GEDDES — Advance-sale tickets are now available for the 6th annual Winter Fair, which returns to the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in 2025 — at the end of January and the start of February. Winter Fair is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31 from 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m.-9 […]
GEDDES — Advance-sale tickets are now available for the 6th annual Winter Fair, which returns to the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in 2025 — at the end of January and the start of February.
Winter Fair is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31 from 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Advance tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children aged 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. At the door, admission is $8 for adults and $6 for teens/pre-teens and seniors, but children aged 10 and under will still get in for free.
Premier Promotions, which promotes the Winter Fair, announced details on Nov. 20 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
With the theme, “Summer Fun,” the event includes the food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer, including at events like the Great New York State Fair in late August and early September.
“We want to give people a chance to have some summer fun in the middle of winter. It’s great to have an event for all ages, where you can bring your friends and family to enjoy themselves,” Steve Becker of Premier Promotions, the Promoter of Winter Fair 2025, said in the announcement. “The New York State Fairgrounds have great year around events and Winter Fair has become an annual tradition in ‘Making Memories.’”
In addition to serving as a community event for Central New York, the Winter Fair also provides the area an “economic boost,” attracting people from across New York State, other states, and even Canada.
“The Winter Fair in Syracuse has become a beacon of seasonal celebration, drawing in thousands of families and offering a unique blend of entertainment, cuisine, and cultural showcases,” Danny Liedka, president & CEO of Visit Syracuse, said in the Winter Fair announcement. “Beyond the vibrant experiences it provides, the fair injects significant economic value into the community, boosting local businesses, creating jobs, and enhancing tourism. This annual event highlights the resilience and warmth of Syracuse, even in the coldest season, and strengthens our community by bringing people together from all around the region.”
Winter Fair 2025 will also include chances to help give back to the Central New York community.
The Price Chopper/Market 32 Winter Fair Hoops will be back with attendees shooting baskets and winning prizes for donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse. Various Syracuse University athletes will be there to meet and greet attendees in the Winter Fair hoops area. The past five Winter Fairs have raised more than $12,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse.
“We appreciate the wonderful support & partnership with Steve Becker and the Syracuse Winter Fair,” Jenni Gratien, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs, said. “The money raised in the last five years has been to support youth in our after-school programs at all three Clubs in Syracuse. We look forward to returning for our sixth year at the Syracuse Winter Fair!”
Reindeer, fireworks
A new feature this year will be the Winter Fair reindeer. Attendees will have a chance to have their photo taken with a reindeer from Hanggi’s Tree Farm in Naples in Ontario County. This no-charge feature will take place outside in front of the walkway to the Expo Center on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Your Local IT Dept. of DeWitt is sponsoring the Winter Fair reindeer.
Additional sponsors for Winter Fair 2025 include AmeriCU, which will be providing free parking at the Expo Center, and Amazon, which will be sponsoring the Winter Fair Stage.
Onondaga County will be presenting the Winter Fair Fireworks on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at 8:45 p.m. by the Expo Center.
“Onondaga County is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Syracuse Winter Fair! From great entertainment and delicious food to a mini midway and spectacular fireworks show, there is something for everyone,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the Winter Fair announcement. “Our community is fortunate to host such great events like the Syracuse Winter Fair and I look forward to another successful year!”
“The Winter Fair provides the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of summer during the heart of a Syracuse winter,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh added. “The Winter Fair has grown into an annual tradition that brings together local businesses and nonprofits, entertainment, and beloved fair favorites for a weekend everyone can enjoy.”