Save the date: Ithaca Loves Teachers returns February 13-28th, 2026!
In 2025 we celebrated 20 years! Over mid-winter break, Ithaca area attractions, shops, and restaurants unite to host a community-wide celebration honoring preK-12 educators with more than 150 activities, discounts, and events throughout Tompkins County. It's our way of saying thanks to educators everywhere for all of your hard work and dedication!
Free digital pass
The free digital pass will be your guide to enjoy special offers from restaurants, wineries, attractions, shops & more! For discounts on overnight stays, the lodging coupons page will be updated in early 2026 -- accommodation special rates are not listed on the pass. You will find themed events listed below.
Digital Pass will be available to view in February 2026.
Thank you to the presenting sponsor Visions Federal Credit Union, home of the Visions Loves Educators program.
2026 Events & Special Programs
FAQ
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Once you sign up for the digital pass and complete checkout, you will receive an email and text message from Visit Ithaca. The email will say “Order Confirmation”. Click on the view passport option and it opens a window on your device to view the pass online and deals. Follow the recommended steps for saving the link to your phone's homescreen for easy access.
Use the categories at the top of the digital pass to sort by type of deal.
View 60-second video showing how to sign-up for the digital savings pass.
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Starting February 14th, show your digital pass and your school ID or equivalent to each merchant as you check out. Be sure to follow all redemption steps as you are making your purchase. As you complete redemptions -- you will be entered into our surprise & delight drawings for a chance to win a prize.
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Search your email and text messages to find the original text and/or email. If you cannot locate it, request a new link to your pass by entering the email address you used during checkout. A new link will immediately be sent to you by email.
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Some deals can only be redeemed once. When the digital pass expires after February 28th, unless otherwise specified, the deals will no longer be available for redemption.
Digital Pass FAQ
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Ithaca Loves Teachers is open to all public and private school teachers, school district employees/staff, teacher union retirees, homeschool teachers, and childcare workers regardless of where you live.
Registration is free. To redeem deals and upon checking in to accommodations, please be prepared to show your school ID badge or equivalent, or proof of employment in education/teachers union retiree status.
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As a community-wide event, Ithaca Loves Teachers is comprised of events, discounts, and deals at over 150 local businesses and attractions located in and around Ithaca & Tompkins County.
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Lodging discounts are now available. Book your room at any one of the participating hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and inns in the greater Ithaca area.
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You can sign up for the digital pass beginning February 1st. The pass will show all deals by category and location. Deals can be redeemed from February 16-29. Scroll for continuous event updates at the bottom of the screen, or check the full Ithaca Events calendar. You can also follow Ithaca Loves Teachers on Facebook.
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The discounts and deals for Ithaca Loves Teachers vary and are up to the discretion of individual local businesses. You’ll find buy-one-get-one deals, complimentary beverages, percentage discounts, weekly pass discounts, and more.