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Construction is underway for the City of Syracuse's holiday tree in Armory Square. Crews are assembling the 42-foot tall artificial tree, which will be illuminated during the annual lighting ceremony set for Friday, November 28. The event will take place in Clinton Square at 6 p.m., marking Mayor Ben Walsh's final tree lighting ceremony in office due to term limits.
The ceremony will feature performances by local indie/pop artist Sydney Irving and the band Trumptight 315. Irving, who has been performing in Central New York since her teenage years, will take the stage from 6 to 6:20 p.m. The tree lighting will occur at 7 p.m., with five local youth selected to help Mayor Walsh flip the switch. These young participants will be winners of the City Parks Department Winter Art Contest, which invites children aged 4 to 18 to submit drawings reflecting the theme "A Perfect Snow Day in Syracuse."
The festivities will also include the opening of the Clinton Square Ice Rink, which will be available for skating until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. An accessible viewing area will be set up next to the tree for attendees.
For those interested in participating in the art contest, submissions can be emailed or dropped off at designated city facilities by November 18. According to Syracuse.com, the event is a cherished tradition, bringing the community together to celebrate the holiday season.