Holiday Traditions is returning to History’s Hometown.
Originally a Seward House event started over 30 years ago, historic and cultural sites throughout Auburn now fill the day with special events.
New for this year, a trolley will provide free and accessible transportation from the Equal Rights Heritage Center to special events from 12:00-4:00p. Holiday Traditions returns December 10.
Below is a list of participating locations.
Artistic Impressions
17 Nelson Street
Open 11 AM to 3 PM – Located inside the Willard 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 20% off all holiday greeting cards. There will be a complimentary kid’s craft activity table and free tours of the historic Chapel.
Auburn Public Theater
8 Exchange Street
2 PM – Auburn Players Community Theatre will present Scrooge the Musical, a timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, onstage at Auburn Public Theater. This 2 PM show is a ticketed event; $20 general admission, $15 for seniors/students. Purchase tickets at auburnplayers.org.
Cayuga Museum of History and Art
203 Genesee Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – Join the staff of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art for this festive tradition. Guests will be invited to enjoy live music from members of the Wada Music School at 1 PM, refreshments, a special activity for young family members in the Creative Explorers Children’s Gallery, and will have the opportunity to explore the Museum bedecked with yuletide cheer. Parking is available in front of and behind the Museum.
Melody’s
128 Genesee Street, Suite 100
Open 2 to 6 PM – Meet at Melody’s for a Holiday Pop Up Shop featuring more than 15 local women-owned businesses. Vendors joining this year’s pop-up event are delivering Black Woman Magic, Brown Girl Gifting, and Women-Empowered, including Jsy’Neem & Things, Barbara Jeans Body & Hair Butter, T3 Beauty Supply, Divine Coverings, Beonca’s Journal Devotional, Just a POUND Cake!, and more.
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. The Taste NY Market will also have DIY cookie decorating sets, chili, and mac ‘n cheese for sale, plus shop for holiday gifts made in New York State. Parking is available on site and in the adjacent parking garage. Catch the trolley from the Heritage Center to participating Holiday Traditions sites.
Schweinfurth Art Center
205 Genesee Street
Open Noon to 5 PM – Free admission. From noon to 1 PM, enjoy a performance by MasterWorks Chorale. Visitors can also view two exhibitions for free, the 42nd annual Quilts=Art=Quilts 2023 and Off Script and Unexpected by artist Lee Hoag. At 2 PM, QAQ Trunk Show quilt artist Jeanne Marklin will talk about her art-making process. Masks are recommended. Parking is available in front of and behind the Art Center.
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 140 trees for the Museum’s annual Festival of Trees and pick a winning favorite. There will be 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 1 PM, sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of America. And at 2 PM singalong to favorite Christmas carols and enjoy complimentary seasonal snacks and treats, plus free self-guided tours of the Tiffany Treasure of the Finger Lakes. Parking is available onsite; the Chapel is handicap accessible through its north entrance off Seymour Street.
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