12 Merry Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Binghamton
Happy Holidays, Binghamton! The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, and what better way to celebrate than by attending festive local events? It’s one thing to blast holiday tunes and sip on hot cocoa in the comfort of your home, and another to cherish the holidays with friends and family at a community event. Make the most of the season by exploring the local area and participating in these fun-filled activities with the people you care about!
Explore the Jungle Bells
Every holiday season, Animal Adventure (the home of our beloved mascot Bing) transforms into its very own winter wonderland as it displays almost 2 million lights for friends and families to enjoy. There is nothing merrier than being surrounded by lovable animals and sparkling lights. If you come on a Friday or Saturday, you may even be lucky enough to spot Santa — or the Grinch! Open now through Dec. 28.
Journey to a land of sweets at “The Nutcracker”
Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is a timeless holiday classic, and you can catch an exciting rendition at the Endicott Performing Arts Center from Dec. 12-15. Enjoy traditional ballet numbers and modern twists on jazz favorites featuring dancers from the FUSE Dance Center of Binghamton!
Enjoy soulful renditions of holidays classics
Kingdom Choir drew worldwide attention when they performed “Stand By Me” at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they’re coming to Binghamton to spread some cheer! Enjoy soulful takes on holiday classics and contemporary tunes at the Anderson Center on Dec. 14.
Donate to a toy drive
It’s a special experience to help those in need, especially during the holiday season. Take the time to give back and donate to local charities. Check out Toys for Tots, which helps America’s disadvantaged children, and the Demand Justice Toy Drive, which aims to help children who have been negatively impacted by mass incarceration. These are just two of the countless toy drives you can donate to, whether that is in-person or online. You never know whose lives you could change.
Participate in this year’s Santa Run
Running is one of the best activities in the world, in my humble opinion. Not only do you strengthen your mental and physical health, you open yourself up to so many opportunities to meet new people. Give this year’s Santa Run on Dec. 15 a shot!
Drive through a light show
One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays is by enjoying a light show from the comfort of your car. For the fifth year in a row, the Broome County Festival of Lights at Otsiningo Park returns with even more lights (2 million!) and out-of-car experiences, including fireworks, food and drink vendors, and Santa meet-and-greets. Stop by before Jan. 5!
Tour the Phelps Mansion Museum
If you ever wondered how Christmas was celebrated during the 19th century, now is your chance to find out! The Phelps Mansion Museum is offering Christmas tours on Fridays and Saturdays in December. What can be better than seeing one of Binghamton’s most historic buildings transformed into a Christmas miracle with festive decorations galore?
Catch the 45th-anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol”
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has been a holiday staple for nearly 200 years, and the Cider Mill Stage’s production has been a local staple for 45 years! Spend some time with Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the infamous Ebeneezer Scrooge from Dec. 13-22!
Check out the Roberson Mansion
The Roberson Mansion embodies the magic of Christmas. It’s been a community favorite for 70 years, with countless holiday decorations and displays that will surely light up your holiday season. Admire the dazzling lights and decked-out trees and join the Binghamton tradition now through Jan. 4!
Ride a carousel at Rec Park
Enjoy a beloved Binghamton tradition at Recreation Park from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21! Ride the carousel and a horse-drawn carriage, take pictures with Santa, go on a hayride, and even ice skate (just be sure to bring your own skates!)
Join Chabad for a Chanukah Celebration
Celebrate Chanukah with the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life! The organization will light a 10-foot LED Menorah at the corner of Court St. and State St. The celebration, taking place at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 26, will also include latkes and doughnuts, festive music and a grand “Gelt Drop.”
Dance through the decades on New Year's Eve
Ring in the new year in style at the Phelps Mansion! Watch the ball drop on the big screen and dance with your friends as a DJ plays music from a different decade each hour until midnight!
Brooke Gallo is an intern for the Office of Media and Public Relations, and a junior majoring in English and minoring in education. She hopes to become a high school English teacher. She can typically be found running, reading, writing and watching sports games.
John Brhel is a communications manager in the Office of Media and Public Relations. When he’s not writing press releases, running social accounts or producin videos, he likes to spend time with his family, draw, read and run.
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