This year’s holiday kick-off features more events and activities Downtown

The 8^th Annual “Holiday Magic in the Square” will be held on Friday, November 27, 2009 in Clinton Square.  The live musical stage production of A Christmas Fantasy, begins at 7:00 pm and ends with the Bank of America Tree lighting ceremony.

Special Connective Corridor bus service will be offered starting at 5pm to assist people attending the event, as well as other activities scheduled throughout the evening along the Corridor.  A full schedule can be downloaded from the internet at special connectivecorridor service.

The downtown holiday extravaganza includes:

• Delaware Elementary School with 50 students leading the show’s opening sing-a-long segment;
• A singing and dancing live musical stage production written and choreographed by
• Tawn Marie Campolieti, featuring 75 dancers in a story of a special little girl who dreams of the enchanted gifts that Christmas brings;
• Special guest appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, singing and dancing;
• Open Hand Theater’s Magical Snow Princess lighting the Christmas Tree
• “Live” storybook characters “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will join in on the singing and dancing fun.

The event is free and Mayor Driscoll encourages families to come downtown for some good hearted holiday spirit with many venues offering seasonal specials.

Clinton Square will have open skate after the program until 10:00pm.  Standard skate rentals apply.

In addition to the Syracuse City’s annual “Holiday Magic In The Square” and Tree Lighting to be held on November 27^th, 2009, at 7 p.m., visitors to downtown Syracuse will also be treated to other entertainment following this event through community organizations such as, the Landmark Theatre, the Hanover Square Association, the Art Mart, the MOST’s “Bristol IMAX Theatre and the Erie Canal Museum. See the following for additional holiday events occurring on November 27, 2009.

More Family Holiday Events Downtown on 11/27/2009

Open House at the Ida Benderson Senior Center, 205 S. Salina Street
The Ida Benderson Senior Center will be hosting a performance by the Stan Colella All-Star band around 5:30 pm. (free)

Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina Street
Prior to “Holiday Magic in the Square,” the Landmark Theatre will host tours of the facility beginning at 4 p.m., followed by holiday performances by the Chittenango High School chorus at 5 p.m. and the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus at 6 p.m. Following the tree lighting, the Landmark will be showing “A Christmas Story” film, with $2 admission for adults, and children, 12 and under are free.

The MOST’s Bristol IMAX Theatre, 500 S. Franklin Street (SOLD OUT)
The MOST’s Bristol IMAX Theatre will host the film “The Polar Express.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m.   Kids may come in pajamas and join in the fun of making a salt crystal snowflake, visiting with Santa, tasting Liquid Nitrogen ice cream and more. Admission is $2 which includes a ticket to the 7 p.m. Polar Express film showing.  All ages with an adult are welcome.

Hanover Square Seasonal “Annual Yule Log Burning”
The Hanover Square Association will host its “Annual Yule Log Burning in the Square” with performances by the Chittenango High School Choir. Hanover Square is located across Salina Street from Clinton Square. While in Hanover, visitors can participate in the Association’s window decorating contest by voting for their favorite decorated window. Ballots can be picked up at any of the participating businesses and votes will be collected through the month of December, a winner will be announced in January. Free hot cocoa and cookies will also be available for kids. (free) 

Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E
The Erie Canal Museum located at 318 Erie Boulevard East will also be hosting their “24^th Annual Gingerbread Gallery,” this event displays various Victorian Village storefronts and gingerbread homes created by many Syracuse community organizations and residents. The admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for kids 12 and under. Refreshments will be served and the musical group “Merry Mischief” will be performing from 7 to 9 p.m. that night.

55^th Annual Art Mart, 201 E. Washington Street, Sustainability Showcase
The Annual Art Mart, located in the Sustainability Showcase (City Hall Commons Atrium), will be open until 9:30 pm. Art Mart will continue this event Monday through Saturday through New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For those interested in donating during the Holiday Season, The Salvation Army Bell Sale will be going on throughout downtown Syracuse.