With Thanksgiving over, sites across Auburn are preparing for their next holiday celebrations.
Historic and cultural sites across History’s Hometown will once again take part in Holiday Traditions. Founded over three decades ago by the Seward House Museum, the event sees museums and cultural institutions across the city offer free admission and feature holiday-themed programming.
Courtney Kasper is the Visitor Experience Manager at the Equal Rights Heritage Center. Speaking with Finger Lakes News Radio, she said a trolley will also return to make it easier for people to visit multiple sites.
“What we’ve decided to bring back this year because it was such a success in 2023 is providing free accessible transportation to all the participating Holiday Tradition sites.”
The free trolley will be available at the Equal Rights Heritage Center, Willard Memorial Chapel, Ward O’Hara Ag Museum, and the West End Arts Campus (Cayuga Museum and Schweinfurth Art Center).
2024 Holiday Traditions will take place on Sunday, December 8. A list of participating sites can be found below.
Artistic Impressions – 17 Nelson Street
Open 11 AM to 3 PM – Located inside the Willard Memorial Chapel, this retail boutique, studio, and gallery owned by local fine artist Sandra Shutter is hosting a Customer Gratitude Weekend. 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. (315) 283-4853; [email protected]
Cayuga Museum of History and Art – 203 Genesee Street
Open 1 to 5 PM – 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. Street-level parking is available in front of the museum and in the Orchard Avenue lot.
NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center – 25 South Street
Open Noon to 4 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. Parking is available on site and in the adjacent parking garage.
Schweinfurth Art Center – 205 Genesee Street
Open 1 to 5 PM – 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. On-street parking is available.
Seward House Museum – 33 South Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – 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. Parking is available in the Lincoln Street parking garage.
St. Francis of Assisi Church – 303 Clark Street
5 PM – 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. Band members include Julie Howard (vocals), Bernie McNabb (vocals), John Bertonica (drums), Joe Camardo, Jr. (saxophone), and John Baccoli (bass).
Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum – 6880 E Lake Road Rt. 38A
Open 10 AM to 4 PM – The Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum will be decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas. View more than 180 trees for the museum’s Twelfth Annual Festival of Trees and pick a winning favorite. There will be 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. Parking is available onsite.
Willard Memorial Chapel – 17 Nelson Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – Join Captain Nick Klaus at the Willard Memorial Chapel 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, plus a Holiday Market in the Welch Memorial Building will be available. Parking is open onsite; the Chapel is handicap accessible through its north entrance off Seymour Street.
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