Clinton Square Tree Lighting, Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival, Pierce the Veil: 15 things to do this week in CNY

This week in Central New York, the upcoming holiday season takes centerstage.
Start off the week at SCSD’s Happy Hour Fundraiser and get some drinks in for your pre-Thanksgiving fun. Try out local wine at The Communion’s Holiday Wine Tasting on Tuesday and perfect your Thanksgiving spread.
Wednesday brings in comedian Jessimae Peluso at the Funny Bone, Syracuse vs Cornell basketball and a Crazy Daisies-hosted Thanksgiving bash. Head over to Friends of Schiller’s Park Turkey Trot on Thursday morning if you’re a proud turkey trot household!
A day post Thanksgiving means its basically Christmas, so watch the Home for Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday. Head over to the Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival if you’re not ready to let go of the festivities.
End your week at SKY Armory’s Night Market or Downtown Holiday Market for Christmas shopping and knock those gifts out!
Members and supporters of the Syracuse School District community are invited to a fundraising event at Harvey’s Garden on Monday. 30% of all sales will be donated to the SCSD Education Foundation. Everyone is encouraged to stop by for a drink and contribute to this local education initiative!
Where: 1200 E. Water St., Syracuse.
When: Monday at 5 p.m.
How much: Free.

The Communion is hosting a Holiday Wine Tasting event on Tuesday, just in time to prep for your Thanksgiving meal. Attendees can sample a curated selection of wine that complements holiday meals from traditional turkey to soul food! The store will also be open from noon to 7 p.m. so stop by before or after the tasting for purchases.
Where: 109 S. Warren St., Syracuse.
When: Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
How much: Free.

Syracuse native and comedian Jessimae Peluso will perform at the Funny Bone Comedy Club on Wednesday. Peluso is best known for her appearances on MTV’s Girl Code, NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daily and more. She’s also the host of the Sharp Tongue podcast and the Facebook live show Weedsday, where she talks about the benefits of weed.
Where: 10301 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse.
When: Wednesday at 7 p.m.
How much: $32 and tickets are available here.

The Syracuse Orange will host the Cornell Big Red on Wednesday at the JMA Wireless Dome for an in-state showdown. Fans can expect a high-energy night and an exciting matchup!
Where: 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse.
When: Wednesday at 7 p.m.
How much: $11-$83+ and tickets are available here.

Crazy Daisies will host a Thanksgiving Eve Bash on Wednesday where guests can get cozy in the heated greenhouse and enjoy live music from The Barrigar‘s. The evening will also feature local food, craft beers, wines and specialty cocktails. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving Eve or kick off the holiday weekend, this event promises a fun and festive night.
Where: 4693 Kasson Rd., Syracuse.
When: Wednesday from 4 to 10 p.m.
How much: Free.

Calling all turkey trot households! Schiller Park in Syracuse will host a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot where attendees can walk or run a marked trail. Awards and light refreshments will follow the “trot” alongside a raffle drawing at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to donate “free will” cash or check to Friends of Schiller Park Inc.
Where: 112 Whitwell St., Syracuse.
When: Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
How much: Free registration.
Head down to Clinton Square to kick off the holiday season at the annual Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting. A 42-foot tall tree will be the centerpiece, and continue the longstanding tradition of lighting the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Local indie/pop rock artist Sydney Irving and TrumpTight315 will have live performances. And 95X’s Marty and Shannon will return to host the festivities which will end at 7 p.m. after the tree lighting.
Where: Clinton Square, Syracuse.
When: Friday at 6 p.m.
How much: Free.

Rock and heavy metal band Unto Others will perform at The Song & Dance on Friday with supporting acts Champagne Blondes and Good God. The Portland-based band has drawn comparisons to The Cure and Paradise Lost with frontman Gabriel Franco describing himself as a storyteller. You must be 16+ for admission with ID and concert-goers under 16 must have a guardian present.
Where: 115 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse.
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
How much: $26.44 and tickets are available here.

Mike Powell & The Echosound will perform at the Middle Ages Beer Hall on Friday and bring alternative and rock music to the stage. The band will be joined by psychedelic rock group Peak, led by guitarist Jeremy Hilliard. This show is a must-see for fans of funky, genre-blending music. You must be 18+ to attend.
Where: 120 Wilkinson St., Syracuse.
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
How much: $24.90 and tickets are available here.

The Everson Museum of Art will screen the documentary “The New Deal for Artists” on Saturday, narrated by Orson Welles and about the New Deal’s role in helping artists’ livelihoods during the Great Depression. The film features Studs Terkel and John Houseman and reveals the impact of the Works Progress Administration on American culture and the political opposition to it.
Where: 401 Harrison St., Syracuse.
When: Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
How much: Free with museum admission: $14 for adults, $10 for 65+ $5 for students, $2 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under.

SKY Armory will host its annual Night Market on Saturday, featuring over 70 local and regional vendors. Attendees can shop from a selection of gifts, home goods, jewelry, gourmet foods and enjoy the live entertainment. Tickets include a complimentary tote bag and are also available at the door. Families are encouraged to attend.
Where: 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse.
When: Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m.
How much: $7.18 and tickets are available here.

The Syracuse Crunch will face off against the Rochester Americans on Saturday at Upstate Medical University Arena. Get your tickets now for what is sure to be an exciting night of hockey.
Where: 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse.
When: Saturday at 5 p.m.
How much: $35-45 and tickets are available here.

The Syracuse Wine & Chocolate Festival will take place at the Horticulture Building in the NYS Fairgrounds on Saturday and feature wines, sweets and local goods. Regional wineries and distilleries will offer unlimited sampling with a wide variety of flavors. Attendees can also try a selection of sweets, with food also available for purchase. A souvenir wine glass is included with admission. Guests looking to shop for the holidays can browse a collection of mini boutiques featuring clothing and accessories.
Where: 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse.
When: Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
How much: $37.50 for ages 21+ and $22.50 for under 21. Tickets are available here.

Rock and pop-punk band Pierce The Veil will perform at the Upstate Medical University Arena on Sunday. The band’s frontman Vic Fuentes described their latest song “Pass the Nirvana” as a reflection of the anxiety and turmoil from the past few years. Since their debut in 2007 to selling arenas today, the band still has their hardcore and rock influences.
Where: 515 Montgomery St. Syracuse.
When: Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
How much: $52+ and tickets are available here.

The Downtown Holiday Market will take place on Sunday at the City Hall Commons Atrium. Shoppers can browse vendors selling gifts, handmade goods, holiday decor and more. Enjoy live music, seasonal treats and maybe meet Santa himself.
Where: 201 E. Washington St., Syracuse.
When: Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
How much: Free.