History’s Hometown Holiday Traditions
Holiday Traditions Open House Returns to the City of Auburn this December
Citywide events celebrate the spirit of the season in History’s Hometown
The City of Auburn’s Historic and Cultural Sites Commission invites all to experience the beauty, history, and holiday magic of History’s Hometown this Christmas season. Held on the second Sunday in December, Holiday Traditions was created by the Seward House Museum more than three decades ago as a token of appreciation to the Auburn community. This free “open house” tradition will once again welcome the community to participating sites and special events on Sunday, December 8. This year eventgoers can take the trolley from the Heritage Center across from City Hall from 12 to 4 PM for free, accessible transportation to all the festivities.
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; sandrashutterfineartanddesign.com
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. The Michael Gonzalez Trio will perform jazz standards, American songbook selections, original compositions, and holiday music from 2 to 5 PM. Street-level parking is available in front of the museum and in the Orchard Avenue lot.
(315) 253-8051; cayugamuseum.org
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. Catch the free Big D’s Limo trolley from the Heritage Center to participating Holiday Traditions sites. (315) 258-9820; visitauburnny.com
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
@ NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center
25 South Street
From Noon to 4 PM – Learn from National Park Service rangers about historical Christmas and Watch Night celebrations at the Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, and how the congregation gathered together with family, friends, and the greater Auburn community in faith, charity, and holiday merriment. Share your own favorite holiday traditions by adding to a growing community paper chain; and try-your-hand at making a free 19th century tin ornament.
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. (315) 255-1553; schweinfurthartcenter.org
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. (315) 252-1283; sewardhouse.org
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). (315) 252-7593; stmaryauburn.org
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.
(315) 252-7644; wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org
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.
(315) 252-0339; willard-chapel.com
City of Auburn Historic & Cultural Sites Commission
The mission of Auburn’s Historic & Cultural Sites Commission is to support its designated organizations to achieve their missions through collaborative marketing, programming, and tourism strategies. The vision of the Commission is to position Auburn as the destination of choice in the Finger Lakes through support and promotion of its history and culture.
