9 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Downtown Ithaca!
Shop Locally
Shopping local is a great way to make a personal investment in your neighborhood and community. Not only will you find great customer service and caring staff in Downtown Ithaca, but you’ll also find that our downtown has the perfect gift for everyone! Our annual “Shop Small Saturday,” will take place on Saturday, November 26th at select stores!
Ice and Lights Festival
This year, we rebranded our annual “Winter Lights Festival” to “Ice and Lights Festival,” to welcome the return of ice carving on the Commons during festival hours. Our Ice and Lights Festival will be taking place December 2 nd, 3rd, 9th and 10 th , offering silent discos, live
entertainment at the Bernie Milton Pavilion, hot cocoa and craft beverage bars, and of course, ice and lights!
Annual Chowder Cook-Off and Santa’s Arrival
During our Ice and Lights Festival, our annual Chowder Cook-Off will also be happening in Downtown on Saturday, December 3rd, as well as Santa’s Arrival occuring on December 10th - an entertaining experience to complete a family fun-filled day!
Holiday Farmers Markets
Stock up on locally grown foods and other items this holiday season at Press Bay! Visit our website for more information!
Open Later Shop Later
This year, select downtown shops will be open later certain days of the week, to meet your last-minute holiday shopping needs. Visit our website for more information on this! Also happening this year in select shops, you can receive a free tote bag with any purchase, The tote design is by local artist Ever Stokes.
Enjoy an art filled stroll through our downtown!
This year, select stores will be decorated with bright and festive window displays around the district. It’s the perfect day trip to downtown if you’re looking for something free and quick to do!
Cozy Up
Enjoy Friday night chimney fires on the patio at Monks on the Commons or cozy up with happy hour specials, smores and other things to keep you warm this holiday season!
Experience the Arts
Every first Friday of each month, you have a chance to experience Gallery Night Ithaca- a walking art tour through downtown! Visit gallerynightithaca.com for more information on Gallery Night!
Choose your own adventure!
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance offers Downtown Ithaca Gift Cards for purchase throughout the year; accepted at over 100 shops and restaurants, it is the perfect gift for someone if you are having a hard time deciding what to get them this year!
Available for purchase on our website, at: downtownithaca.com.