The Perfect Itinerary to Celebrate Christmas in Cazenovia, NY

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Upstate New York. And one of the best places to celebrate the holiday season is in the village of Cazenovia in Madison County. From quaint shops and local food to holiday festivities and a Christmas tree farm, it has everything you need to feel merry & bright.

Breakfast at Cazenovia Bagel Co.

What better way to start a festive-filled day in Cazenovia than with a delicious, locally-made breakfast? Cazenovia Bagel Co. provides some of the best bagels you will find in Upstate New York. Because they are kettle boiled in NYC and shipped across the state where they are thawed and baked to perfection. Yes, these are those perfect, signature NYC style bagels with a crunchy shell and soft, bready deliciousness inside.

The bagelry sells a wide variety of flavors, available plain, with a spread, or as a sandwich. I highly recommend ordering “the Critz” on a French toast bagel. Named after the local family farm, the bagel sandwich features locally-sourced sausage, cheddar cheese, egg, and maple syrup. And when they say locally sourced, they truly mean it. The pork, chicken, and eggs served at Cazenovia Bagel Co. are produced within 6 miles of the cafe. As far as coffee goes, you’ll find Syracuse-based Recess Coffee made fresh throughout the day.

If you’re looking to add a holiday twist to your breakfast, consider the apple spice and pumpkin spice cream cheeses.

Find the Perfect Christmas Tree at Critz Farms

Critz Farms is a staple in the Cazenovia community, and a long-running local favorite place to visit all year long. Owners Matt & Juanita Critz opened it as a Christmas tree farm in 1985, and over the past four decades they’ve evolved to include crops for every season. Apples, pumpkins, evergreen trees, blueberries, and maple fill out their calendar. There is even a brewery/cidery on premise where visitors can enjoy a freshly brewed drink.

The Christmas Tree Farm

At its heart, Critz is a destination for celebrating Christmas in Cazenovia. And not just for locals! While we were chopping down our Christmas tree, we met a couple who had driven 5 hours from York, Pennsylvania just to come to Critz to get a balsam Christmas tree.

In fact, there are over 45,000 trees spread across acres and acres of tree fields. Critz specializes in three different types of fir trees: Balsam, Fraser, and Canaan. Families visiting the farm can choose from pre-cut trees or take a wagon ride out to the fields to find and cut down their own perfect tree. (Saws are provided for those who need to borrow one.)

2024 prices for cut-your-own trees are $55 for trees under 8 feet tall and $65 for those over. Pre-cut trees are priced by size and quality. Additionally, freshly-made Christmas wreaths are for sale.

Critz Farms is also a popular local spot in March for their maple weekends.

Balsam Barn Gift Shop

Once you’ve picked out the perfect Christmas tree, step inside the gift shop inside the front barn to warm up. Inside you’ll find a plethora of holiday decorations, winter outwear, and gift items. Plus there is a wide selection of Critz products including maple syrup, pancake mixes, and fresh fudge.

Critz Farms Brewery & Cidery

Finish off your visit to Critz with a trip to the tasting room. There you will be able to sample all of the beers and ciders made on property, alongside locally sourced wine and cheese.

Visiting Madison County in the summer? Check out Madison Bouckville Antique Week, one of the largest antique festivals in the country!

Lunch at Seven Stone Steps

I’m not secret about my love for the village of Cazenovia, or for Lincklaen House in particular. It holds a special place in my heart because that’s where we held the rehearsal dinner before our wedding. But, surprisingly, I had never been to the inn’s pub before last weekend. Not so surprisingly, we had a delightful experience.

Located in the heart of the village, Seven Stone Steps is located below the historic Lincklaen House historic hotel. As one might imagine, there are seven stone steps that lead visitors from the sidewalk into the cozy pub. A long wooden bar stretches to the right of the entryway, joining together the two dining rooms. Years of visitors’ names are carved into the wooden walls and beams. It’s clearly a place that has had a long life, filled with love from the community and many stories to tell.

We took a seat next to the fireplace and were quickly served a Lincklaen House specialty: fresh-out-of-the-oven popovers with honey butter. The steam rose quickly as we ripped into them, enjoying every bite. The menu at Seven Stone Steps features a variety of fine dining options that exceed what you’d expect at your average pub. Most of the menu items are prepared from scratch in the kitchen, and the flavor profiles emphasize the chef’s creativity.

Looking for another spot in Cazenovia for lunch or a drink? Check out Madison County Distillery.

Holiday Shopping in Cazenovia

The village of Cazenovia is dripping with holiday charm. Each little shop and boutique is decorated with wreaths, ornaments, bows, and more. It feels like the type of town where they would film a classic Hallmark Christmas movie. So once you’ve finished lunch at Seven Stone Steps, you have to take some time to visit the phenomenal local shops. Here are a few of my favorites:

H Grey Supply Co.

Owned by Travis & Alex, H. Grey Supply Co. is Cazenovia’s version of Rose Apothecary from Schitt’s Creek, but with a whole lot more color and pizazz. The modern-day general store features clothing, cosmetics, home decor, jewelry, and artisan food. Plus, their bevvy bar has a fantastic menu of coffees, teas, and energy drinks.

Ink & Paper Bookstore

Cazenovia’s newest little shop is absolutely adorable. Ink & Paper opened in June 2024 and has become the village’s only bookstore. Owned by Chantal, this quaint spot is filled with books and bookish items for the readers on your Christmas list. The best part? Customers can visit the shop and make a wishlist, so when someone comes in to shop for them, Chantal knows exactly what they want.

20 East

McKenzie Houseman is the proprietor of yet another incredible shop in the village of Caz. 20 East features a wide array of art, decor, giftables, and local foods. Freshly made and grown items are constantly being restocked.

* Fun fact, all three of these shops are participating members on the Wandercuse passport!

Take the time to stroll along Main Street and discover your next favorite locally-owned shop.

If you’re looking to spend a little more time in the area, here are a few more things to do in Cazenovia.