Thinking about a holiday vacation to Ithaca, NY? Great idea! You’re in for a charming and delightfully offbeat winter getaway, featuring a host of fun Ithaca holiday events.
Visiting Ithaca around the holidays is like slipping into a storybook. Everywhere you look there is small-town charm, delightful decorations, and unexpected traditions. The city embraces the season with lively, seasonal events and attractions. Things like the Cass Park Ice Rink, The Cornell Botanic Gardens in winter, and the tongue-in-cheek International Rutabaga Curl. You’ll also discover holiday craft markets, concerts, workshops, festivals, caroling, and so much more.
Best of all, the convenient location of Classic Country Vacation Homes puts the best of the region within easy reach. Spend the day (or night!) out enjoying all the Finger Lakes region has to offer, then it’s just a quick drive back to the comforts of your Finger Lakes vacation rental. The makings of a perfect holiday getaway!
2025 Ithaca Holiday Events
Holiday Open Farm Days at Shepherds Creek Alpacas – Nov 2, Dec 6, 20, 11am – 4pm.
Meet the alpacas at Shepherds Creek, pose with them for photos and give them treats. You can also visit the Alpaca Farm Shop for lots of unique gifts!
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones: Jingle all the Way – Dec 5, 8pm.
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones return to the State Theatre of Ithaca for a reunion tour featuring the group’s beloved tunes and jazz-infused holiday classics.
Holiday Shopping Spree on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail – Nov 21-23, Dec 5, 7.
Sip, shop, and save along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and enjoy a souvenir wine glass, ornaments, wine and food pairings, recipe book, and $5 off $35 wine purchase at every winery.
Trumansburg WinterFest – Dec 6, 1pm-4pm.
Come out to the 29th annual Trumansburg WinterFest with festive foods, hot chocolate, hot cider, Santa, and more!
The Downtown Ithaca Winter Holiday Bash – Dec 6, 11am-8pm.
See downtown Ithaca’s Commons transformed for a winter’s celebration featuring Santa, a Silent Disco, games, music, cocoa, holiday lights, and more.
The Nutcracker Suite – Cornell Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble – Dec 7, 3pm.
Hear The Nutcracker Suite x2, with alternating orchestral and jazz movements, at Cornell’s Bailey Hall. Unlike anything you’ve heard before!
Jessica Lynn’s – A Very Classic Christmas – Dec 7, 7pm.
Jessica Lynn’s “A Very Merry Classic Christmas” at the State Theatre is a genuine holiday tradition, rivaling some of the biggest Christmas spectaculars.
Ithaca Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker – Dec 12, 14.
Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker brings magical toys, dancing snowflakes, and belly dancers, to the State Theatre A wonderful holiday tradition.
And that’s not all!
We’ve only just scratched the surface of all the fun you can have during your holiday getaway to the Finger Lakes. Navigate to visitithaca.com for the full list of Ithaca holiday events for 2025.
Make your plans now for your Holiday getaway to Ithaca at Classic Country Vacation Homes. We’ll be looking for you!