Ithaca, NY, is a charming college town that transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. With its picturesque landscapes, cozy cafes, and unique winter activities, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.
With two beautiful college campuses, Cornell University and Ithaca College and a handful of stunning state parks with great hiking trails a short drive from the heart of the city, you’ll never run out of things to do. From snowshoeing through gorges to sipping hot cocoa by a fireplace, discover the best things to do in Ithaca, NY, this winter.
Best Things to do in Ithaca NY in Winter
After spending four college years a 30-minute drive from Ithaca, I have a few suggestions for the best things to do in Ithaca, NY in winter.
Additionally, we recently spent a few days in Ithaca exploring some new-to-us hikes, restaurants, and exciting businesses. We’ve prepared a list that includes something for every interest area.
1. Atlas Bowl
If you’re looking for a night of fun and good eats, check out Atlas Bowl. Leave no pin standing and enjoy signature boozy milkshakes and local beers on tap from the bowling-themed bar. This has quickly become one of my favorite things to do in Ithaca!
Choose between six old-school tenpin bowling lanes or the one Candlepin bowling lane. Candlepin bowling is a New England-style game where bowlers hold a small ball in the palm of their hand before sending it down the lane to knock over a tall, skinny bowling pin.
I know that I’ve brought a modified version of candlepin bowling back to my gymnasium for my students to try. It’s always fun to expand their horizons with a fun spin on something they’re otherwise knowledgeable about!
2. Breweries
If you’re into Breweries and Micro Brews, this is one of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY. Known for its craft beer scene, Ithaca has you covered with several local breweries.
Ithaca Beer Co offers craft beers in its industrial tasting room. Stop by on a weekend if you want a tour! And you can find Liquid State Brewing Company and Lucky Hare Brewing Company right downtown. Look into the Ithaca Beer Trail and visit all eight locations to complete it! From hoppy IPAs and light Lagers to my winter favorite, heavy Porters and Stouts, there’s a beer for everyone.
3. Cayuga Nature Center
The trails and Treetops Treehouse are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Take an easy winter stroll through the trails at Cayuga Nature Center to enjoy the beauty and stillness of nature.
Cayuga Nature Center is also home to a pretty incredible treehouse! The six story treehouse, known as Tree Tops, was built in 2000 by a group of Ithaca High School students and provides immense joy for all who visit.
There is a small waterfall on the property that is best viewed in the winter months. Deep in the gorge next to the treehouse, you’ll see Denison Falls. Named after a local teacher and naturalist, this waterfall only flows when water levels are high.
Bonus: If you’re a local educator, Cayuga Nature Center also provides student programming throughout the year. Take your students to the center for apple cidering in the Fall or maple tapping in late winter.
4. Children’s Garden
Celebrate the joy of getting kids outside at Ithaca Children’s Garden. ICG believes that providing hands-on, exciting outdoor experiences for children is the best way to grow the future.
Attend an upcoming program or explore on your own. There are so many amazing ways for children to experience nature here. Take a story walk, let your imagination run wild in the troll house, and check out the recycled greenhouse.
Children will love the Hands-on Nature Anarchy Zone. This adventure playground is sure to be a favorite while simultaneously cultivating environmental stewardship. This may be a location for children, but it can inspire us all with a quick visit@
5. Chili Cook-Off
The annual Chili Cook-Off takes place on Ithaca’s Commons in March. Businesses and organizations from all over Tompkins County come together for a little friendly competition.
A chili cook-off ticket provides you with numerous food and beverage samples throughout the day. Local restaurants fight for the title of ‘Best Chili in Ithaca’ while local breweries and cideries are happy to share their favorite craft beverages and cocktails with participants.
This is a great way to experience a warm winter taste of multiple businessed across Ithaca! If you’re in town this weekend, the chili cook-off is definitely one of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY. It’s also very cost effective and will have you feeling full and happy at a fraction of the cost of a typical meal.
Bonus: A cook-off or a bake-off could be a fun event to bring to your students if you have the resources. Cooking and baking teach a myriad of skills including measurement, following step-by-step directions, and more! Have students compete in a most creative pancake competition and ask other teachers to be the judge.
6. Cideries
Taste craft ciders in the Ithaca area. Local orchards grow special apples that give Finger Lakes ciders character. This is one of those things to do in Ithaca that’s fairly unique to the area! It’s also one of those really up and coming things to do in Ithaca, NY.
Head on over to South Hill for farm-to-table food and guided tastings at a location perched up on a hill with beautiful views of Cayuga Lake and amazing outdoor seating.
The Finger Lakes Cider House is another great place to visit for great cider on weekends. With food sourced from local producers and a variety of delicious craft cider, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Hop on a farm and cidery tour and you might just feel inspired to join their cider club to receive 3 or 4 bottles of quarterly.
7. Cornell Cinema
Stop by Cornell Cinema to see a variety of Hollywood and foreign classics, documentaries, silent films, and experimental work.
The film calendar shows what will be playing for the month. Cornell Cinema often shows two different films 5-7 days a week.
The historic Willard Straight Theatre boasts the largest screen in Ithaca, Dolby Digital Surround Sound, and the best projection in the area. Complete with a concession stand, this is a great way to spend a special date night in Ithaca!
8. Cornell Winter Botanical Garden
Tour Cornell botanic gardens in winter to experience true quiet and stillness. Snow-covered gardens truly provide a winter wonderland, especially the one designed specifically for cold weather.
Learn about sustainable gardening practices, explore rotating art exhibits, and use your mobile device to learn about Cornell Botanical Garden through a self-guided tour.
The grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk. It is important to note that restrooms are not available during the winter months so prepare accordingly.
9. Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing in the Finger Lakes Region allows skiers of all abilities to enjoy the change of season.
Check out Podunk Cross Country Ski Center, about 20 minutes North of Ithaca. Ski rentals, lessons, and a warming hut with food are available to visitors. There is no fee to use the trail system, so this is a great, inexpensive way to enjoy winter in the Ithaca area!
Greek Peak Mountain Resort is well known for its downhill skiing, however, its lesser-known nordic skiing facilities often go untouched. You’ll find miles of beautiful trails for all skill levels adjacent to Hope Lake Lodge. Trail passes are required for use.
10. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
About 30 minutes from downtown Ithaca you’ll find Central New York’s largest ski resort. Greek Peak Mountain Resort offers over 50 trails, beautiful lodging, several dining options, a spa, and other fun activities like snow tubing, zip lining, and a Mountain Coaster.
Although it might not be in the heart of downtown Ithaca, it’s local enough that it’s worth a trip! If you’re looking for the perfect winter lodge accommodations for your stay, we recommend staying here at Hope Lake Lodge and taking advantage of all the fun winter activities the property has to offer while day tripping to the Ithaca Area for additional fun!
Greek Peak is actually where I learned to snowboard when I was in college! In my later college year, I worked there as a waitress and had one of the best work experiences a young adult could ask for. The grounds are beautiful, staff is very friendly and helpful, and I highly recommend visiting while you’re in town.
11. Winter Farmers Market
Visit the Ithaca Farmers Market for great local vendors and products all winter long.
The Winter Farmer’s Market takes place in the atrium of Triphammer Market Place near the ReUse entrance and the Ithaca Bakery entrance. Check their website for updated vendor lists and where they’ll be each winter weekend!
The Winter Farmer’s Market usually begins in early January and runs through the end of March! It’s one of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY if you appreciate locally grown produce, treats, and other goods.
12. Finger Lakes Wine Pairing Event
Finger Lakes Wine Pairing events are extremely limited, so if you’re a wine enthusiast you need to order your ticket now. Experience Finger Lakes world-class wines both in person and virtually!
Join sommelier, Laura Winter Falk, for an evening of pairing Finger Lake wines with a variety of different bites. Discover what is all the rage in the current wine and beverage scene with an event that goes deeper than wine tasting.
2025 classes have launched! So be sure to take a look and choose an event you know you’ll love. If you love wine, this is one of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY.
Bonus: Maybe this event will inspire you to bring cultural information to your students in the form of a kid-friendly pairing event! What better way to learn than through all 5 senses?
13. Cayuga Lake
Hang out on the shores of Cayuga Lake at Stewart Park. Although this park is bustling in the summer with its carousel rides, playground, and hiking trails, it fairly quite in the cold, winter months.
On the East side of Cayuga Lake, not too far from Stewart Park you’ll find East Shore Park. It’s a small park without any attractions other than a beautiful place to sit and thing, maybe sip a cup of coffee, and enjoy a conversation with friends.
Enjoy winter views of the serene waters of Cayuga Lake as it doesn’t usually freeze through in the winter months. There is documentation of it freezing over in the past, although the last year t froze was 2015 (and 1979 before that!).
14. Cayuga Lake Creamery
Visit the Cayuga Lake Creamery’ production room to see how their hand-crafted ice cream is made. Take this opportunity to sample hand-crafted ice cream fresh!
Who said you can’t have ice cream in winter? Although most people consider ice cream a warm weather activity, I believe you can find joy in a lick all year long.
Open Tuesday Through Sunday from 1PM to 8PM, Reservations are required, and you can book through messaging on facebook.com/CayugaLakeCreamery.
15. Hangar Theatre
Music teachers and drama club directors will love Hangar Theatre, which nurtures a lifelong love for performing!
This winter the Kiddstuff series is presenting Little Red Riding Hood and you can catch some concerts as well. When the weather turns warmer, the Mainstage will offer a full season of shows.
The Kitchen Theatre Company has offerings during the winter, wrapping up
“The Ding Dongs” at the start of Ithaca Loves Teachers, with two more shows – “No Child …” and “And I And Silence” – closing the season.
Check the schedule for the Ithaca Loves Teachers event and plan to attend something that tickles your fancy! Ithaca Falls is a short, simple walk from the road and it’s beautiful in winter!
16. Herbert F Johnson Museum of Art
Located on the cornell campus, at the top of Libe Slope, this small museum is open to all free of charge. There are collections that call this museum home as well as rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year.
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art offers free tours to the general public, led by Museum student educators as available. These experiences focus on highlights of the permanent collection, special exhibitions, or be tailored to a group’s interests.
Tours will last 45–60 minutes and can really make the whole experience that much more personal. They request a minimum of five participants and two weeks’ notice for scheduling.
17. Hiking
There are many beautiful state parks and other local outdoor recreation opportunities for those who love to hike. Hiking the gorges is one of the most popular things to do in Ithaca.
Although most of the gorge trails are closed in winter for safety reasons, there are always trails available to explore. Bring a pair of snowshoes with you just in case there is ample snowfall and look into carrying micro spikes for extra grip on icy trails.
One of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY is to go hiking. Here are some of my favorite parks in the state include Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park right here in Ithaca! Additionally, outdoorsy folks should register for Visit Ithaca’s free Waterfall Challenge. Meet the Challenge benchmarks and pick up some prizes.
18. Indoor Waterpark
Greek Peak Mountain Resort is also home to an amazing indoor waterpark. Enjoy 84-degree weather all year round at Cascades Water Park.
A wave pool, four slides, interactive play structure, basketball cove, and toddler area offer a full day of fun for the kids. Adults will love the indoor/outdoor hot tub and heated pool with a tropical beverage from the Edgewater Cafe.
You might even consider dropping the kids off at the pool and scheduling yourself a spa treatment at Waterfall Spa. Keep it basic with a manicure and pedicure or plan a massage a facial for full relaxation!
19. Mural Challenge
Art lovers will swoon for the Mural Challenge! Use the 2021 Ithaca Murals map to create your own Mural Challenge and visit all of the murals you think you’d enjoy most! You might even stumble upon a few bonus art instalations along the way.
Choose from 180 different murals and create your own challenge! Ithaca prides itself on adding color to the community.
Ithaca’s downtown is so colorful and fun. This is the perfect way to explore town with a purpose but make sure you leave time for exploring the shops! Ithaca is full of art galleries and quirky small businesses that absolutely deserve your patronage.
Bonus: Leave winter break with some creative inspiration and take some photos to share with your students! Even better, design an epic field trip to the closest space in your area with murals. Take a mural walk with your students and create a fun challenge for them!
20. Museum of the Earth
Explore earth and its prehistoric past at the Museum of Earth! Calling all dinosaur lovers… at the Museum of Earth you’ll be able to experience hands on features, brilliant fossils, and interactive exhibits!
The museum includes one of the most complete Mastodon skeletons every found, a 44-foot long Right Whale skeleton, and journey 540 million years back in time with a 500-foot mural. Museum of Earth is only open Friday through Monday from 10AM- 5PM all winter long.
21. Sciencenter
The Science Center might be designed for children, but I’ll tell you about two full-grown adults who loved every minute of their time there.
Yeah, you guessed it. It’s us! Spencer and I had an absolute blast exploring the Sciencenter during our last Ithaca stay. From astronomy, to live animals, weather, and sustainability this hands-on museum really has it all.
Ignite your child’s curiosity for the way things work during the Ithaca Loves Teachers event or bring some new and exciting ideas back to your classroom after a visit to the Sciencenter. This is by far one of the best things to do in Ithaca with children!
22. Spa Day
Numerous spa and wellness services are offered in the Ithaca area. Teacher, if you travel here during Ithaca Loves Teacher appreciation week, these services will be offered at a discount to teachers and one additional household member.
Enjoy sugar waxing at Alta Spa, 60 and 90-minute massages at Attuned Life Massage and Wellness, and a discount on all services, plus a free manicure, at Transformations Hair and Body Studio. These offerings and many more will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after your mid-winter recess!
Ithaca Loves Teachers wants to send you back to school feeling ready to take on the second half of the school year.Check out the Commons and the surrounding area for great restaurants and shops
23. State Theatre of Ithaca
Check to see if there’s a show while you’re in town! This historic 1600-seat theatre hosts a variety of events. From bands, to plays, to comedy shows, there’s bound to be something you’re interested in seeing.
Placed on the National Register of historic places in 1996, it’s truly the perfect aesthetic for a winter evening at the theater! We saw a show here in December and it was a pretty magical experience.
Upcoming events in 2025 include, Ashley McBryde, Jay and Silent Bobs Aural Sects Tour, A Taste of Ireland, Dark Star Orchestra, and so much more. If you’re into theatre, try to plan your winter adventure with one of the best things to do in Ithaca NY for the arts in mind!
24. The Commons
Downtown Ithaca Commons is a great place to do some shopping and to grab a bite to eat. The famous Ithaca Commons serves as the city’s cultural and economic center.
It’s four walkable blocks of restaurants, unique shops, public art, and frequent community festivals. Various shops and restaurants are offering discounts to those registered for the Ithaca Loves Teachers event.
Search for music and arts, dining options, and a variety of stores at visit Ithaca.
25. Wine Tasting
Look into the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail if you’re a sucker for elegance, charm, and a nice glass of vino. As the oldest wine trail in the country, you’re not only going to experience some amazing Finger Lakes Region wines but you’re experiencing a piece of history!
It will be hard to visit the 17 wineries, one cidery, one meadery, and four distilleries along the trail, but you can try! Choose some of the most popular locations, such as the award winning vintages of Long Point Winery to and plan wine tours there.
You can complete the drive on your own, but make sure you have a designated driver! Or you can plan transportation so you can taste even more of these delicious award winning wines.
When is the Best Time to Visit Ithaca?
I would say the month of February is when the Fingerlakes area is the most wintery. If you’re a teacher, you should visit during the Ithaca Loves Teacher event.
Ithaca Loves Teachers is an annual celebration of educators! It falls perfectly over the mid-winter recess and provides the perfect opportunity for teachers to treat themselves.
Ithaca Loves Teachers provides lodging offers, food and beverage deals, shopping discounts, and discounted activities to all pre-k through 12 public school teachers and support staff on some of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY.
Registration for the event is free. All participants should be prepared to show proof of employment through a school ID badge or equivalent to claim offers. Escape to the beautiful gorges or Ithaca, New York.
Why Should Teachers Visit Ithaca?
Taking the time to visit Ithaca during your school break will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. There are so many fun things to do in Ithaca for every type of traveler.
With endless opportunities to have fun, relax, and learn something new, Ithaca is a great place to visit any time of year.
Repurpose your favorite experiences for your classroom and enhance student learning. Bring something new you’ve learned back with you and share it with your students.
Ithaca Loves Teachers is a multi-purpose getaway. It’s designed to thank teachers for their dedication to our youth while also helping to inspire creative learning opportunities in their classrooms.
Take advantage of this opportunity and plan your trip to Ithaca today!
Conclusion
As the winter season unfolds in Ithaca, NY, the town offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and cozy indoor escapes. Whether you’re seeking thrilling winter sports or peaceful moments by a warm fire, Ithaca has something for everyone. So bundle up, grab your mittens, and embark on a winter adventure in this captivating college town.