I always look forward to going home for the holidays. Even though I have lived in Syracuse for almost 22 years, there are some holiday traditions that never get old! If you are from Syracuse, or in Syracuse for the holidays, here are the traditions that are just too good to miss:

1. Ice Skating in Clinton Square

There’s nothing like ice skating with the sounds of Christmas music and one of the biggest Christmas trees you’ll ever see! With admission and skate rentals at just $3 each, this is a very affordable way to take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy the crisp air.

For more information on admission, location, and hours, please visit http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/clintonsquarerink.....

2. The Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum

Anyone can enter a gingerbread house into this gallery, and anyone is welcome to enjoy creations made by bakeries, school groups, and families. And because the gingerbread houses are new each year, you’re never going to the same gallery twice!

For more information on admission, location, and hours, please visit https://eriecanalmuseum.org/event/31st-annual-ging....

3. The Nutcracker at the Civic Center

Put on each year by the Syracuse City Ballet, The Nutcracker is a timeless show that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike! Both local and international dancers perform together on stage to create an unforgettable ballet experience.

For more information on admission, location, and hours, please visit http://www.oncenter.org/event/syracuse-city-ballet....

4. The Polar Express at the IMAXTheatre

Enjoy this holiday classic in a new way at the IMAX Theatre at the MOST. You haven’t experienced The Polar Express until you’ve experienced it in 3D!

For more information on admission, location, and hours, please visit http://www.most.org/watch/the-polar-express/.

5. Lights on the Lake

For 27 years Lights On The Lake has been providing Central New Yorkers with larger-than-life light fun! Drive through two miles of holiday lights while listening to the best holiday tunes on Sunny 102.1. These holiday decorations are like nothing you will see anywhere else, and are definitely worth a visit (or two or three). For more information on admission, location, and hours, please visit http://www.lightsonthelake.com/.