Holiday Traditions and Open Houses
By: Staff
Celebrate the Season with Holiday Traditions Open House in Auburn and more!
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to mark your calendar for the beloved Holiday Traditions Open House in Auburn, happening Sunday, December 8. Step into the holiday spirit as museums and churches across the community open their doors, beautifully decorated for the season, and invite you to enjoy free admission, live music, refreshments, family activities, and more!
Hosted by the City of Auburn’s Historic and Cultural Sites Commission, this cherished event brings the magic of History’s Hometown to life. Originally created over 30 years ago by the Seward House Museum as a heartfelt thank-you to the community, Holiday Traditions continues to be a highlight of the season.
Free Trolley Service
Make your day stress-free! Hop on the free trolley from the Heritage Center (across from City Hall) between 12 PM and 4 PM for easy, accessible transportation to all participating locations.
A Family Tradition Worth Sharing
For many families, including mine, Holiday Traditions is a cherished part of the season. My daughters always loved visiting the Seward House Museum, the Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, and Willard Chapel—exploring the beautifully decorated rooms and imagining what it would be like to live there. This year, I’m thrilled to pass this tradition on to my grandchildren!
Plan Your Holiday Adventure with Ease!
With so many festive events happening during the Holiday Traditions event, a little advance planning ensures you won’t miss a thing. To help you out, we’ve gathered all the activities and schedules into one convenient list.
Noon to 5 pm – The NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center will host a hands-on creative cookie decorating activity featuring Simply Delicious cookie kits complete with a cookie, sprinkles, and icing. Shop for holiday gifts made in New York State at the Taste NY Market.
10 am to 4 pm – The Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum View more than 180 trees for the Museum’s Annual Festival of Trees and pick a winning favorite. Don’t forget to look for the Tour Cayuga one. Enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides, Model T rides (weather permitting), refreshments, musical entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. Santa Claus arrives at noon by carriage and will visit with children until 3:30 pm.
Noon- 4pm…Seward House Museum Harkening back to a Victorian Christmas, the community is invited to experience the majestic Seward House Museum decked in holiday finery. Museum staff and volunteers spread cheer by regaling visitors with stories of past Seward family Christmases during this community open house.
Noon-4pm…Willard Memorial Chapel Join Captain Nick Klaus for a reading of A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas at 12 PM, sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of America. At 2 PM, Cayuga Sax presents “A Cayuga Sax Christmas,” featuring a variation of well-loved Christmas songs. Complimentary seasonal snacks and treats available, plus for a little shopping a Holiday Market in the Welch Memorial Building will be held.
Open 11 AM to 3 PM– Artistic Impressions This retail boutique, studio, and gallery is located inside the Willard Memorial Chapel, Shop one-of-a-kind artisan gifts, plus receive 50 percent off all holiday greeting cards. There will be a craft activity table featuring free holiday cards for children to color and complimentary refreshments. From 1 to 4 PM, register to participate in a free workshop to “Add the Bling to your Holiday!” with Melody Smith Johnson; all supplies will be provided.
1 to 5 pm –Schweinfurth Art Center Free admission. From 3:30 to 5 PM, enjoy a family-fun holiday singalong with musician Chris Molloy accompanied by his electric blue harp. Visitors can also view the 43rd annual Quilts=Art=Quilts 2024 exhibition for free and attend a 2 PM QAQ Trunk Show with exhibiting artist Pat Pauley.
1 to 5 pm –Cayuga Museum of History and Art -Join the staff of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art for this festive tradition. Guests will be invited to enjoy the museum bedecked with yuletide cheer and will have the opportunity to explore new exhibits and an audio tour, plus participate in a do-it-yourself ornament making activity.
5:00 pm – St. Francis of Assisi Church -The longest-running Central New York band dating back to the 1950s, the Stardusters All-Star Band,will play Harriet Tubman tributes, Gospels, and Christmas classics at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Refreshments will be served after the performance in Nacca Hall. This is a free public event.
More Festivities All Weekend Long
The holiday fun doesn’t stop there! The weekend of December 7 & 8 is packed with festive activities and Craft Fairs across Cayuga County.
- Moravia, Fair Haven, and Aurora are hosting their own Holiday Celebrations and Tree Lightings.
- Explore unique gifts and local crafts at one of several craft fairs:
Check out our events calendar for more events and holiday open houses happening in Cayuga County this season.
Happy Holidays
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