Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Ithaca!

Downtown Ithaca’s Holiday Gift Guide is your key to joyful, stress-free shopping this season. Explore local treasures, artisan creations, and festive experiences that make downtown shine all winter long.

What's Inside?

The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide features unique gifts, winter markets, and seasonal events for all ages. Here are some of the highlights:

• Shop Locally
  Friday, Nov. 28 – Sunday, Nov. 30
  Join us for Shop Small Business Weekend and celebrate the spirit of local giving. Receive a free holiday tote at participating shops while supplies last — our way of thanking you for supporting local businesses this holiday season.

• Santa’s Arrival
  Saturday, Dec. 6 | Outside Center Ithaca | 11 AM – 2 PM (arriving at 11:30 AM)
  Kick off the Winter Holiday Bash with Santa’s grand entrance as he rappels down the side of Center Ithaca at 11:30 AM! The Fall Creek Brass Band will fill the air with festive tunes while kids enjoy candy canes and photos with Santa until 2 PM — a magical way to start the season.

• The Elf Hop
  Saturday, Dec. 6 | Bernie Milton Pavilion | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  Little elves take center stage at this fun-filled dance hour! Perfect for kids 12 and under, the Elf Hop brings cheerful music, festive lights, and plenty of space to move. It’s a family-friendly prelude to the evening’s big event.

• Silent Disco
  Saturday, Dec. 6 | Bernie Milton Pavilion | 6 PM – 8 PM
  As night falls, the plaza transforms into a dance floor! Grab a pair of headphones and switch between three DJs battling for the best beats. Choose your channel, find your rhythm, and dance under the downtown lights.

• Winter Markets
  Holiday Food Market
  Press Bay | Tuesdays, Nov. 25 & Dec. 23 | 3 PM – 7 PM
  Enjoy a festive evening at Press Bay filled with local farmers, food producers, and hot bites. Stroll through twinkling lights, warm up by fire pits, and find everything you need for your holiday table.

• Artisan Gift Market
  Press Bay | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 AM – 5 PM
  Shop from 30+ local artisans offering handmade gifts, art, and crafts. The outdoor market buzzes with live music, seasonal drinks, and cozy warming stations.

• Holiday Windows
  Wander downtown and admire storefronts decked out in bright, festive displays — a dazzling way to enjoy the magic of the holidays in Downtown Ithaca.