Shows, Performances, & Festivals

You won’t find a lot of traditional holiday practices, such as an official Christmas tree lighting or other ceremonies. Instead, we embrace the quirkiness of the season and the togetherness that this time of year brings with fun activities such as the Annual International Rutabaga Curl on the last Saturday of the outdoor market. Bring the whole family to this wild, wacky and ridiculous event. You’ll see MCs, referees, protestors, a chorus, instrumentalists, camera/radio crews and more rutabaga lore than you ever knew existed. You’ll have ample time to practice throwing and to alter your rutabaga to your liking.

Celebrate the season at the Winter Holiday Bash in downtown Ithaca on December 6, 2025. Trumansburg's WinterFest in this charming, quaint village on the west side of Cayuga Lake has also become a holiday tradition for locals and day-trippers.

The holiday tradition returns to The State Theatre with the Ithaca Ballet presenting The Nutcracker on December 12-14th. 

Holiday Decorating

Some will say November is too early for tree shopping. Others have a tree up the day after Halloween. Evergreen decor will be widely available after Thanksgiving.

One local option for creating family memories is Moore Tree Farms. Come find the perfect U-cut, pre-cut, or live Christmas tree, wreaths, ornaments, and decorations. Wreath-making workshops happen across Tompkins County, one beautiful setting for winter greenery inspiration is the Cornell Botanic Gardens.

Spreading Holiday Spirit

The Cass Park Ice Rink has public skating times nearly every day of the week, beginning as early as 9:15 am and even going to 9:30 pm on Saturdays. Skate rentals are available in sizes toddler through adult. While you're in the area, visit the Ithaca Children's Garden and then go to Ithaca Bakery for a warm beverage and a hearty sandwich or pastry treat.

Santa Sightings

Nothing brings the season to life more than a visit from Santa! He’ll be greeting guests at two places this season, on the same day thanks to his magic flying sleigh! 

Watch the annual tradition of Santa Arriving in Downtown Ithaca!! Before the man in red arrives, enjoy live performances, a hot cocoa bar, and everyone’s favorite- Sparky the Unicorn! Santa and his elves enter Downtown Ithaca in the most unique way possible: rappelling down from the roof of Center Ithaca onto Trolley Circle.

Bring your camera or phone to snap free photos with Santa and his sleigh outside at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Don’t leave without stopping in at Alphabet Soup to write a letter reminding Santa of your family’s holiday requests. While there, purchase a toy to donate. Alphabet Soup has partnered with local organizations to collect toys for local kids.