Holiday Traditions
Looking for a holiday celebration that feels both timeless and uniquely local? Auburn, NY, fondly known as History’s Hometown, offers one of the most heartwarming seasonal traditions in Upstate New York. As Christmas approaches, the community comes alive with the beloved Holiday Traditions Open House, on Sunday, December 14, 2025
This festive day invites you to step into beautifully decorated museums, historic sites, and churches across Auburn, each offering free admission, live music, family-friendly activities, refreshments, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Hosted by the City of Auburn’s Historic and Cultural Sites Commission, Holiday Traditions has been a cherished part of the season for more than three decades. First launched by the Seward House Museum as a way to thank the community, it continues to bring people together—celebrating history, culture, and the joy of being part of something truly special.
Below is a a listing of all the activities happening throughout the day…
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The Ward O’Hara Museum
10:00am-4:00pm
Visit the museum for free horse-drawn wagon rides, Model T rides, refreshments, and activities for kids; and from November 23 through January 31, visitors can explore the 13th Annual Festival of Trees, where more than 200 creatively decorated trees fill the museum and guests can vote for their favorite.
Seward House Museum
noon – 4:00pm
The Seward House Museum welcomes the community to a Victorian-style Christmas open house, featuring festive décor, live music, and staff and volunteers sharing stories of Seward family holiday traditions.
Willard Memorial Chapel
noon – 4:00pm
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.
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Equal Rights Heritage Center
noon – 5:30pm
Bob Piorun Jazz Trio is 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.
Auburn High School Auditorium
2:00pm
Auburn Chamber Orchestra’s annual “Sounds of the Season” concert which will feature both sacred and secular holiday music through the centuries. Come and hear the “Joy!” and meet Buddy the Elf!.
Cayuga Museum of History & Art
1:00 – 5:00pm
The Cayuga Museum of History and Art will celebrate Holiday Traditions with festive decorations, light refreshments, live performances by the Wada Music Studio, and a hands-on Ukrainian Caroling Star workshop led by artist Nataliia Shynkarenko.
Schweinfurth Art Center
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Visitors can enjoy free admission to view the Quilts=Art=Quilts 2025, Lyrical Moments, and QAQ Small Quilt Raffle exhibits, paint their own take-home ornament, and hear fiber artist Carol Boyer share her work, inspirations, and creative process in the final Trunk Show.
St. Francis of Assisi Church
5:00 – 6:00pm
Experience 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.
Artistic Impressions
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. From original paintings, jewelry and gifts, find more than just an item, find inspiration. Enjoy a grazing board, creative pursuits for kids and adults, and traditional wassail
A Few More Festive Events to Check Out….
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Christmas In Moravia
Dec 5.6 & 7
Visit our events page for all the up to date information on upcoming events and holiday celebrations in Cayuga County, NY! Check back often, page is updated daily.
