History’s Hometown Holiday Traditions

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 10. New this year, eventgoers can take the free trolley from the Heritage Center across from City Hall from Noon to 4 PM for accessible transportation to all of this year’s events!
Artistic Impressions
17 Nelson Street
Open 11 AM to 3PM — Free admission. 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 kids’ craft activity table, and enjoy the free tours of the historic Chapel. sandrashutterfineartanddesign.com
Auburn Public Theater
8 Exchange Street
2 PM — Admission fee. 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 (315) 253-6669; auburnpublictheater.org
Cayuga Museum of History and Art
203 Genesee Street

Open Noon to 4 PM – Free admission. Join the Cayuga Museum of History and Art for this festive tradition as you explore the museum bedecked with yuletide cheer. Enjoy live music from performers at the Wada Music School on the historic Wegman piano, refreshments, and a special activity for young members of your family with local artist Victoria Fitzgerald in the Creative Explorers Children’s Gallery. Parking is available in front of and behind the Museum. (315) 253-8051; cayugamuseum.org
Melody’s
128 Genesee Street
Suite 100
Open 2 to 6 PM – Free admission. 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 vendor event are delivering Black Woman Magic, Brown Girl Gifting, and Woman-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. (315) 370-9227; melodyscny.com
NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center
25 South Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – Free admission. 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 from 12 to 4 PM. (315) 258-9820; visitauburnny.com
Seward House Museum
33 South Street
Open Noon to 4 PM – Free admission. 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
Schweinfurth Art Center
205 Genesee Street
Open Noon to 5 PM — Free admission. Enjoy a performance by MasterWorks Chorale at 12 PM and 1PM. 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. (315) 255-1553; myartcenter.org
St. Francis of Assisi Church
303 Clark Street
5 PM — Free admission. 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. Refreshments will be served after the performance in Nacca Hall. 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 – Free admission. 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, 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 – Free admission. 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—every child will receive a free book. And at 2 PM singalong to favorite Christmas carols and enjoy complimentary seasonal snacks and treats, plus 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. (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. Learn more: visitauburnny.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/1060560671637070/