Things to Do in Ithaca in December

December Weather in Ithaca

4°C (39°F) High Temp

-6°C (21°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak gorge season - frozen waterfalls create spectacular ice formations at Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls, with 30m (98ft) icicles impossible to see any other time
Cornell University winter break means 70% fewer crowds at restaurants and attractions, plus easier parking downtown
Holiday lights transform State Street and the Commons into winter wonderlands, with the annual Ithaca Festival of Trees running December 1-23
Perfect cross-country skiing and snowshoeing conditions on 40+ km (25 miles) of groomed trails at Hammond Hill and Shindagin Hollow

Considerations

Daylight hours are brutal - sunset at 4:47pm means outdoor activities must start by 2pm for decent light
Lake activities completely shut down - Cayuga Lake is often frozen, making waterfront dining and boat tours impossible
Driving conditions can be treacherous with average 38cm (15 inches) of snow, requiring winter tires or chains for gorge access roads

Best Activities in December

Frozen Gorge Photography Tours

December transforms Ithaca's gorges into ice cathedrals. Taughannock's 65m (215ft) frozen waterfall and Buttermilk's ice-covered stone steps create otherworldly scenes impossible in warmer months. Best light occurs 11am-2pm when low winter sun illuminates ice formations.

Booking Tip: Book photography workshops 3-4 weeks ahead as local guides fill up quickly. Tours typically cost $80-120 per person. Look for guides who provide ice cleats and know safe viewing positions. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Cornell Campus Winter Walking Tours

With students gone, December offers unprecedented access to Cornell's architecture and the Johnson Museum. The campus is draped in snow, and indoor venues like the Kroch Library rare books collection provide warm cultural experiences between outdoor exploration.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but private guided tours cost $150-200 for groups up to 8. Museum admission is $7 adults. Winter hours are reduced (10am-4pm), so plan accordingly. Book guided options 2-3 weeks ahead through the visitor center.

Wine Trail Winter Tastings

Finger Lakes wineries offer cozy fireside tastings and December-only ice wine productions. Many feature holiday wine releases and pair tastings with locally-sourced winter comfort foods. The snowy vineyard views are spectacular on clear days.

Booking Tip: Winter tasting fees range $15-25 per person. Book designated driver transportation services 1-2 weeks ahead - costs typically $200-300 for full-day tours. Many wineries require reservations in December. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

Farmers Market and Local Food Experiences

Ithaca's winter farmers market moves indoors to the First Baptist Church with root vegetables, maple products, and artisanal breads perfect for December weather. Local restaurants feature seasonal menus with ingredients like winter squash and preserved summer produce.

Booking Tip: Market runs Saturdays 9am-2pm, free admission. Cooking classes at local culinary schools cost $75-150 per person and fill up quickly in December. Book food tours 2-3 weeks ahead - typically $60-90 per person including tastings.

Cross-Country Skiing Adventures

December's consistent snow creates perfect conditions for Nordic skiing through Hammond Hill's 16km (10 miles) of groomed trails and Shindagin Hollow's backcountry routes. The rolling hills offer beginner to advanced terrain with warming huts every 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles).

Booking Tip: Trail passes cost $10-15 per day. Equipment rental ranges $25-35 daily. Guided ski tours for beginners cost $80-120 including equipment. Book lessons 1-2 weeks ahead as instructors are limited. Check snow conditions before booking.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

December's harsh weather makes Ithaca's museums and theaters especially appealing. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum offers world-class collections with heated galleries, while local theaters run holiday productions and intimate concerts perfect for cold evenings.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is $7-12, theater tickets range $25-65. Book holiday shows 4-6 weeks ahead as they sell out quickly. Many venues offer student discounts year-round. Afternoon shows (2-4pm) let you avoid evening driving on icy roads.

December Events & Festivals

December 1-23

Ithaca Festival of Trees

Local businesses and organizations decorate themed Christmas trees displayed throughout downtown. Features evening light tours and supports local charities through tree auctions.

December 31

First Night Ithaca

Alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration with indoor venues throughout downtown featuring live music, family activities, and midnight fireworks over Cayuga Lake (weather permitting).

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -15°C (5°F) - essential for gorge trails which are often icy and wet

Merino wool base layers - cotton kills in 75% humidity when temperatures drop below freezing

Packable down jacket - temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) between indoor/outdoor locations

Ice cleats or microspikes - absolutely critical for any gorge or trail hiking on frozen surfaces

Waterproof gloves with liner gloves - you'll be taking photos in wet, cold conditions

Warm hat covering ears - wind chill around the lakes drops feels-like temperature significantly

High-SPF lip balm with SPF 30+ - winter sun reflects off snow causing unexpected burns

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal

Emergency car kit with blanket, water, snacks - winter driving conditions can strand you

Layers for indoor/outdoor temperature differences of 20-25°C (36-45°F)

Insider Knowledge

Local students leave by December 18th - restaurant reservations become much easier after this date, and you'll find better deals on accommodations

Gorge access roads close when icy - call park services before heading out as some waterfalls become inaccessible without notice

Most locals do their outdoor activities between 11am-3pm to maximize daylight and avoid morning/evening ice formation

Downtown parking is free after 6pm and on weekends in December - a significant advantage over other seasons when meters run constantly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early it gets dark - plan all outdoor activities to finish by 4pm or you'll be hiking in darkness

Wearing cotton clothing - synthetic or wool materials are essential as cotton becomes dangerous when wet in freezing temperatures

Not checking road conditions before driving to gorges - many access roads close without warning during ice storms