(607NewsNow) — Santa is set to make several appearances this holiday season in Cortland and Tompkins Counties. Kids can get the chance to tell Santa what’s at the top of their wish list at these upcoming events:
Cortland County:
Photos with Santa at Cortland ReUse
- When: Nov 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Cortland ReUse, 186 Homer Ave, Cortland
- What’s happening: A fundraising event where a $15 donation can get you a photo with Santa.
Visions of Christmas Tree Lighting
- When: Nov 28, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Courthouse Park, Cortland, NY
- What’s happening: Santa arrives with the Cortland Fire Department to help light the Christmas tree. Afterward, there will be hot cocoa, cookies, and photos with Santa at the firehouse.
Breakfast with Santa at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center
- When: December 6th, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Where: Guthrie Cortland Medical Center Cafeteria
- What’s happening: Full breakfast, hot cocoa bar, a chance to write letters to Santa, and get photos with Santa. Kids 12 and under are free; adults pay $8.
Light of My Life
- When: Dec 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Homer Village Green
- What’s happening: A remembrance event by the Hospice Foundation of Cortland County, memory boards will display names of loved ones. Santa will arrive with the Homer Fire Department escort and there will be a tree lighting countdown, hot chocolate and cookies, and a special appearance by the Grinch.
Santa at CRT
- When:
- Friday, Dec 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Cortland Repertory Theatre
- What’s happening: Santa pauses his workshop to visit his photo spot at CRT. Admission is $1 for adults, free for kids 18 and under. Family photo arrangements with Santa are $10 (with an extra $10 for on-the-spot printing). After the visit, stroll through the “Wonderland” with free ornament making, face-painting, milk & cookies, etc.
Tompkins County:
Winter Holiday Bash in Downtown Ithaca
- When: Dec 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Ithaca Commons, Downtown Ithaca
- What’s happening: Santa’s grand entrance at 11:30 a.m., games, music, cocoa, an Elf Hop (silent disco for kids), and other festive family activities.
Trumansburg WinterFest
- When: Dec 6, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Main Street in Trumansburg
- What’s happening: A free, community holiday celebration with festive treats (soup, cider, cookies), hayrides, and Santa & Mrs. Claus on hand for photos. A firetruck stays for kids to explore.
Santa Photo Experience at The Shops at Ithaca Mall
- When: Dec 5–24, 2025
- Where: The Shops at Ithaca Mall
- What’s happening: A “Santa Photo Experience” with walk-up visits welcome as well as spot reservations, families can take pictures with Santa throughout the mall’s holiday schedule.
