CNY Connection by Family Times

12/17/2025

✨Read this week's guide to soaking up the holiday magic in CNY! ✨

🛷 Horse-drawn sleigh rides — Bundle up and enjoy a classic horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride through the scenic winter woods at Highland Forest starting Dec. 20.

🎄 For all the Millennial parents looking for a little nostalgia — Settle in for a cozy movie night featuring Home Alone on the big screen, plus join the ugly sweater contest on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Meier's Creek Brewing Company.

❄️ Up-close animal fun — Holidays With the Animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo returns on Sunday, Dec. 21.

🔗 Read the Full List: familytimescny.com/upcoming-events-in-cny

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to get next week's roundup straight to your inbox! ⬇️

12/15/2025

❄️ Read our top picks of the best winter jackets for toddlers and keep them toasty, warm, and dry all season long.

From the best waterproof jacket to the best jacket for car seats, we've narrowed down the choices to make shopping easier. Shop now. 🛒 ⬇️

12/12/2025

🌟 With the holidays right around the corner, are you still searching for the ideal gift? 🌟

🎁 Our annual gift guide features local shops in Central New York that offer something for everyone—for all ages—and interests. 🎭 Want to give the gift of CNY experiences and flavors? We've got that covered too!

🔗 Explore our 2025 CNY Holiday Gift Guide. ⬇️

Are you still searching for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? Find something for everyone in our CNY holiday gift guide.

12/10/2025

❄️ With December in full swing, we’re here to help you stay on top of all the upcoming events in CNY!

✨ Sports + standout experiences — including two home Syracuse Basketball games at the JMA Wireless Dome (Thursday & Saturday) and back-to-back Syracuse Crunch home games on Friday and Saturday.

🐘 A magical evening out — Holiday Nights at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo has four nights left: December 12, 13, 19 & 20 with glowing displays, cozy treats, and winter wildlife fun for all ages.

🛍️ Explore a whimsical winter wonderland at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates in Geneva, watch Santa arrive by U.S. Coast Guard boat at H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego Annual Christmas at Sea, plus watch master ice sculptors bring a towering fire-themed sculpture to life at The Ice Farm.

🔗 Read the Full List: familytimescny.com/upcoming-events-in-cny

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to get next week's roundup straight to your inbox! ⬇️

12/08/2025

Tackle the stress of co-parenting this holiday season with guidance from Syracuse family law attorney Paul Tortora of Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC.

Tortora advises Central New York families to plan early – review your custody agreement, establish respectful communication boundaries, and embrace flexibility.

Need help navigating the holidays? Reach out to Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC for legal guidance.

🔗 For more information, visit rupppfalzgraf.com.

12/05/2025

🎄 Are you looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays this year? Whether you’re eager to make new memories or want to revisit beloved local traditions, Central New York is full of festive fun for families of all ages.

✨ From twinkling light displays and outdoor ice-skating rinks to gingerbread displays and magical rides on the Polar Express, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy.

Click the link in the comments for more can't miss upcoming events in CNY. ⬇️

12/03/2025

❄️ Hello December! ❄️ To help you through the holiday whirlwind, we’ve rounded up the latest can’t-miss events that bring magic to every age along with resources to help you wrap up your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.

✨ Show-stopping holiday performances and exhibits— including Wicked at the Landmark Theatre, the 40th Annual Festival of Trees & Light at Everson Museum of Art, and the Syracuse City Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker at The Oncenter.

🛍️ Our Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs roundup — your guide to finding handmade gifts, local makers, seasonal treats, and family-friendly pop-up events all across CNY.

🎁 The 2025 CNY Holiday Gift Guide — curated gift ideas for kids, families, and everyone on your list featuring local shops and family-friendly experiences.

🔗 Read it here: familytimescny.com/upcoming-events-in-cny

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to get next week's roundup straight to your inbox! ⬇️

12/01/2025

💵 Get your kids started on their lifelong financial path and earn $20 for opening a youth account at the The Summit Federal Credit Union.

🎮 When you open their youth account, you’ll also be entered to win a Nintendo Switch 2 or a local museum family membership, either to the Rochester Museum & Science Center, Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum or the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST.

Don’t miss out because this limited-time offer won’t last long. ⬇️

Visit summitfcu.org/YouthBonus today for more information on this limited-time offer.

It’s never too early to start saving for your child’s future. With a Savings Account from The Summit, they’ll learn everything they need to start their financial journeys.

11/28/2025

🌟 Looking for the ideal gift? Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity! 🌟

🎁 Our guide features local shops in Central New York that offer something for everyone. 🎭 Want to give the gift of CNY experiences and flavors? We've got that covered too!

🔗 Explore the 2025 CNY Holiday Gift Guide. ⬇️

11/27/2025

As Thanksgiving arrives, we’re truly grateful for you — our readers — for showing up week after week to support local events, explore new places with your kids, and stay connected to the CNY community. We wouldn't be here without you!

A special thank you to our incredible advertising partners. Your support makes it possible for us to continue to provide trusted resources and helpful information to families across Central New York.

And of course, if you're looking for something to do during the holiday weekend, we've got you covered. Visit familytimescny.com for local events and shopping guides.

11/26/2025

✨ Find can't miss holiday events, Black Friday savings, and your guide to shopping small in Central New York in this week's round-up! ✨

Inside this week's edition, you’ll find:

🎁 Huge CNY-only savings
🛍️ Our Black Friday & Cyber Monday gift guide for toddlers and kids
🏪 Our 2025 CNY Local Gift Guide
🎄 Can’t-miss local events

🔗 Read now: familytimescny.com/upcoming-events-in-cny

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to get next week's round-up straight to your inbox! ⬇️

11/24/2025

🛍️ Not sure where to start when shopping for a new mom? We’ve gathered ten inspiring ideas to help you find the perfect way to make her day.

☕ The best gifts for new moms support her comfort, recovery, and happiness, whether it’s a heartfelt keepsake or something that lightens her load.

Start Shopping! 🛒 ⬇️