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
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
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 8:00pm, Education Center
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.
Wellwood Chamber Orchestra
11:00am, Sculpture Court
ITC Instrumental Groups
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
CONCERT EVENT: An Evening with Ryan Quinn (tickets sold separately)
6:30pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Ryan Quinn, from Clinton, NY, is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and performer most known for his four-chair-turning performance on Season 10 of NBC’s “The Voice.”
Ryan will be playing both original music and his arrangements of songs that have impacted him, musically and otherwise, over the course of his life. With a near four-octave vocal range and a wide array of musical influences, Ryan’s live show is dynamic, eclectic, and unpredictable.
Friday, December 6, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 8:00pm, Education Center
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.
Chestnut Hill Middle School Orchestra
11:15am, Sculpture Court
Frazer Band and Orchestra
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
The Bright Forever: Megan Hook
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
Evening Reception with Mike Vincetore
5:45pm, Sculpture Court
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – The Polar Express
6:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 5:00pm, Education Center
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, Hosmer Auditorium
Northwinds Woodwinds Quintet
10:00am, Sculpture Court
The Music School of CNY Guitar Ensemble
11:30am, Sculpture Court
Kwanzaa Celebration
12:00pm-4:00pm, Sculpture Court
Brig Juice Holiday Brass
12:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
The Power of Two
12:00pm, Sculpture Court
CMC Dance Company
1:45pm & 2:45pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Sprinkle Mosaic Class (tickets sold separately)
2:00pm
Rock Voices Community Choir
4:00pm, Sculpture Court
Sudha Raj Indian Dance School
4:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 8:00pm, Education Center
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.
Hanukkah Art Studio
10:30am-12:30pm, Education Center
Holiday storytelling
10:30am
Syracuse Pops Chorus
12:15pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Joe Davoli Fiddle Studio
1:00pm, Sculpture Court
Tawn Marie Dance Studio
2:00pm & 3:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Northern Lights Watercolor Workshop
2:30pm, Education Center
Week 3
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 5:00pm, Education Center
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.
Holiday storytelling
10:30am
Blodgett Band & Orchestra
11:15am, Sculpture Court
Durgee Jr High Orchestra
11:15am, Hosmer Auditorium
Chittenango HS Chamber Orchestra
12:15pm, Sculpture Court
ESM HS Chamber Choir
1:00pm, Sculpture Court
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 8:00pm, Education Center
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.
Henninger HS Jazz Band & Choir
11:15am, Hosmer Auditorium
Baldwinsville HS Orchestra
12:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Strathmore Brass Quintet
3:30pm, Sculpture Court
SCSD Modern Orchestra
4:45pm, Sculpture Court
Gingerbread Luminaries (tickets sold separately)
6:00pm, Education Center
Art & Wine Workshop (tickets sold separately)
6:00pm
Friday, December 13, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 8:00pm, Education Center
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.
Onondaga Central School Sr High Chorus
11:00am, Sculpture Court
Solvay Jr. High Jazz Band
11:30am, Sculpture Court
Skaneateles HS Orchestra
11:30pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Skaneateles HS Band
11:50am, Hosmer Auditorium
Porter Spirit Chorus
12:30pm, Sculpture Court
Lafayette HS Band & Chorus
12:30pm, Sculpture Court
The bright Forever: Megan Hook
3:30pm, Sculpture Court
Sova Violin & Viola Studio
5:00pm, Sculpture Court
Evening Reception: Performance 4 a Cause
5:45pm, Sculpture Court
Charcuterie workshop (tickets sold separately)
6:00pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
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 Music School of CNY Guitar Ensemble
10:30am, Sculpture Court
The Ballet & Dance center
12:oopm, Hosmer Auditorium
Meet Mrs. Claus!
12:00pm-2:00pm
Diwali Art Studio
1:00pm-4:00pm, Education Center
Quarantine Quartet
2:00pm, Sculpture Court
Sprinkle Mosaic Class (tickets sold separately)
2:00pm
Jhankaar Rhythms Dance Ensemble
2:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Anjani Dance Academy
3:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Guzman’s Dance Studio
4:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Saturday, December 15, 2024
Winter Art Studio - Sponsored by This is CNY
11:00am - 5:00pm, Education Center
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.
Holiday Storytelling
11:00am
CNY Ballet
12:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Harmony Katz
12:oopm, Sculpture Court
Katz Meow
12:45pm, Sculpture Court
Salt City New Horizons Orchestra
1:00pm, Hosmer Auditorium
Dr. Tom Dooley Choraliers
1:20pm, Sculpture Court
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!
