December Holiday Happenings in Cortland County
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun. If you're looking for something to do in Cortland County this December, we've got you covered! We've put together a list of all the local events happening in the next month. From tree lightings to Santa sightings, there's something for everyone. So grab your calendar and start planning your December festivities!
December 2nd - Friday
Annual Lighting of Courthouse Park
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Courthouse Park, 33 Church St., Cortland
What: Join us as we light up Court House Park for the first Visions of Christmas event on Friday, December 2, at 6:30 pm. After we turn the lights on, visit with Santa at the Fire Department and enjoy cookies, cocoa, and crafts. All children will receive an ornament they can decorate that will be placed on the tree once complete. This event is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, with special thanks to the City of Cortland Fire Dept. and the City of Cortland Public Works for all your help!
December 3rd - Saturday
Cincinnatus Community Christmas Celebration
When: 8 AM - 7 PM
Where: Kellogg Free Library, 5681 Telephone Rd., Cincinnatus
What: Let's kick off the holiday season together! It is sure to be a fun-filled day for all ages! Follow along for more information about each program! There is something for everyone!
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: PTO Breakfast with Santa at Cincinnatus Central School
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Student artwork display at Kellogg Free Library
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Christmas stories at Kellogg Free Library read by Mrs. Nettleton
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Tractor wagon rides around town provided by Bill Fuller
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Raffle basket tickets purchased at Cincinnatus Fire Department (Lunch provided)
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Ornament-making station at the Fire Department led by Art teacher Ms. Fabian and Agriculture teacher Mrs. (MacNeill) Gates (ornaments can be used to decorate the tree in town!)
2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Raffle basket winners announced
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Heritage Hall Christmas Program
4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Christmas tree lighting with Santa at the Village Green
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Christmas Caroling
5:00 p.m.: Christmas lights walk/run
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Festival of Trees at ADA and the Rogers House with additional viewing hours Sunday, December 4: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Photos in Santa's Winter Wonderland!
When: 10 AM - 12 PM & 2 - 4 PM
Where: Cortland Repertory Theater, 135 Port Watson St., Cortland
What: Santa’s favorite photo spot returns in CRT’s beautiful winter wonderland display! Holiday photos with Santa will be snapped and emailed. Admission: $1.00 per person. $10.00 per photo set-up. Additional $10.00 for optional on-the-spot printing. (This, as all events, is subject to change...)
NOTE: This event is also offered on Sunday, Dec. 4th, from 1 PM - 3 PM.
Lime Hollow Holiday Market
When: 10 AM - 4 PM
Where: Lime Hollow Nature Center, 33 McLean Road, Cortland
What: Shop locally for everyone on your list! Lime Hollow Nature Center's annual Christmas tree sale (all trees grown within 50 miles of Cortland, NY) has expanded to include craft, artisan, and specialty food vendors!
NOTE: This event is also offered Dec. 4, Dec. 10, Dec. 11, Dec. 17, & Dec. 18 at the same times.
When: 10 AM - 12 PM
Where: 3 South Ave. Cortland
What: Room to Grow Cortland is Hosting a Community Winter Garden Party! Enjoy cooking demos, hot chocolate, and visit with Santa.
Sleigh Rides at Dog Hollow Christmas Tree Farm
When: 10 AM - 4 PM
Where: Dog Hollow Christmas Tree Farm, 5932 Dog Hollow Rd., Cuyler
What: Annual Sleigh Ride Weekends at Dog Hollow Christmas Tree Farm
NOTE: This event is also offered Dec. 4, Dec. 10, and Dec. 11 at the same times.
December 10th - Saturday
Santa at Heroes & Villains
When: 12 PM - 7 PM
Where: Cortland Corset Building, 75 E. Court St., Cortland
What: Pack up the kids for an afternoon at Heroes & Villains, including free photos with Santa and his elves.
Cortland County Historical Society Holiday Open House
When: 12 PM - 5 PM
Where: Cortland County Historical Society, 25 Homer Ave., Cortland
What: Celebrate the season with a visit to our new exhibits and Children’s Room! Plus, find gifts for the family history lover!
When: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Where: Lamont Free Library, 5 Main St., McGraw
What: Join the McGraw Community in celebrating the holiday season with our Christmas tree lighting Saturday, December 10th, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. There will be activities, cookies, cocoa, and special music provided by the McGraw Show Choir. Everyone is welcome.
December 17th - Saturday
The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge at CRT
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Cortland Repertory Theater, 24 Port Watson St., Cortland
What: A funny, exciting, and interactive version of the classic holiday tale of a miser's redemption, presented by the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company! Ebenezer Scrooge is a nasty, mean, snarling old geezer who doesn't care about anyone or anything other than his money. One wintery night, his only friend visits him as a ghost and starts him on a journey that will melt his icy heart. The magic of the holiday season changes Ebenezer into a worldly and caring man, teaching him the joys of giving to others. Tickets: $5.00 Kids 12 and under FREE. Event Sponsored by the Ralph R. Wilkins Foundation. The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company has been educating and entertaining children all over the country since 1985. Its mission is to bring great stories to children, to draw them into an active theater experience, excite their minds, and tickle their imaginations. Their interactive style is exciting and unique for young theatre-goers. Children from the audience are invited onstage to perform with the actors and to build the shows to actively involve them in the story. The Traveling Lantern's plays present important ethical ideas to children on a level that they can absorb, relate to, and consider.
December 28 - Wednesday
When: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Crown City Cinemas, 1130 New York 13, Cortland
What: Community Holiday Movie Party at Crown City Cinemas. You must call ahead to register. When registering, please let us know a total number of people coming and the children’s ages! Thank you!
10:30 -11:30 a.m.: Interactive games and crafts
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Movie of your choice
1 - 1:30 p.m.: Gifts from Santa
Choose from the following movies: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Home Alone, The Polar Express, Fred Claus, The Santa Clause. Unlimited pizza, popcorn, food, and drinks! Josie’s Journey Comfort Canines. Free Admission. Must pre-register by calling 607-753-5087 or email cortlandcac@cortland-co.org.