Remember those old Christmas movies where the city's downtown section was teeming with Holiday activity and cheer? If that idea makes you nostalgic, then you should take a look at what Downtown Utica has to offer this holiday season.

Here's what you can expect to find in Utica over the coming weeks.

December 8, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Stop in to the Cornerstone Community Church on 500 Plant Street to meet the artisans and pick up some hand-made gifts.

The artisans have crafted mosaic gifts like planters, coasters, mirrors, house numbers, bird houses, stained glass window art and lots more. Choose from their selection or order your custom piece for the Holidays.

Side note: the same artisans are responsible for the beautifully decorated trash cans in Oneida Square, Bagg's Square, Downtown, MVCC, Griffiss, International Sculpture Garden and Art & Vine!

Polish Szopka Display

December 7-9 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Utica Public Library

8-12th graders at Notre Dame High School spent the last few months creating their Szopkas - unique nativity scenes that are ornate and detailed miniatures made with recycled materials that are built to resemble the medieval architecture of Krakow, Poland. A tradition dating back to the 19th century.

Schedule for the Szopka Festival & Competition:

Saturday December 10

  • 10 - 12:45 Public viewing and voting for 'Viewer's Choice'
  • 11 - 2:00 p.m. Live music from Notre Dame High School band
  • 12 - 2:00 p.m. Polish Christmas Eve display 'Wigilia'
  • 1:00 p.m. Awards presentation
  • 1:15 p.m. St. Nicholas visit and read-along

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served and there will be Polish items for sale.

One World Artisans Holiday Craft Sale

- Friday December 9 - Mohawk Valley Refugee Center

'One World Artisans' are made up of members of Utica's refugee and immigrant communities who hand-craft their traditional art forms such as weaving, jewelry making and sewing.

You will be able to purchase unique hand-crafted jewelry, accessories, scarves, photography and more!

Players of Utica Present: 'Scrooge! The Musical' The Final Performance

December 9 & 10 - Stanley Theater

Directed by Peter Loftus and starring Richard Enders as Scrooge, with a cast of over 200 local performers.

December 9 at 7:30 p.m.

December 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Broadway Utica Presents: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical

December 13 - 7:30 - Stanley Theater

Based on the popular television classic and back by popular demand, join the world's most popular reindeer and all of your favorite characters on stage at the Stanley Theater in Downtown Utica.

Tiny's Bar & Grill 25th Annual Nutcracker Display

Open throughout the Holidays - State Street, Utica

The popular bar and grill has set up their 25th annual Nutcracker collection! Stop in and grab a drink or a meal and enjoy the beautiful Holiday display.


BONUS VIDEO: You Can Call Santa Claus!

 

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