Tannenbaum - Syracuse, NE

12/03/2025

If you’ve ever wondered how long the Tannenbaum Festival has been part of Syracuse… here’s your answer. ❤️

These photos and articles are from the December 12, 1991 Syracuse Journal-Democrat, showing the Fifth Street Festival drawing a crowd despite the freezing cold.

Back then, just like yesterday, it was about neighbors bundling up, kids running around with pink cheeks, volunteers serving soup, music echoing down Main Street, and the whole community coming together to kick off Christmas.

People have been asking a lot of questions about the history of this tradition… Who started it? How long has it been going? Has it always been downtown? And I love that curiosity, because it means the heart of it still matters.

More than 30 years ago, families, businesses, and volunteers were already pouring themselves into this night.

Today, we continue standing in their footprints adding new memories, new faces, new magic, but carrying the same spirit forward.

So if you were part of this crowd in 1991… thank you. If you’re helping keep it alive today… thank you. And if you’re just now discovering this tradition, welcome. This festival has always been about making room for one more.

Here’s to another generation of Syracuse memories under the lights.

🥳🎄🎅Share with us your photos and memories of Tannenbaum past in the comments!!

12/03/2025

Thank you Western National Bank for the photos from the evening. We see MANY smiling faces!!

12/03/2025

When Bob and Barb Brandt asked their son Barry Brandt and friend Andy Seelhoff to plant this tree almost 35 years ago, I doubt Bob ever imagined he’d be the one cutting it down someday. He’s never been known for that, he’s always been the advocate for planting trees.

But since this year required it, this tree found the perfect new purpose: bringing joy into a holiday season that feels a little heavier without Barb.

Thank you, Bob Brandt, for the donation of this beautiful tree. We will forever remember this Tannenbaum as the one we lit in honor of Barb… rooted in love, history, and the legacy your family continues to give this community. ❤️

12/03/2025

What an incredible Tannenbaum Festival!

Thank you to every business, volunteer, organization, and families who poured their time, talent, and heart into making yesterday magical.

From the light to the hot cocoa, from the crafts to the music - it was all possible because of YOU.

A very special thank you to Don Wenzel the Emcee for the night and Santa - you know who you are! You helped bring the entire day together.

Syracuse shines brightest when we work together. Our community showed up, bundled up, and celebrated big. And we are grateful for each and every one of you!

12/03/2025

Thank you for continually going above and beyond to serve and protect our community. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful.

Thank you for being a part of Tannenbaum!

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

UPDATE: Tree lighting will now be at 5:15PM! Better photos + Extra twinkle = a win for everyone!!

12/02/2025

Tannenbaum 2026- See you at the library!!

12/02/2025

Shop local: The Modehaus, Antes Family Hardware, The Added Touch Flowers & Gifts, and all our local shops, and don't forget to pick up Food Pantry donations at the syracuse market.

12/02/2025

Thank you to the city of Syracuse NE for letting us use their location for crafts today!!

12/02/2025

Fresh out of the oven and ready to SHOP!

Stop by The Greenroom at 5th Street Center for the vendor fair and support our local bakers, makers, and creators from 2PM-7PM.

12/02/2025

As the clock chimes 4:30PM, Santa will step out from the Library with the Syracuse choir and make his cheerful walk down Main Street, ready to settle in, hear your Christmas wishes, and maybe peek at the naughty and Nice list too!