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 14.
Artistic Impressions
17 Nelson Street
Open 11 AM to 4 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. Step into a world where every piece is crafted by local hands, with passion and purpose. Artistic Impressions offers a unique collection of bespoke treasures. From original paintings, jewelry and gifts, find more than just an item, find inspiration. Choose your themed artistic, feminist, and quirky holiday cards, buy four get one free. Enjoy a grazing board, creative pursuits for kids and adults, and traditional wassail. sandrashutterfineartanddesign.com
Auburn High School Auditorium
250 Lake Avenue
2 PM – Welcome to Auburn Chamber Orchestra’s annual “Sounds of the Season” concert which will feature both sacred and secular holiday music through the centuries. It will be a musical celebration of Christmas from both well-known and not-so-well known composers. Come and hear the “Joy!” and meet Buddy the Elf! No admission charge; donations at the door appreciated. auburnchamberorchestra.com
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 the museum bedecked with yuletide cheer. The Wada Music Studio will perform from 1 to 4 PM with a selection of holiday ambiance as visitors explore the galleries. Treats will also be available. Admission is free, although donations are always greatly appreciated.
(315) 253-8051; cayugamuseum.org
NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center
25 South Street
Open Noon to 5:30 PM – The NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center will host the Bob Piorun Jazz Trio performing from 1 to 3 PM. The Mozaic Spotlight Studio choral group will sing holiday songs from 3:30 to 4:15PM, followed by Genesee Street Voices from 4:30 to 5:30PM. Santa and Mrs. Claus will offer visits and photo ops from 4 to 5:30PM. (315) 258-9820; visitauburnny.com
Schweinfurth Art Center
205 Genesee Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – Admission is free and visitors can tour exhibits Quilts=Art=Quilts 2025, Lyrical Moments: Mary P. Murphy and Martha M. Deming, and QAQ Small Quilt Raffle. Everyone is invited to paint an ornament and take it home. At 2 PM, fiber artist Carol Boyer of Syracuse will display her work and talk about her inspirations and art-making process in the last of four trunk shows. (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. With live musical performances throughout the day, Museum staff and volunteers spread cheer by regaling visitors with stories of past Seward family Christmases during this community open house. (315) 252-1283; sewardhouse.org
St. Francis of Assisi Church
303 Clark Street
5 to 6 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), Bob Piorun (guitar), and Mike Burns (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 Thirteenth 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 4 PM. Parking is available onsite.
(315) 252-7644; wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org
Willard Memorial Chapel
17 Nelson Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – From 12 to 1 PM, guests can enjoy a free tour of Willard Chapel, followed by a Reading with Santa Claus from 1 to 2 PM, sponsored by Literacy Volunteers, where every child receives a free book. The Genesee Street Voices perform from 2:30 to 3:15 PM, and the day concludes with a holiday organ concert from 3:30 to 4 PM. Complimentary treats and a Holiday Market in the Welch Memorial Building will also 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.
