Presented by the Everson Members’ Council.
December 2–16, 2023
Experience the magic of the season at the Everson!
The Everson is proud to present the 2023 Festival of Trees & Light, a beloved Central New York holiday tradition.
Now in its 38th year, the Festival will offer more performances and activities than ever!
A wide variety of trees, wreaths, and other seasonal items will be available for purchase, and the Museum Gift Shop will have plenty of selections for your holiday gift-giving. Plan on making the Festival of Trees & Light part of your holiday season.
Pre-lit decorated trees of all sizes
Decorated wreaths
Unique seasonal and winter-inspired décor items, representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, winter solstice, or any seasonal celebration
Artisanal individual gift items and ornaments
Café
by Dremer Restaurant Group
Handhelds:
Turkey Meatball & Cranberry Chutney on Toasted Ciabatta $7
Waldorf Chicken Salad on Toasted Croissant Roll $8
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap $6
Cold Sandwiches (sandwich, wrap or pita) (ham or turkey) $4
Kids:
Gingerbread Person Grilled Cheese $4
Holiday Tree-Shaped Pepperoni Pizza $4
Soup:
Tomato Bisque $4
Italian Wedding $4
Sweets:
Assorted Sugar Cookie Cut Outs $3
Giant Gingerbread Person Cookie $4
Drinks:
Dani’s Hot Cho with Whipped Cream and Crushed Candy Cane $3
Recess Hot Coffee $2
Assorted Canned Sodas $2
Bottled Water $2
Breakfast:
Egg & Cheese on Texas toast or Croissant. With ham, sausage, turkey $4.50
The café is located on the main level across from the Member’s Council Gallery
Festival Admission:
- $14/day — nonmember
- $10/day — member
- $5/day — kids under 12
(under 3 — free)
ONLINE AUCTION
𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝘆𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲
SU Tree,
2 Courtside Seats Behind SU Bench,
Parking,
VIP Reception,
$200 Visa Gift Card
SU vs. Boston College
Wed., January 10, 2024
All proceeds benefit the Everson Museum’s exhibitions and education programs.
Sponsored by JMA Wireless & Cooperative Real Estate Professionals of CNY
2023 Festival of Trees & Light
Week 1
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Winter Art Studio
Open Hours
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Lana Goldman Piano Studio
10:00am
Auditorium
Evergreen Wreath-Making
10:00am-12:00pm, Education Center
$20 Members | $25 Non-Members
Register for Evergreen Wreath-Making
Gather the whole family and join us for a heartwarming day of creativity and holiday spirit. This hands-on art activity is perfect for kids and their parents, allowing everyone to explore their artistic talents while crafting beautiful wreaths using fragrant evergreen branches. Sponsored by Carol Watson Greenhouse.
La Joven Guardia del Teatro y la Danza Latina, Inc
12:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
CMC Dance Company
1:30pm & 2:30pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Clay Snowmen
1:00-5:00pm
Embrace the holiday spirit with our family-friendly clay snowman sculpting workshop! Join us for a delightful hands-on experience that's perfect for kids and parents alike. Under the guidance of our skilled instructors, you'll mold and shape your very own clay snowmen, complete with scarves, hats, and whimsical features. This creative and heartwarming activity is a fantastic way to bond with loved ones, express your artistic side, and bring a touch of winter wonderland into your home.
Carrie Manolakos
7:00pm
Auditorium
The Everson Museum of Art is proud to present singer, actress, songwriter, voice coach—and Syracuse native—Carrie Manolakos, for a one-night-only performance on December 2, 2023 at the Everson Museum of Art.
Carrie starred as Sophie in Mamma Mia! on Broadway, and as Elphaba in the second national tour of Wicked. Film and soundtrack credits include The Greatest Showman, Incredibles 2, Dear Evan Hansen, Croods: A New Age, and more.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Creative Gift-Wrapping
10:00am - 12:00pm
Join us in crafting your very own, one-of-a-kind wrapping paper using basic printmaking techniques. Not only will your gifts be beautifully wrapped, but they'll carry the heartfelt touch of your family's artistic expression. This activity is a wonderful way to add a touch of warmth and originality to your holiday presents.
Sudha Raj Dance Studio
12:00pm
Auditorium
Winter Animal Water-Coloring
1:00-5:00pm
Watch as your kids' imaginations come alive on the canvas, as they create watercolor paintings of intricate, icy scenes filled with penguins sliding on icebergs or fluffy polar bears frolicking in the snow.
Tawn Marie Dance Company
2:00pm & 3:00pm
Auditorium
Gem Duo
2:00pm
Sculpture Court
Week 2
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Dr. Tom Dooley Choraliers
Sculpture Court
LaFayette Senior High Band
11:00am, Auditorium
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
ESM High School Choir
11:00am, Sculpture Court
3rd Annual A Cappella Jam
5:30-8:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Where are all of our aca-nerds at?! This Pitch Perfect meets the Everson event will leave you feeling energized and filled with the type of joy that only ensemble music performances can create.
Sentinel
Harmony Katz
The Katz Meow
The Dr. Tom Dooley Choraliers
FantastiKatz
Five to Life
The Mandarins (from SU)
Orange Appeal (from SU)
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Friday, December 8, 2023
Onondaga Central High School Choir
11:00am, Sculpture Court
Minoa Elementary 2nd Grade Chorus
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
Gem Duo
3:00pm, Sculpture Court
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Students of Carol Rothwell
10:00-11:30am, Auditorium
The Music School of CNY Guitar Ensemble
10:30am, Sculpture Court
Indigenous Cornhusk Dolls
10:00am - 12:00pm
Delve into the rich traditions of Native American cultures as you mold and decorate your own cornhusk and learn about the significance of these timeless creations. This hands-on experience is not only a chance to nurture your artistic talents but also a unique opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.
The Flute Students of Lana Stafford
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
The Music School of CNY Guitar Ensemble
10:30am, Sculpture Court
www.musicschoolofcny.com
Salt City New Horizons Orchestra
12:30pm, Auditorium
The Bright Forever, (Megan Hook Guitar and Vocals)
1:00pm, Sculpture Court
Ornament Making
1:00pm-5:00pm
Join us for a delightful holiday activity for kids and families. Dive into the holiday spirit with us as we craft personalized ornaments using a variety of materials, guided by Everson educators who will spark your creativity. From traditional snowflakes to jolly Santas and more, these handcrafted ornaments are perfect keepsakes or heartfelt gifts!
Jhankaar Rhythms-Indian Dance Ensemble
2:00pm, Auditorium
Eric Ziegler, Guitarist
3:00pm, Sculpture Court
Quarantine Quartet
Sculpture Court
Guzmáns Dance Studio
3:30pm, Hosmer Auditorium
The Bright Forever, (Megan Hook Guitar and Vocals)
4:00pm, Sculpture Court
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Mason Dance Project
12:30pm, Auditorium
Ceramic Menorah Making
10:00am-12:00pm
The Chanukah menorah or “chanukiah" is a nine-branch candelabra that Jews use to celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Join us for this drop-in workshop where you can create a unique menorah out of clay that will be decorated with colorful glazes and baked in a kiln! Families who don’t celebrate Chanukah are welcome to create their very own candle holders. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York.
Dreidel, I Made You Out of Clay!
1:00-5:00pm
In Yiddish the word is dreidel, in Hebrew it is sivivon and in English it is top, the center piece of the spinning game that is played during the festival of Chanukah! Anyone is welcome to come and make their own dreidel out of clay. After it is formed you can carve its surface and paint it with glaze. Then, we’ll fire it in a kiln, so it is ready and set to play during Chanukah! Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York.
Anjani Dance Academy
2:00pm, Auditorium
Harmony Katz singers
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
Katz Meow singers
12:50pm, Sculpture Court
Dr. Tom Dooley Choraliers
1:20pm, Sculpture Court
Joe Davoli Fiddle Studio
2:00pm, Sculpture Court
Gem Duo
3:00pm, Sculpture Court
Syracuse Pops Chorus
3:30pm, Auditorium
http://www.syracusepopschorus.org/
Harmonic Collective
4:00pm, Sculpture Court
http://www.harmonic-collective.com/
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Week 3
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Durgee Junior High School Orchestra
11:00am, Hosmer Auditorium
Lincoln Middle School Chorus
11:45am, Sculpture Court
The Strathmore Brass Quintet
3:30pm, Sculpture Court
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Frazer PK-8 School Band and Orchestra
11:00, Sculpture Court
Chestnut Hill Middle School Orchestras
11:30am, Auditorium
SCSD ITC Band & Orchestra
12:15pm, Sculpture Court
The Bright Forever, (Megan Hook Guitar and Vocals)
3:00pm, Sculpture Court
Sova Violin and Viola Studio
4:00pm, Sculpture Court
SCSD Modern Orchestra
5:00pm, Sculpture Court
Matthew Petty Jazz Quartet
5:30pm, Sculpture Court
Holiday-Themed Open Figure Drawing
5:30-8:00pm, Mather Court
Enjoy an evening of holiday-themed figure drawing through the study of a clothed model in our stunning Mather Court. Bring your own sketchbooks and pencils or stop by to see artists at work. In collaboration with Open Figure Drawings Inc.
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
The Bright Forever, (Megan Hook Guitar and Vocals)
7:00pm, Sculpture Court
Friday, December 15, 2023
Solvay Middle School Jazz Band
11:00am, Sculpture Court
Festival Orchestras Celebration featuring:
Liverpool High School Symphonic Orchestra,
Baker (Baldwinsville) High School Orchestra,
Skaneateles High School Orchestra,
Chittenango High School Chamber Orchestra
11:15am, Auditorium
Porter Elementary School Chorus
12:30pm, Sculpture Court
Sentinel Vocal Ensemble
1:30pm, Sculpture Court
Fayetteville-Manlius HS Small Ensembles
3:30pm, Sculpture Court
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Felt Snow Monster
10:00am-12:00pm
Create your own felt monster using needles, threads, and stuffing. This station requires some dexterity and is recommended for ages 10 and up.
The Music School of CNY Guitar Ensemble
10:30am, Sculpture Court
Brig Juice Holiday Brass
11:00am, Auditorium
The Power of Two (folk rock duo)
12:oopm, Sculpture Court
Barney Molldrem
1:00pm, Sculpture Court
Terra-Cotta Tea Light Domes
1:00-4:30pm
Create a festive ambiance during the holidays by crafting charming terra-cotta tea light domes. Participants will get to work with this colorful clay and take home their work within two weeks after it's been fired in our kiln.
The Bright Forever, (Megan Hook Guitar and Vocals)
2:00pm, Sculpture Court
Wellwood Chamber Group
3:00pm, Sculpture Court
Winter Art Studio
11:00am-5:00pm
The Winter Art Studio invites families to engage in self-led, holiday-themed art activities, creating treasured festive memories together. Whether your artistic passions lie in painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, there's an activity that suits every member of your family.
How the Festival of Trees & Light Began
On December 4, 1985, the Festival of Trees debuted at the Everson.
Click here to read the history of the Festival of Trees & Light
Thank you, sponsors!
Thank you, contributors!
Jennifer Klestinez, Ethan Allen, Patti Pultorak, Jamie Owens, Haylor, Freyer and Coon, Roberta Ripberger, Agatha Wallen, Wegmans DeWitt, Joe Dixie, Patricia Humpleby, Minoa Elementary, Matthew Fowler, YMCA of Central New York, Judith Brown-Roenbeck, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, CNY Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Linda Eastman, Isabelle and Raphael Vaverchak, Girl Scouts Troop 60611, Cooperating Real Estate Professionals, Donna Lynn Jordan, Golden Fleece Spinners’ Society, Prevention Network CNY, DeRuyter Central School, Caitlin Devendorf, The Herrick Family, Keplinger Freeman Associates, Lake Effect Stitches, Jaime Taylor, Manlius Pebble Hill School, Aneta Zafonte, Stickley, Heather Schroeder Larsson and Petter Larsson, CNY Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance, Girl Scouts, Your Comfortable Home, Donna Oppedisano, Vicinos Brick & Brew, Duke Epolito, Ken Pitcher, Girl Scout Troop 60067, The Martin Family, North Syracuse Community Builders Club, Mary Gotham, Lynne Romeiser Logan, Janet Burman, Doug Burman, Karen Young, Jennifer Snyder & MarySue Brost, Bond, Schoeneck & King, Perri Hogan, The Varrenti Family, Sarah Anson-Ordon, The Grimes Family, Mary Vertigan, National ART Honor Society at Henninger High School, ARISE, Onondaga Art Explorers, Empire DM Inc., Cheryl Matt, Syracuse Federation of Women’s Clubs, Members’ Council, Patti L Chappell, Barry and Pattie Miller, Morgan Gaffney, Tobey Fischer, Rosemary Krupka, Karen Jean Smith, Maria Wiklund FiberWorks, Carol Watson, Terry Grabowski, Diana Godfrey, Linda Blanding, Jewish Federation of Central NY, Jewish Federation Next Gen Group, Sam Pomeranz, Jewish Community Center, Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Meg Aufmuth, Syracuse Sounds of Music Assn, Mary Pat Spiegel, CNY Art Guild, Barbara Conte-Gaugel, Noel Keith, Steffi Chappell, Amy Wilson, Mixed Methods, Barbara Barnell, Karen Bishop, Michelle DaRin, MacKenzie-Childs, Brenda Schaar
Thank you to the 2023 Members’ Council for their work organizing this year’s festival.
The Everson Museum of Art Members’ Council was organized by eight women in 1961, and in the 63 years since, men and women have contributed significantly to the goals and mission of the Everson Museum of Art.
The purpose of Members’ Council has not changed throughout its long history: provide volunteer and financial support to Museum activities and projects.
Although there have been many and varied projects and activities reflecting changing times, there is none more beloved than the Festival of Trees and Light—a CNY holiday tradition since 1985!
