We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Syracuse with 2026 dates: two parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Tree lighting · Time not listed28NovSatBaldwinsville Parade of Lights
Parade · 5:30pm28NovSatAuburn Holiday Parade and Tree LightingParade · Parade 4pmNothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Starts at Smokey Hollow Plaza · Baldwinsville, about 15 miles northwest
Good to know: After-party at the Baldwinsville Library with Santa and the community band.
Genesee St., from Fulton St. west to the Cayuga County Courthouse · Auburn, about 25 miles west
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Clinton Square · Downtown Syracuse
Good to know: The city's annual tree lighting. The Erie Canal Museum's Gingerbread Gallery opening runs 4-6pm the same evening, a short walk away.
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s addedBefore you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Keep planning
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Christmas trains in SyracusePolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in SyracuseBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
This week in SyracuseDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Baldwinsville Parade of Lights: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 5:30pm; Santa and the tree lighting right after (Baldwinsville, about 15 miles northwest). Auburn Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, Parade 4pm; tree lighting 5pm at the State Street Event Plaza (Auburn, about 25 miles west).
Syracuse Tree Lighting in Clinton Square at Clinton Square: Fri, Nov 27, 2026.
All of the ones we list are free to watch: Syracuse Tree Lighting in Clinton Square, Baldwinsville Parade of Lights and Auburn Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Syracuse Tree Lighting in Clinton Square. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Syracuse that weekend, parades included.
