Holiday Window Display Competition

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November 28 – December 14, 2025

About the Competition

This festive Downtown Ithaca tradition brings together dozens of beautifully decorated holiday window displays. Stroll the Commons and surrounding streets, discover your favorite designs, and help us crown this year’s winners.

Prize Breakdown

1st Place: $750

2nd Place: $500

3rd Place: $250

People’s Choice Award: $200

Public voting runs from November 28 through December 14, with winners announced on December 17.

More details: https://www.downtownithaca.com/holiday-window-display-competition-in-downtown-ithaca/

Voting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkqN359oXtQ8qANmNdt62c-eA3GuzCVAOrAwAT_5t6uFVMig/viewform

How to Vote

✔ Scan the QR code on posters and storefront signs at participating locations.

✔ Or return to this page once the “Cast Your Vote” button is live.

Places

Alphabet Soup

The toys kids play with can change the course of their lives. We try to offer toys that encourage curiosity, teamwork, imagination and strength. We want to get kids unplugged and having hands-on fun with high-quality, educational toys. We keep up with the latest developments in toymaking, while never forgetting that simple old-fashioned toys are often the best. What could be more fun than a bouncy ball, a bucket and shovel, a puppet or a set of blocks? One trip into our store and you'll feel yourself transported into a world of magic and simple, joyful times. Alphabet Soup has been a specialty toy store on the Ithaca Commons since 1984 and one of the biggest compliments we get from our beloved customers is that stepping into Alphabet Soup is like stepping into a time gone by. Alphabet Soup is locally-owned, independent and truly one of a kind. The locals have treasured Alphabet Soup for generations, including honoring owner Greta Perl with the 2020 Retailer of the Year Award!

American Crafts by Robbie Dein

Robbie moved to Ithaca and began his life as a potter in 1972 after graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Political Science. Robbie opened People's Pottery and sold only work he made with his own hands for the first three years. Robbie lived in the back of the orignal shop and had a studio and gallery in front. Over the years, People's Pottery quickly grew, and Robbie began buying and offering the works of hundreds of professional crafts people from all over the United States. Between 1972 and 1996, the store evolved and became known as one of America's finest 'Hand Made in America' specialty stores. Robbie sold Peoples Pottery in 1996 and the business expanded to over 55 stores across the country. After the financial crisis in the aftermath of 9/11, Robbie separated from People's Pottery and reopened his original store on the Ithaca Commons as American Crafts by Robbie Dein. The Ithaca gallery is housed in a historical building constructed in 1862, and lovingly renovated in 1986. The building features cast iron Corinthian columns and cast iron arches. American Crafts by Robbie Dein is located in the heart of Ithaca, on the beautiful downtown Ithaca Commons. Since 1970, Robbie has been attending the finest juried craft shows of Handmade in America, to bring the joy, creativity, function, and humor that emanates from a diverse range of artistic personalities to you. The store features an eclectic collection of functional, decorative, and sculptural creations that encompass a wide price range from $7 to $4,000. Our staff is dedicated to educating our clientele about the techniques involved in making each piece, the materials, the time spent in creating each piece, and some insights about the artist themselves. We are attentive and focused on sharing the value that we recognize in each artist’s work. Our staff is also well experienced at recommending gift appropriate items in every price range.

Autumn Leaves Used Books

Local Used and New Bookstore. We buy books! We're proud to have a diverse selection of new and used books, from fiction and poetry, to philosophy and politics, to cookbooks and music history. We are especially proud of our large selection of Buddhist literature - one of the largest in the state - and anarchist books - many of which are published by PM Press, the owners of Autumn Leaves.

Benjamin Peters

Shopping at Benjamin Peters is the easiest way to elevate every aspect of your wardrobe. Let our team of clothing specialists guide you through a curated offering of the finest in today's lifestyle clothing.

Bool's Flower Shop

Bool's Flower Shop has been serving the Ithaca area since 1894. As Ithaca's oldest flower shop our reputation for exquisite flowers, creative designs and exceptional service has grown over the years. Our commitment to service and quality has been recognized by the readers of both The Ithaca Journal and The Ithaca Times by voting us "Best Flower Shop in Ithaca." Our experienced staff is always eager to assist you with any floral need. From a simple bud vase to a large formal wedding our attention to quality and service is guaranteed. We offer a large selection of cut flowers, arrangements, plants, balloons, stuffed animals, candy, fruit and gourmet baskets. We deliver to Ithaca and surrounding areas including Cornell and Ithaca College. At Bool's Flower Shop, we craft both traditional and contemporary bouquets, with plenty of room for customization and uniqueness. This goes for every arrangement that we sell, from our Anniversary arrangements to New Baby gifts, Birthday flowers and all of our other options. On top of our everyday arrangements that we offer with same-day flower delivery in Ithaca and beyond, we also do large event work for weddings and funerals as well, so if you are looking for Wedding flowers or Sympathy funeral flowers in Ithaca, then Bool's Flower Shop is really your best choice!

Buffalo Street Books

Buffalo Street Books is Ithaca’s community-owned cooperative bookstore, dedicated to re-imagining the ways an independent bookstore can serve its community. Originally opened as the Bookery II in 1991, the store was renamed Buffalo Street Books in 2009. In February of 2011, the Ithaca community put together a massive buy-out effort, raising over a quarter of a million dollars. In April of 2011, the store re-opened as a cooperatively owned bookstore. With regular events featuring local and national authors and artists, Buffalo Street Books is one of the premier venues for literary events in a city with a vital literary arts scene and a rich literary history. Our events facilitate lively discussion and bring forward challenging subjects that many mainstream venues eschew. Buffalo Street Books stocks thousands of titles for both adults and children in just about every imaginable genre. In addition to our comprehensive and eclectic inventory, we can special order nearly any book in print.

Cayuga Lake Creamery at The Dewitt Mall

We use the finest ingredients to prepare our small batches of homemade ice cream on-site at our home store in Interlaken. The Interlaken store, commonly referred to as “The Creamery”, is located on the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country & has been a favorite stop for locals, tourists visiting the Finger Lakes from near & far & families of students at the various local colleges since 2004. The perfect oasis for travelers of all ages, it includes an indoor dining room and attached deck. Our outdoor dining area includes a waterfall feeding into a pond, home to many fish and frog friends, as well as our famous Creamery Express wooden train play structure. This area is pet friendly.

The Cat’s Pajamas

Ithaca's original general store for kids and kids at heart!

Envious

Envious Handbags sells affordable vegan handbags, backpacks, sling and waist bags in downtown Ithaca, NY. The products range in price for accessibility, and in style — from classic and practical to unique and playful. Envious promotes environmental friendliness by selling products that use sustainable materials and by introducing customers to the idea that accessories can be beautiful, stylish and cruelty-free. Envious also provides a collective community space that supports local vendors, artists and artisans.

Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative

Handwork, Ithaca’s Artisan Cooperative was founded in 1976 by 12 local craftspeople. We currently have 40+ artist members offering pottery, woodworking, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, and more. A true co-op, our artist members own and staff our store, meet monthly to share information and decision making and jury new member-applicants.

Home Green Home

Healthy home furnishings & green lifestyle gear

Mansour Jewelers

As a second generation family store, we strive to continue our legacy of service and quality. Since our inception in 1979, we have been here for some of the most important moments of our customers lives. From graduation gifts, engagement rings, wedding bands, push presents, and everything in between! Our team works to make the experience of these life-changing moments even better. We specialize in in-house custom products for any occasion, using your heirloom pieces or brand new stones and recycled metals, and offer all forms of jewelry repair. From ring sizing, chain repairs, to building up prongs, our on site craftsmen can help keep you jewelry safe and secure. Visit us on the beautiful Ithaca Commons to see our full inventory and speak to one of our trained designers.

Odyssey Bookstore

Here you can search for one of the millions of titles available for us to order for you with three delivery options: free instore pick up, free curbside pick up, or choose to have it shipped to you or someone else! If something you're looking for is one of the close to 8,000 books we have on hand at the shop, we'll let you know that it can be picked up same day. If you have any questions at all, we are just a phone call away. Our goal at Odyssey is to have something for everyone! With categories ranging from poetry to graphic novels, science fiction to romance, children's books to home improvement, and everything in between, you'll leave here with something you're excited to read, no matter who you are.

Petrune

Welcome to Petrune! It all began in a flea market in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where we decided to try our hand at selling the some of the vintage bread boxes and antique textiles we had collected over the years. One thing led to another, and fifteen years (and three children) later we find ourselves running a 3500 square foot clothing store nestled in Ithaca, N.Y. near the beautiful Finger Lakes. We sell carefully curated vintage, hand made and indie/modern label clothing, as well as jewelry and accessories.

Riverwood

We are Riverwood, the funnest store in Ithaca! After 26 Years in Cooperstown, NY we are excited to be able to share our love of all things quality and unique! Toys, Games, Collectibles, Jewelry, Accessories for Men and Women and some of the most unique gifts you will find in the Tri-Galaxy Area!

SewGreen

An artful reuse/reuse store for fabric, yarn, sewing machines, and Eileen Fisher Renew apparel. "We make reuse beautiful."

The Artisan Cove - Ithaca

The Artisan Cove features a variety of handcrafted treasures that are perfect for any occasion. Each piece tells a story and adds a personal touch to your gifting experience.

The Brain Shoppe

Brain teaser puzzles, logic games, smart toys, STEM kits, practical books, novelties, and fun stuff for all ages.

The Cornell Store on the Ithaca Commons

The Cornell Store serves the Cornell community by providing products and services to support teaching, research, and outreach. We support multiple units of the university by collaborating to provide retail services at physical locations in Ithaca, New York City, and online. We are committed to enhancing the student experience, facilitating engagement during special events, and helping people celebrate their pride in Cornell. The Cornell Store is a self-funded enterprise operated by Cornell University. Your purchases directly support university programs.

True Insurance

True Insurance can provide all of your auto/home/business insurance needs. We are a group of dedicated professionals committed to protecting you, your family members and your business with caring, personalized service. We are also committed to the beautiful community in which we live and happily support each other, our families and many local organizations.

Visit Ithaca's Downtown Visitor Center at the Tompkins Center for History & Culture

Looking for a room tonight? Or directions on how to walk a gorge trail from downtown to Cornell’s campus? We can help. The Downtown Visitor Center located on the main floor of the Tompkins Center for History and Culture can help with all of these requests and more. Open year round, five days a week. Our team is ready to answer your downtown restaurant, lodging and event questions. FREE maps are available. Also take in the Ithaca is Gorges retail offerings and visitor information about all twelve Tompkins Center for History and Culture partner organizations. Our Downtown Visitor Center is located in the Tompkins Center for History & Culture.