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December Events

Celebrate the holidays in the Finger Lakes

Get in the Holiday Spirit at December events in the Finger Lakes

The hustle and bustle of the winter season is here. Take a moment for yourself to enjoy December events or give someone the gift of an experience here in the Finger Lakes! Our partners' are here to help make this holiday season a memory to last a lifetime. These December events in the Finger Lakes are sure to keep everyone merry and bright!

Check back often as more events are added throughout the year!

November - 2022
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Events for December 1, 2022 x
Gingerbread houses displayed on a table with gingerbread men garland, and a very large gingerbread house behind the table.
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops

Children are invited to decorate gingerbread houses and enter them into the 13th Annual Judy Pipher Gingerbread Contest. All supplies are provided. Dates TBA.

Cayuga Museum of History & Art Presents Proof Positive
Cayuga Museum of History & Art Presents Proof Positive

This exhibit will explore the history of how wine, beer, cider and spirits are made in Cayuga County. Visitors to the exhibit will explore three themes: history, the process, and the impact. The history theme will explore the Temperance movement and Prohibition in Cayuga County, as well as Prohibition to the present, highlighting the rebirth of the industry through legislation and the current economic impact. The process theme will teach visitors the technical aspects of winemaking, brewing, distilling, and hop production through the stories and objects of local businesses.

Gingerbread House
George Eastman Sweet Creations Annual Gingerbread Display

Sweet Creations Annual Gingerbread Display

Through January 1, 2023

PLUS:

  • Festive Decor
  • Holiday Films
  • Online Auctions

 

eastman.org

Historic Geneva Holiday Market Opens

Red surface covered with pinecones, a Santa hat, ornaments and wrapped package with words Holiday Market December 1-3, 8-10, & 15-17.

 

Holiday Market Opens December 1


To make the Holiday Market a success we need your help. Come and shop at the Holiday Market. The Holiday Market opens on Thursday, December 1 in the Hucker Gallery at the Geneva History Museum and will run December 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Fresh greens and baked goods will only be sold on December 3. With new items added regularly, you may want to stop by more than once!

Art Explorers' Story Hour: Gingerbread

Free and open to pre-school age children and their caregivers |
Location: Art Lab (36 E. Market St.)

Children’s Librarian Sue McConnell reads beloved stories thematically linked to The Rockwell’s art collection. After, explore and socialize with games and activities, connecting little ones to authentic arts experiences through storytime and unplugged play. 

Attendees are invited to explore the Art Lab and The Rockwell Museum after Story Hour for free. 

Learn more >>

Taughannock Gorge view in autumn
"Great Oaks of Taughannock"

This episode of Walk in the Park (#258) honors naturalist and song writer Becca Harber of Newfield, NY, who passed away last month unexpectedly. Becca was well-known and loved throughput the Ithaca community. We’ll show illustrated videos of Becca singing three of her original songs about her love of our natural world, recorded in two of our local state parks.
In the second half of the show, Sherene Baugher of the Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park tells us of Henrietta Wickham who opened the way for visitors to Lucifer Falls more than sixty years before her work inspired Robert Treman to create the park.

Walk in the Park is a public access TV series produced by Tony Ingraham, Owl Gorge Productions, a partner business in the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

The Calamari Sisters Christmas Carol
Events for December 2, 2022 x
Cayuga Museum of History & Art Presents Proof Positive
Cayuga Museum of History & Art Presents Proof Positive

This exhibit will explore the history of how wine, beer, cider and spirits are made in Cayuga County. Visitors to the exhibit will explore three themes: history, the process, and the impact. The history theme will explore the Temperance movement and Prohibition in Cayuga County, as well as Prohibition to the present, highlighting the rebirth of the industry through legislation and the current economic impact. The process theme will teach visitors the technical aspects of winemaking, brewing, distilling, and hop production through the stories and objects of local businesses.

Gingerbread House
George Eastman Sweet Creations Annual Gingerbread Display

Sweet Creations Annual Gingerbread Display

Through January 1, 2023

PLUS:

  • Festive Decor
  • Holiday Films
  • Online Auctions

 

eastman.org

Historic Geneva Holiday Market Opens

Red surface covered with pinecones, a Santa hat, ornaments and wrapped package with words Holiday Market December 1-3, 8-10, & 15-17.

 

Holiday Market Opens December 1


To make the Holiday Market a success we need your help. Come and shop at the Holiday Market. The Holiday Market opens on Thursday, December 1 in the Hucker Gallery at the Geneva History Museum and will run December 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Fresh greens and baked goods will only be sold on December 3. With new items added regularly, you may want to stop by more than once!

Taughannock Gorge view in autumn
"Great Oaks of Taughannock"

This episode of Walk in the Park (#258) honors naturalist and song writer Becca Harber of Newfield, NY, who passed away last month unexpectedly. Becca was well-known and loved throughput the Ithaca community. We’ll show illustrated videos of Becca singing three of her original songs about her love of our natural world, recorded in two of our local state parks.
In the second half of the show, Sherene Baugher of the Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park tells us of Henrietta Wickham who opened the way for visitors to Lucifer Falls more than sixty years before her work inspired Robert Treman to create the park.

Walk in the Park is a public access TV series produced by Tony Ingraham, Owl Gorge Productions, a partner business in the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

The Calamari Sisters Christmas Carol
On a white back ground is the purple logo for RMSC. Beneath that is a light grey moon that touches the tops of the A and F in the black texted words AFTER DARK.
RMSC After Dark: Yule Ball

RMSC After Dark is a series of after-hours social events for adults 21 and over featuring full Museum & Science Center access and cash bars. Costumes encouraged! 

Prepare to be charmed as the RMSC casts a wintry spell over its grounds! Join us as we weave enticing enchantments, dance merrily through the halls, celebrate the winter season, and explore the magical world of science throughout all three floors of the magnificent RMSC. 

Event highlights include: 

  • Meet Murray, the Mastodon who Lived
  • Get sorted into an RMSC “house” 
  • Meet and greet with “Witch and Wizard” familiars at  the Animal Encounter
  • Cash bars to warm the belly and spirit 
  • Float & waltz across the ballroom floor to a live DJ to flaunt your yule outfits 
  • Craft your very own spell-bound wand 
  • Winter holiday and movie trivia 
  • And much more! 

*VIP members will receive early access to the RMSC to view the new Wonders of Water exhibit and embark on an opportunity to peek behind the veil of our Collections vaults. VIP members are asked to arrive at 6pm. Tours will exit from the Wonders of Water exhibit promptly at 6:15pm. Tickets for missed tours will not be refunded.

ABOUT THE EVENT

  • Museum & Science Center
  • December 2, 2022 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • 4 hours

PRICING

  • Members: $24.00
  • General Admission: $29.00
  • VIP Admission: $40.00

VIP tickets are limited! Your experience will include a drink ticket and a Behind the Scenes tour before the official event begins.

Must be 21+ with a valid ID at entry

Tickets are non-refundable and include access to all activities as well as Museum & Science Center exhibits and interactives.

GET TICKETS

four people standing around a candlelit table
Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinner

Join us again this year at GCV&M for our Yuletide in the Country Tours, coming up on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17. As you explore the wintry village bedecked in holiday splendor you’ll be invited into vignettes that illuminate the link between today’s cherished holiday traditions and the cultural customs of generations that came before. Theatrical performances will represent the rich history and tradition that newcomers to the region would have shared throughout the 19th century. Highlights include a look at a Polish Christmas Eve Wigilia dinner, a Hanukkah celebration, and Watch Night festivities as presented by David Shakes and the North Star Players, and even a visit from that jolly old elf, St. Nick.

Events for December 3, 2022 x
Cayuga Museum of History & Art Presents Proof Positive
Cayuga Museum of History & Art Presents Proof Positive

This exhibit will explore the history of how wine, beer, cider and spirits are made in Cayuga County. Visitors to the exhibit will explore three themes: history, the process, and the impact. The history theme will explore the Temperance movement and Prohibition in Cayuga County, as well as Prohibition to the present, highlighting the rebirth of the industry through legislation and the current economic impact. The process theme will teach visitors the technical aspects of winemaking, brewing, distilling, and hop production through the stories and objects of local businesses.

Gingerbread House
George Eastman Sweet Creations Annual Gingerbread Display

Sweet Creations Annual Gingerbread Display

Through January 1, 2023

PLUS:

  • Festive Decor
  • Holiday Films
  • Online Auctions

 

eastman.org

Historic Geneva Holiday Market Opens

Red surface covered with pinecones, a Santa hat, ornaments and wrapped package with words Holiday Market December 1-3, 8-10, & 15-17.

 

Holiday Market Opens December 1


To make the Holiday Market a success we need your help. Come and shop at the Holiday Market. The Holiday Market opens on Thursday, December 1 in the Hucker Gallery at the Geneva History Museum and will run December 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Fresh greens and baked goods will only be sold on December 3. With new items added regularly, you may want to stop by more than once!

Taughannock Gorge view in autumn
"Great Oaks of Taughannock"

This episode of Walk in the Park (#258) honors naturalist and song writer Becca Harber of Newfield, NY, who passed away last month unexpectedly. Becca was well-known and loved throughput the Ithaca community. We’ll show illustrated videos of Becca singing three of her original songs about her love of our natural world, recorded in two of our local state parks.
In the second half of the show, Sherene Baugher of the Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park tells us of Henrietta Wickham who opened the way for visitors to Lucifer Falls more than sixty years before her work inspired Robert Treman to create the park.

Walk in the Park is a public access TV series produced by Tony Ingraham, Owl Gorge Productions, a partner business in the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

The Calamari Sisters Christmas Carol
four people standing around a candlelit table
Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinner

Join us again this year at GCV&M for our Yuletide in the Country Tours, coming up on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17. As you explore the wintry village bedecked in holiday splendor you’ll be invited into vignettes that illuminate the link between today’s cherished holiday traditions and the cultural customs of generations that came before. Theatrical performances will represent the rich history and tradition that newcomers to the region would have shared throughout the 19th century. Highlights include a look at a Polish Christmas Eve Wigilia dinner, a Hanukkah celebration, and Watch Night festivities as presented by David Shakes and the North Star Players, and even a visit from that jolly old elf, St. Nick.

Logo glen park vineyards
Live Music at Glen Park Vineyards - December 3rd

December 3rd, 6-9 pm

 

Celebrate the Season with an evening

of live music, drinks, food, and fun!

Greg Neff Live at Glen Park Vineyards

Enjoy good friends, great wine, and your favorite acoustic tunes of the 60's and 70's performed by Greg Neff.

 

3

December

From 6:00pm to 9:00pm

 

Glen Park Vineyards

633 Allen Glen Road

Owego, NY 13827

 

EVENT PAGE

 

GLENPARKVINEYARDS.COM

THE CALAMARI SISTERS' CHRISTMAS CAROL
THE CALAMARI SISTERS' CHRISTMAS CAROL

The Calamari Sisters are back for another holiday season of music, mayhem, and morsels! Don’t miss out on your chance to end the year on a high note - well, as high as they can sing while cooking some festive dishes and making you roll in the aisle with their antics and familial anecdotes. Those beloved brassy Sisters from Brooklyn pull out all of your favorite Christmas songs and holiday classics and wrap them up in a delicious culinary package that will leave you wishing that Christmas came more than once a year!

holiday shopping spree on cayuga lake
2022 Holiday Shopping Spree- December Weekend

Holiday Shopping Spree is back and ready to make you the thrifty multi-tasker that you are! Treat yourself while shopping for others and cross items off your gift list as you sample before you buy. Save money with your Holiday Shoppers Card. You'll get a souvenir wine glass, a souvenir ornament, wine and food pairings, a digital recipe book, and $5 off a $35 wine purchase at every single winery!

 

Here’s a quick rundown on this event:

  • The event weekend is December 4 and 4 from 10 am to 5 pm.
  • Tickets are sold as singles and couples for either Saturday,  Sunday, or one full weekend and are ONLY good for the chosen date/weekend. They cannot be used for a date other than the one specified on your order.
  • Ticket prices are the following:
        • Single Saturday: $60 (+ tax and service fees)
        • Couple Saturday: $110 (+ tax and service fees)
        • Single DD Saturday:  $30 (+ tax and service fees)
  • Even though this event is sold as single and couple tickets, it is still a SEATED event. Tables seat 4 people, so you may be sitting with other folks. If you’re traveling with more than 4 people, you may be split up into different tables. Parties over 12 are prohibited.
  • Even though this event is sold as single and couple tickets, this event still comes with an itinerary to follow. The one-day ticket includes 6 of the 12 participating wineries. The full weekend ticket includes all 12 wineries- 6 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday.
  • Multiple itineraries are available to choose from. Quantities of each are limited and cannot be increased.
  • You must stick to your chosen itinerary: Early or late arrivals at each winery will only be accommodated if space permits. You also cannot stray from your purchased itinerary. If you aren’t on their list, they will not allow you in.
  • A one-day ticket includes 6 wineries, with food and wine samples served at each.
    • This ticket also includes one souvenir wine glass per person, plus a souvenir ornament per ticket, and a digital recipe book. Oh, and the Shopper’s card featuring $5 off a $35 wine purchase good at each winery.
  • A full weekend ticket includes 12 wineries, 6 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday, with food and wine samples served at each.
    • This ticket also includes one souvenir wine glass per person, plus a souvenir ornament per ticket, and a digital recipe book. Oh, and the Shopper’s card featuring $5 off a $35 wine purchase good at each winery.
  • Wineries reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated customers, or those arriving too far outside (or inside) of their designated time slot.
  • Visit Cayugawinetrail.com to see packages that have been created that include event tickets
Santa in his Crystal House
Sparkle presented by First Heritage FCU

The 47th annual Sparkle presented by First Heritage FCU returns for 2022!

As a child, did you ever shake a snow globe and marvel at the magical scene within-of snow swirling around a winter wonderland? That perfectly describes the feeling you'll get as you stroll through Corning's Gaffer District during the holidays! Each year, downtown Corning transforms into a Hallmark-worthy oasis of beautiful decorations, friendly faces, delicious food, and unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. You can even visit Santa inside his real-life snow globe as snow swirls outside his crystal house. Join us this holiday season and experience Christmas as it should be in Corning's Gaffer District.

Christmas Shopping
Christmas Shopping Weekends

This is our 7th year and again there will be a bunch of local craft vendors setting up their things upstairs and we will open the upstairs "Wetmore Hall" on all three weekends leading up to Christmas from 10am - 4pm for all your Christmas shopping needs.

Santa will be here on 12/3 and 12/4. He will be sitting in his chair upstairs waiting for all kids to have pictures taken. Either professionally by Uniquely Yours by Jess or you can take your own. As always Santa will be handing out little treat bags.
Our German Meal will be on on 12/10. Pre sale ONLY! Please stop by the store to purchase your tickets by 11/11. You can also call in for payment or pay via PayPal. Pick up is from noon till 3.30pm.
We look forward to seeing you all here for another amazing Christmas season!!

Handmade
Handmade Holiday Market

Handmade Holiday Market 2022

Visit the Handmade Holiday Market, on December 3 (the same day as Trumansburg Winterfest) from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. 

Local crafts, artwork and everything you need for your holiday shopping. Seasonal music by West of Ithaca and The WinterFest Singers. Featuring the following local vendors:

Know Your Roots - Tinctures, clothing, honey, mushrooms

Roundabout Design - Bead & metal work, jewelry

V. Romanoff & Associates - Mushroom Foraging & Feasting

Color Kittens - Hand-knitted kids’ sweaters

Curley-top Creations - Decor, soap, gifts, lamps, totes

Dawson - Woodturning & Wood Crafts

Hashnu Stones & Gems - Gemstones, spheres, carvings, cabochons, jewelry

Twists and Turns - Wooden Crafts

Fiddlesticks Tea Co. - Hand blended loose leaf teas

Brick House Pottery

Illuminated Press - Handmade books, hand-bound journals and handmade greeting cards.

CeCe&LuLu - Sweaters mittens and glycerin soap

Amelia Hoffmire - Polymer clay earrings

Fleece & Thank Ewe Fiber Worx - Hand-dyed and hand-spun art yarn, hand-knit and crocheted items

BEX Modern Macrame

Jilly Makes Pots - Ceramics

The Cayuga Arts Collective - Artwork from Cayac members

Glass
Holiday Open House

Free admission, craft activities, seasonal fun, and special glassmaking experiences kick off the holiday season. Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be making a special visit to the Museum to greet guests throughout the day.

Shop Local
Geneva Jingle Markets

On each Saturday, support 20 Finger Lakes vendors selling their diverse gifts. Enjoy local wine, beer, cider, and food tastings, while you fill your "Made in the Finger Lakes" gift boxes with local products. Shop Local and celebrate all that the Finger Lakes has to offer at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center.

Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes presents Not All Frozen Holiday Concert image
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes presents Not All Frozen Holiday Concert

Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes presents

Not All Frozen Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 2:00pm

Tickets:
Adults: $50/$40/$20; College Students with ID: $10; Youth Under 18 FREE, thanks to the Anderson Foundation

Groups of 10 or more 10% discount – please inquire

For tickets and more information, call the Clemens Center box office at 607-734-8191 or 800-724-0159; or visit ClemensCenter.org.


Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
Toshiyuki Shimada, Music Director & Conductor

Featuring
Laura Darrell, stage and screen actor/singer (Anna in Frozen Live)

With the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes
Ashley Sanford, soprano
Ivy Walz, mezzo soprano

Avner Finberg, composer
World premiere of Dances in Freygish, a medley of iconic Klezmer dances commissioned for Hanukkah

A delightful assortment of holiday music, this concert is a treat for all ages, with selections from:

Frozen Live

Mame

Manheim Steamroller

Hansel & Gretel

Godár’s Magnificat

Handel’s Messiah

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Holiday Singalong

Sleigh Ride

Come early to hear the students from the Young People’s Orchestra perform in the upper lobby. For more information, visit OSFL.org or call the OSFL office at 607-936-2873.

Age Recommendation: All Ages

Sponsored by Hilliard Corporation

Dates/times/programs/protocols subject to change.

Holiday Concert feat. The Pickle Mafia
A Very Pickle Christmas

Ring in the holiday season with a visit from The Pickle Mafia, Rochester’s high energy piano power instrumental trio, as they deck BVT’s halls with their own take on Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas music and other songs of the season.

Visit Santa
Visit Santa and Elf Jess @ The Olde Country Store and More

Who's ready for Santa?!
we are!!! ?‍♀️??

Once again Santa and Elf Jess will be at The Olde Country Store on December 4th and 5th from 10-4 both days.

Appointments for professional pictures can be booked with Jess directly.
Link for Saturday: https://book.usesession.com/s/iaCkY6BLX

Link for Sunday: https://book.usesession.com/s/zVXh6zu0p

If you just wish to visit with Santa and take your own pictures you may stop in at any point between 10 and 4. Please note that you may have to wait a few minutes until a booked session has finished with their visit.

Please note there will be plenty of time to visit with Santa regardless of the fact that you have an appointment or not.

musician winery
Greg Neff Live at Glen Park Vineyards

Enjoy good friends, great drinks & food, and your favorite acoustic tunes of the 60's and 70's performed by Greg Neff.  

Bethany Yarrow
LIVE MUSIC at Hunt Country Vineyards Bethany Yarrow & John Wieczorek Concert

In addition to tasty Hunt Country wines, Climbing Bines beer, an extensive offering of local picnic nibbles, and beautiful vineyard scenery, we offer LIVE MUSIC in our Tasting Room. 

Picnic items include local cheeses, salamis, ferments, olives, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips, crackers, specialty mustards, Hedonist chocolates, grape candy, etc...  We also offer local kombucha, bottled soda, iced teas, and sparkling water.  

Doors open at 6:30pm and concert begins at 7pm

Bethany Yarrow sings music of power and praise. She is a song keeper, earth activist, and student of the spiritual traditions of the Americas. A mesmerizing, dancing spirit with a powerful voice, she carries a living prayer for unity at the heart of her music.  

For the past few years, Bethany has devoted herself to translating a song cycle of traditional music for the Orixás, the great pantheon of Afro-Brazilian deities that embody the forces of nature, born in Brazil from the meeting of African archetypes, indigenous cosmologies and Judeo-Christian beliefs.  The songs are invocations and portals that unfold into beautiful pools of devotion and celebration.  They call on the healing forces of the wind, water, forest, fire, mineral and animal kingdoms.  The angels and the Holy Mother.  The White Moon, the Golden Sun, and all the guardians of sacred knowledge.  In creating singable translations that capture both the poetry and precise symbolism of the original Portuguese, the songs build a bridge of understanding and deeper reverence for these forces of nature, as well as the extraordinary cultures that birthed them.

John Wieczorek has studied contemporary, ethnic and electronic percussion for the last 35 years.  He has performed with improvisers throughout the United States and Europe.

"Singing these songs has kept me hopeful in these times", says Bethany. “Folkloric music contains the wisdom of the generations. It is a powerful river of song that connects us and can help dissolve prejudice, build bridges of understanding between cultures, and remind us of our shared responsibility to protect the Sacred and this beautiful Earth that we all call home.”

Event Date Between
End Date (field_event_end_date)
03
Dec 2022
Enjoy good friends, great drinks & food, and your favorite acoustic tunes of the 60's and 70's performed by Greg Neff.  
633 Allen Glen Road
6:00 pm
(607)-414-0634
03
Dec 2022
In addition to tasty Hunt Country wines, Climbing Bines beer, an extensive offering of local picnic nibbles, and beautiful vineyard scenery, we offer LIVE MUSIC in our Tasting Room. 
4021 Italy Hill Road
7pm
(315)-315-2812
07
Dec 2022
Live Music Series every Wednesday Music from 6-9 pm. BOGO Happy Hour from 5 to 6 pm. Cafe Toscana open until 8 pm.
3440 Rt 96a
5:00 PM
(315)-719-0000
09
Dec 2022
Thru
10
Dec 2022
Experience a full Victorian Christmas with all the trimmings and trappings.
33 South Street
6:00 PM
(315)-252-1283
10
Dec 2022
Finger Lakes Boating Museum announces its 25th Anniversary on December 10
8231 Pleasant Valley Rd
12:00 PM
10
Dec 2022
Rafael Grigorian Ballet Theatre presents THE NUTCRACKER Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00pm
207 Clemens Center Parkway
2:00pm
(607)-734-8191
10
Dec 2022
Downtown Auburn’s Santa Con! Come dressed in your Santa Suit or holiday themed costume. Pre and Post Party at A.T. Walleys with Live Music at 8pm. Bar Stops are TBD at this time!
119 Genesee Street
4:00 PM
(315)-282-7314
10
Dec 2022
Thru
11
Dec 2022
This is our 7th year and again there will be a bunch of local craft vendors setting up their things upstairs and we will open the upstairs "Wetmore Hall" on all three weekends leading up to Christmas from 10am - 4pm f
2 University Avenue
10:00 am