Five activities to keep you busy during the winter

Syracuse winters can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first one. But fear not, there is still much fun to be had in the winter despite the cold and snow. Here’s a list of activities you can enjoy when it’s cold outside: 

Go Ice Skating 

Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors! Bundle up and visit Clinton Square, which is transformed into an ice skating rink every Winter. The Clinton Square Ice Rink operates from 10 a.m.—8:30 p.m. all seven days of the week. Admission is five dollars, and if you don’t own a pair of skates don’t worry: Skate rental is available! 

Indulge in Retail Therapy

After having fun in the ice, relax while perusing all the different boutiques and shops in downtown Syracuse. Visit Ecodessa, a boutique dedicated to ethically made, purpose driven, sustainable fashion brands. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, you can stop by the Salt City Market, which offers a diverse selection of foods from Thailand to Jamaica. It also includes a bar for the best espresso martinis in town.

See the Lights 

Visit CNY’s number one holiday tradition, Lights on the Lake. Light on the Lake is a drive-thru show in Onondaga Lake, featuring tall holiday displays, a twinkling fantasy forest and many more surprises. Pricing is based on vehicles and varies depending on the day of the week. Make sure you purchase your ticket online beforehand! 

Support the Orange! 

Attend a Syracuse college basketball game! Both the women’s and men’s basketball games are very fun to attend. The games are both thrilling and entertaining; watch the cheerleaders during halftime and participate in crowd activities during time-outs. 

Snow Tubing 

At the Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center you have the option to buy a single day pass to go snowboarding or skiing. The one day pass includes a lesson, equipment, and lift ticket all for $65. You can also purchase a snow tubing ticket for $35. If you want to make things a little more spicy, get a night time ticket for just $23.