Embracing Thanksgiving Traditions in 2025
“Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.” — Nigel Hamilton
Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart—it was my father’s favorite holiday, and it continues to be one of mine. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and create memories that don’t require gifts or elaborate decorations. Just good food, great company, and a chance to slow down. The pandemic reminded us how deeply we rely on human connection, and this year, I’m especially grateful for the joyful noise, the laughter, and even the chaos that comes with bringing family together. It’s a powerful reminder of what truly matters.
If the thought of cooking and hosting feels overwhelming, here are two easy solutions:
1. Order a freshly prepared dinner, to serve at home. The Springside Inn, Balloons Restaurant, and Pure Catering are all offering pick up dinners, They’ll take care of everything, allowing you to impress your guests with ease.
2. Prefer to skip the dishes? Springside Inn, and 1833 Kitchen are offering Thanksgiving Day Dinner at their restaurants, no dishes to wash and no messes to clean up, leave everything up to them. Enjoy an stress-free meal without the cleanup!
The above are just a few suggestions, call your favorite restaurant to find out what specials they may be offering for Thanksgiving Day.
Kick off the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving traditionally marks the start of the festive season, and our local communities are bustling with activities to help you celebrate! From holiday parades to craft fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ring in the Holidays with family and friends and kick off The Finger Lakes holiday season in Auburn on November 29 with the Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Auburn, parade begins at 3:30pm and ends at Metcalf Plaza. After the parade, gather in State Street Event Plaza from 4:30 – 5:30 PM.
Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Small Business Saturday
Support Local on Small Business Saturday on November 29, make a point to support our local shops as they offer special deals to kickstart your holiday shopping. Remember, shopping local helps keep our community vibrant! Find unique deals & specials at boutique retail shops, eateries, breweries & more. Find unique holiday experiences, discounts, deals & specials. Check out the celebrations planned in Auburn and in Fair Haven NY.
Small Business Saturday
Auburn’s Annual Holiday Traditions Celebration.
One of my favorite things during the holiday is to join in the many holiday celebrations going on in our community starting with Auburn’s Holiday Traditions Celebration on December 14. The City of Auburn’s Historic and Cultural Sites invites everyone to experience the beauty, history and holiday magic of History’s Hometown. Museums and churches throughout the community are decorated for the season and will open their doors to the public offering free admission, music, refreshments, family activities and more. Click here for more information.
Holiday Traditions
Annual Festival of Trees and Christmas Open House Celebration
The Ward O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum is once again transforming into a winter wonderland for its annual Festival of Trees, running November 23 through January 31. This free, family-friendly tradition fills the museum with more than 200 beautifully decorated trees, each crafted by local groups, businesses, and community members. Stroll through the displays, soak in the holiday magic, and celebrate the creativity that makes Cayuga County shine all season long. Come vote for your favorite tree and try to find the Tour Cayuga one. Everyone in the office had so much fun putting it together! The museum is also hosting a Christmas Open House Celebration on December 14 from 10am-4:00pm complete with horse drawn wagon rides. There is no admission fee for these family fun events and parking is free!
Festival of Trees and Open House
We are so lucky to live in a community that is bursting with art, music, theater, and history. Check our events listing page and you’ll find a lot of fun events or places to check out. The events page is updated regularly, so be sure to check it out often.
The staff at the Cayuga County Office of Tourism wishes you a very