.

DAILY, THROUGH JAN. 13

Lights on the Lake. 5-10 p.m. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays, themed sections, and a grand finale. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $10/car, Monday-Thursday; $20/car, Friday-Sunday. Tickets must be purchased in advance: lightsonthelake.com.

STORYTIMES

Baldwinsville Public Library Storytimes. Baby Time (6-24 months): Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. Drop-in Storytime (ages 5 and under): Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Storytime with Mrs. G & Miss Jessie (ages 2-4): Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Free. Registration required for Baby Time and Storytime with Mrs. G & Miss Jessie: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Barnes & Noble Storytimes (Clay). Storytime: Saturdays, 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 3956 Route 31, Liverpool. Free. (315) 622-0370. barne sandnoble.com.

Barnes & Noble Storytimes (DeWitt). Storytime with Miss Rachael: Thursdays, 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. (315) 449-2948. barnesandnoble.com.

Beauchamp Branch Library Storytimes. Storytime: Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3395. onlib.org.

Central Library Storytimes. Kidspace

Storytime with Miss Jackie (ages 0-5): Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900. onlib.org.

Fairmount Community Library Storytimes. Storytime (ages 0-5): Tuesdays (except Dec. 27), 10:15-11 a.m. Music is Magic (ages 0-5): Thursdays

(except Dec. 29), 10:15-11 a.m. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Fayetteville Free Library Storytime. Preschool Storytime & Craft: Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Toddler Storytime: Wednesdays, 9:30-10 a.m. Baby Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Family Storytime: Dec. 1, 15, 27, 28 & 29, 10:3011am. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Mundy Branch Library Storytimes. Storytime with Ms. Laura: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.noon. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797. onlib.org.

Liverpool Public Library Storytimes. Family Storytime: Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Baby Time: Fridays, 10-11 a.m. Pajamas & Plushies: Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Manlius Public Library Storytimes. Jigglebugs: Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. Toddler Storytime: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Pajama Storytime: Wednesdays (except Dec. 28), 6:30-7 p.m. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Maxwell Library Storytimes. Storytots (ages

0-3): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Preschool Pals (ages 3-5): Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Registration required: (315) 672-3661. maxwellme moriallibrary.org.

Onondaga Free Library Storytimes. Toddler Storytime (ages 1-3): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime (ages 4-5): Thursdays, 10:3011:30 a.m. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org.

Paine Branch Library Storytimes. Story Time with the Corgi Librarian: Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5442. onlib.org.

Soule Branch Library Storytimes. Lapsit Storytime: Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320. onlib.org.

DECEMBER FAMILY FAVORITES

CAROLING IN THE WOODS

Saturday, Dec. 10 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Pick up a song sheet and take part in a Baltimore Woods tradition. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Free. Registration required: (315) 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

DASHER’S MAGICAL GIFT

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

In a lively narrated ballet for children, a crisis arises in the days before Christmas when Santa’s fastest reindeer, Dasher, loses his ability to fly.  Crouse Hinds Theater at the Oncenter Civic Center, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $10-$19. (315)299-5598. cnyarts.org

NUTCRACKER TWIST: AN ENCHANTED JOURNEY

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.

Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and more will perform Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $15-$65. (315) 299-5598. experiencesymphoria.org.

NOON YEAR’S EVE AT THE ZOO

Saturday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Ring in the “noon” year with entertainment and a sparkling-juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Included with zoo admission: $9/adults (ages 18-61); $5/seniors (62+); $5/ages 3-17; free/ ages 2 and under. (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

SCHOOL EVENTS

AUBURN ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 6: Casey Park Elementary School Winter Concert, Auburn Junior High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 7: PTO Meeting, Auburn Junior High School (6 p.m.); Orchestra Concert, Auburn High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 8: Herman Avenue Elementary School Winter Concert, Auburn Junior High School (6 p.m.); Scholarship Night, Auburn High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 12: William H. Seward Elementary School Winter Concert, Auburn High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 13: Orchestra Concert, Auburn Junior High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Band Concert, Auburn High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 15: Band Concert, Auburn Junior High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 19: Owasco Elementary School Winter Concert, Auburn High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 20: Chorus Concert, Auburn Junior High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 21: Winter Concert, Genesee Elementary School (6pm)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 5: Intermediate Winter Concert (Orchestra/ Band/Chorus), Palmer Elementary School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 6: Elden Elementary School Winter Concert, Baker High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 7: Winter Concert, Baker High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 8: McNamara Elementary School Winter Concert, Baker High School (6:30 p.m.); PTA Meeting, Ray Middle School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 12: Van Buren Elementary School Holiday Concert, Baker High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 13: Ray Middle School Grade 6 Winter Concert, Baker High School (6 p.m.)

Dec: 14: Ray Middle School Grade 7 Winter Concert Baker High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 15: Winter Concert, Reynolds Elementary School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 22: Grade 1 & 2 Primary Concert, Palmer Elementary School (2:30 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

CHITTENANGO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 7: Holiday Concert, Chittenango High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Chittenango Middle School Holiday Concert #1, Chittenango High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 19: Chittenango Middle School Holiday Concert #2, Chittenango High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 21: Bolivar Road Elementary School/ Bridgeport Elementary School Holiday Concert, Chittenango High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

EAST SYRACUSE-MINOA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 15: PTO meeting, Pine Grove Middle School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 23-Jan. 2: No School

FAYETTEVILLEMANLIUS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 1: Fourth Grade Concert, Enders Road Elementary School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 8: Grades 7/8 Band/Orchestra/Chorale Concert, Wellwood Middle School (7 p.m.); Grades 7/8 Band/Orchestra/Chorale Concert, Eagle Hill Middle School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 15: Grade 5 Band/Orchestra/Chorale Concert, Wellwood Middle School (6:30 p.m.); Grade 6 Band/Orchestra/Chorale Concert, Wellwood Middle School (7:30 p.m.); Grades 5/6 Band Chorale Concert, Eagle Hill Middle School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 21: Winter Concert, Fayetteville-Manlius High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

FULTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 5: Fulton Junior High School Grade 8 Winter Concert, G. Ray Bodley High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 6: PTG Meeting, Granby Elementary School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 8: PTG Meeting, Volney Elementary School (virtual – 5:30 p.m.)

Dec. 12: Fulton Junior High School Grade 7 Winter Concert, G. Ray Bodley High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 13: PTO Meeting, Fairgrieve Elementary School (4 p.m.); PTG Meeting, Lanigan Elementary School (4 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Orchestra Winter Concert, G. Ray Bodley High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 15: Band Winter Concert, G. Ray Bodley High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 19: UPK Holiday Concert, G. Ray Bodley High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 21: Chorus Concert, G. Ray Bodley High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 7: Grade 7/8 Band and Grade 8 Chorus Concert, Jamesville-Dewitt High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 8: Grade 6 Band/Chorus/Orchestra Concert, Jamesville-Dewitt High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 13: High School Winter Chorus Concert, Jamesville-Dewitt High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Grade 5 Band/Chorus/Orchestra Concert, Jamesville-Dewitt High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 15: Grade 7/8 Orchestra and Grade 7 Chorus Concert, Jamesville-Dewitt High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

JORDAN-ELBRIDGE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 6: High School Holiday Concert, JordanElbridge High School (7p.m.)

Dec. 13: Jordan-Elbridge Middle School Holiday Concert, Jordan-Elbridge High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 15: JEDIS Winter Concert, Jordan-Elbridge High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 16: Kindergarten Holiday Concert, JordanElbridge High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 19: Sports Booster Meeting, Jordan-Elbridge High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 23-30: No School

LAFAYETTE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 13: Band/Chorus Winter Concert, LaFayette Junior-Senior High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

LIVERPOOL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

MARCELLUS CENTRAL SCHOOL

DISTRICT

Dec. 7: PTO Meeting, K.C. Heffernan Elementary School (7 p.m.); High School Band & Choir Concert, Marcellus High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 12: PTA Meeting, C.S. Drive Middle School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Grade 5/6 Band & Chorus and Grade 4 Choir Concert, Marcellus High School (7 p.m.) Dec. 23-Jan. 2: No School

NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 6: PTO Meeting, Allen Road Elementary School (6 p.m.); Holiday Concert, Roxboro Road Middle School (6:30 p.m.); Orchestra Concert, Gillette Road Middle School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 12: Allen Road Elementary School Grade 3/4 Chorus Concert, Roxboro Road Middle School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 13: PTG Meeting, Roxboro Road Middle School (6:30 p.m.); Band Concert, , Gillette Road Middle School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 23-Jan. 2: No School

ONONDAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 5: Booster Club Meeting, Onondaga Junior/ Senior High School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 7: PTO Meeting, Wheeler Elementary School (6 p.m.); Band Concert, Onondaga Junior/Senior High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 8: Chorus Concert, Concert, Onondaga Junior/Senior High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Winter Concert, Wheeler Elementary School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

PHOENIX CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 5: Emerson J. Dillon Middle School Grade 5-8 Band Concert, John C. Birdlebough High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 6: PFO Meeting, Michael A. Maroun Elementary School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 7: Emerson J. Dillon Middle School Grade 5-8 Chrous Concert, John C. Birdlebough High School (6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 14: Band/Chorus Concert, John C. Birdlebough High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

PULASKI ACADEMY & CENTRAL SCHOOLS

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

SOLVAY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 8: Winter Concert & Art Show, Meachem Elementary School (6 p.m.)

Dec. 13: PTO Meeting, Meachem Elementary School (5 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

WEST GENESEE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 1: PTO Meeting, Split Rock Elementary School (6 p.m.); Camilus Middle school Grade 7 Chorus/Band/Orchestra Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 6: Onondaga Road Elementary School Grade 3/4 Choral Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 7: West Genesee Middle School Grade 5/6 Band/Chorus/Orchestra Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 8: Split Rock Elementary School Grade 3/4 Choral Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 13: East Hill Elementary School Grade 3/4 Choral Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 14: PTA Meeting, West Genesee Middle School (6 p.m.); Sports Booster Meeting, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.); Stonehedge Elementary School Grade 3/4 Choral Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 15: High School Symphony and Orchestra Concert, West Genesee High School (7:30 p.m.)

Dec. 20: West Genesee Middle School Grade 5/6 Band/Chorus/Orchestra Concert, West Genesee High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 26-Jan. 2: No School

WESTHILL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dec. 6: High School Choral/Band Concert, Westhill High School (7:30 p.m.)

Dec. 8: Onondaga Hill Middle School Band Concert, Westhill High School (7 p.m.)

Dec. 13: Grade 5/6 Choral Concert, Westhill High School (6:30 p.m.); Grade 7/8 Choral Concert, Westhill High School (7:30 p.m.)

Dec. 15: Cherry Road School Grade 3 Choral Concert, Westhill High School (6:30 p.m.); Cherry Road School Grade 4 Choral Concert, Westhill High School (7:15 p.m.)

Dec. 23-Jan. 2: No School