Thanksgiving Traditions
By: Staff
“Over the river and through the wood,To have first-rate play. Hear the bells ring,”Ting-a-ling-ding!” Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!” -Lydia MariaChild
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because all its asks of you is to gather with people you care about and share a meal. No gifts, necessary, no special decorations or tree, all that is needed is people getting together to enjoy each other’s company and a good meal.
The pandemic has shown us just how important human interaction is. I am looking forward to all the noise and craziness that always accompanies a family gathering,I never thought I would miss that part so much!
Don’t like to cook or just don’t want to deal with all the hassle and preparation involved in hosting Thanksgiving Day Dinner? I have two solutions for you!
1.Order a freshly prepared dinner, to serve at home.The Springside Inn, Balloons Restaurant , 1833 Kitchen, are all offering pick up dinners, they will provide you with everything needed to impress your guests.
2. Prefer to skip the dishes? Springside Inn, Hilton Garden 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.
The above are just a few suggestions, call your favorite restaurant to find out what specials they may be offering for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day is the official kick off for the holiday season and the local cities are busy planning fun actitivites to help you celebrate! From Holiday Parades, Craft Fairs and special events there is something for everyone!
Ring in the Holidays with family and friends and kick off The Finger Lakes holiday season in Auburn on November 26 for Small Business Saturday November 26 and support your downtown businesses. After you are done shopping you won’t want to miss the Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Auburn, hosted by the BID/Business Improvement District. Parade starts at 6 followed by the Tree Lighting ceremony at City Hall. Enjoy a good meal before the parade at one of the many downtown restaurants. For something casual try Mesa Grande , Parker’s , AT Wally’s or head over to Prison City for some good pub style food and great beer.
Not to be missed is The Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum and the Dr. Joseph F. Karpinski Sr. Educational Center’s –
Annual Festival of Trees, now-December 24. You will be amazed at the display of over 115 trees created and decorated by local businesses, community groups and artists. 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! They are also hosting a Holiday Open House: An Old Fashioned Christmas on December 11 complete with horse drawn wagon rides. There is no admission fee for these family fun events and parking is free!
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 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 Happy Thanksgiving Day!