Historical Auburn's free holiday celebration, Holiday Traditions, will take place Sunday.

More than 30 years ago, Seward House created the event to show appreciation to the Auburn community.

Since then, the event, held on the second Sunday in December, has expanded to include other local cultural attractions and sites whose doors are open to the public to enjoy at no cost.

Unless noted otherwise, all houses are open from noon to 5 p.m. The Sunday open house schedule includes:

• The Cayuga Museum, 203 Genesee Street, has an exhibition called “Expressions in Fabric and Paint: Quilts and Paintings by Holly Knott.” Knott brings years of graphic design experience and a true appreciation for nature and its nuances to her work. Her range of media includes art quilts, photography, watercolors, acrylics, hand-painted furniture and Web site design. She exhibits her award-winning art quilts and photographs in juried art shows and galleries nationwide. Call 253-8015.

• The Harriet Tubman Home, 180 South St. Call 252-2081.

• Seward House, 33 South St., will be decked out with Victorian style Christmas decorations. The Key of C singers will perform and costumed docents will lead tours. Civil war re-enactors will also be at the site. Call 252-1283.

• Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum, Route 38A across from the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, will be open from noon to 4 p.m. It offers free visits with Christmas animals, and visitors can decorate their own Christmas cookies, enjoy popcorn and hot mulled cider and listen to holiday music. Horse and wagon rides top off the celebration. Call 252-5009.

• Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St. Visitors can view hand-sewn Advent banners depicting the Christmas story in needlework, as well as tour the historic church. At 5 p.m. Masterworks Chorale will perform holiday music. Chili and a dessert buffet will be available.

• Willard Memorial Chapel, 17 Nelson St., open from 1 to 4 p.m., will host a free musical performance by the Auburn Players Community Theater at 3 p.m. Chapel tours will be offered throughout the day, and the chapel will be decorated with a Victorian Christmas tree. Call 252-0339.

• St. Francis of Assisi Church, 301 Clark St., celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. A free Auburn Chamber Orchestra holiday concert will take place there at 4 p.m. Call 252-7593.

• Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, 205 Genesee St., offers free admission. Call 255-1553.

For more information about Holiday Traditions, call the Cayuga County Office of Tourism at 255-1685.