'Tis the season to gather! Whether you're returning home for the holidays or visiting for the first time, there is so much to do in Rochester, NY as you gather with friends and family. We've pulled together the ultimate guide to the holiday season that will keep you busy until you ring in the new year. Whatever you choose to do, share your adventures in Rochester with us using #VisitROC!
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Sweet Creations, Wreath Display, and Tabletop Tree Display
November 9 through January 5, 2025 | George Eastman Museum
The annual holiday displays will fill the museum with familiar cheer again this year. Sweet Creations features dozens of cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses. See dozens of uniquely decorated wreaths on view and decorated trees throughout the historic mansion.
Through December 31
See the iconic holiday decoraitons from Sibley's Department store on display at the Mercantile on Main through the end of the year/ "Toyland" and "Magic Corridor" have been restored and the animatronics and decorations are ready for scores of Rochester families to make memories with a new generation. Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm, Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm.
Holiday Films at the Dryden Theatre
November 29 - December 21
t’s that time of year again when the silver screen turns to tinsel and we celebrate the end of the year with holiday classics on the big screen. Highlighted by a rare 35mm print of the Alistair Sim-led adaptation of A Christmas Carol, this series brings together films from the last 80 years of cinema to warm the soul and spur the heart to joyousness this holiday season. Featured films in 2024 include: Elf, The Polar Express, Scrooge & Little Women
Seneca Park Zoo Holiday Magic Tours
November 29 - December 1, December 27- 30, January 2-4, 2025 | Seneca Park Zoo
Experience the holiday magic with a Seneca Park Zoo cart tour. Bring your own warm beverage and snuggle under a blanket while enjoying a 90-minute cart tour through the Zoo, led by our Zoo Naturalists.
December 1 | Stokoe Farms
Santa Claus will be returning to Stokoe Farms! Plan a trip to the farm with the kiddos to meet the jolly old elf. He is excited to get all their lists! Be sure to bring your cameras to capture wonderful memories at the old-fashioned Christmas Tree Farm.
Park Avenue Holiday Open House
December 5 | Park Avenue
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and the Park Avenue Merchants Association will be holding the Park Avenue Holiday Open House. The beloved annual event promises an evening of festive delight, perfect for the entire family.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Elsa, Anna and Friends
December 1 | OFC Creations
For the first time in forever it is time for the holidays to begin! Join Queen Elsa and Princess Anna as they signify the beginning of the most wonderful time of year by lighting the Christmas tree! Accompanied by their memorable friends, Elsa and Anna invite attendees of all ages with their families to take part in this interactive event.
December 3 | Pittsford, NY
Starting at 5:00PM, An annual holiday celebration by the Pittsford Chamber of Commerce.
Holidays in the Hamlet of Mendon
December 4 | Mendon 64
Ride a horse drawn carriage or Farmer's tractor hayride through the hamlet of Mendon. Visit local businesses including Mendon 64, The Cottage Hotel, Westminster Events and the Mendon Academy for holiday goods, visits with Santa and food and drink.
December 6 | Genesee Brew House
The Genesee Keg Tree Lighting Event is back and scheduled for Friday, December 6, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Genesee Brew House. The iconic Rochester holiday tradition will include an exciting countdown and lighting at 6:30 p.m., along with local food trucks, two beer trucks and plenty of holiday cheer.
December 6-29 | Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Park
Roc Holiday Village is Rochester’s annual holiday festival that brings the magic of the season to people of all ages. The 17 day festival offers family friendly events on Wednesdays - Sundays throughout the month of December. Features include a unique shopping village, free visits and photos with Santa, free ice skating & skate rentals, and indoor and outdoor bar, food trucks, Santa's Workshop, outdoor seating and fire pits, live music, private cozy winter igloos, free crafts for kids, holiday celebrations, special events and more!
It's a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge 2024
December 7 | South Wedge Neighborhood
The South Wedge neighborhood is celebrating Christmas as only we can! Join us for “It’s a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge” an event produced by the Business Association of the South Wedge (BASWA). Enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer and local delights: arts & crafters, live music, food & beverage from local eateries & food trucks, and be sure to bring the little ones for a visit with the man in red & other children’s activities. Admission is free.
Liberty Pole Lighting & Parade
December 7 | Roc Holiday Village
The annual Liberty Pole Lighting will include a festive Parade with Santa, elves, and other costumed characters to Roc Holiday Village held in conjunction with the City of Rochester and Downtown Definitely. Community members will have an opportunity to participate in the popular family parade.
Family Fun Day: Stars with Santa
December 7,14 | RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
Join the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium for Stars with Santa to celebrate the holiday season with the whole family!
Women’s Welding Workshop: Reindeer & Ornament
December 7, 14 (Reindeer), December 12 (Ornament) | Ironwood Studios
Join metal artist Stacey Mrva, for a transformative workshop where women come together, learn, and uplift one another. Absolutely no experience necessary, classes are designed for beginners. As you craft your very own reindeer sculpture (12/7, 12/14) or ornament (12/12) , you'll witness your creative sparks fly.
December 7-8, 15 | New York Museum of Transportation
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in our holiday decorated museum, ride the trolley, see the model railroad in action, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies!
December 8 | Roc Holiday Village
Attend this event for storytelling and crafts throughout the day, presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester.
December 8 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Celebrate the season with a magical medley of holiday happenings! Stroll the Historic Village bedecked in its holiday finery amid villagers bustling with preparations and offering greetings to their neighbors and friends.
December 8, 22 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Celebrate the holiday season alongside family and friends with a tasty pancake breakfast in the Museum’s holiday-decorated Meeting Center.
December 8, 15 | ARTISANworks
Delight in a festive morning filled with holiday cheer, a delicious breakfast buffet, and a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Children will have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and take memorable photos. ARTISANworks will have a scavenger hunt so the kids can explore the art space while they visit ARTISANworks.
December 8 | Dave & Buster's Rochester
Join in the reindeer games at Santa’s favorite arcade. Mr. Claus is coming to D&B Rochester. Bring the family and check a holiday photo off your list. You’ll also score a tasty breakfast buffet, free unlimited video game play, & more!
Holiday Afternoon Tea in the Village
December 10-12, 18-19 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Don’t miss this exclusive holiday event at GCV&M! Our Afternoon Tea includes a selection of tea varieties, finger sandwiches, and sweet treats. Wine will also be available for purchase.
December 15 | Roc Holiday Village
Attend this event for live music and storytelling in celebration of Kwanzaa!
December 22 | Roc Holiday Village
Enjoy making crafts, singing Christmas carols and more to celebrate Christmas at Roc Holiday Village. Presented by First Bible Baptist Church.
December 28 | Memorial Art Gallery
Enjoy make-it, take-it art, drumming and dancing, live music, and more. This is a free event, and registration is not required.
December 29 | Roc Holiday Village
Enjoy live music and crafts in celebration of Three Kings' Day, presented by Rochester's Puerto Rican Festival.
Through January 6 | Corning Museum of Glass
Stop in to see a festive holiday meal inspired by the warmth and kinship shared at tables throughout the holiday season. Created by the Hot Glass Team, the holiday feast features meal favorites like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Each year the feast grows as gaffers create and bring their favorite dishes to the table.
LIGHT DISPLAYS
Strasenburgh Planetarium Holiday Laser Show at RMSC
November 16 through January 5 | RMSC Museum & Science Center
The planetarium’s family holiday spectacular features your favorite holiday songs played back-to-back choreographed with dancing laser light among the stars of the planetarium sky.
Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Light Display
December 6 through January 5 | Lamberton Conservatory
From early December to mid-January, visitors to the Lamberton Conservatory in Rochester’s Highland Park will enjoy holiday light displays with special evening hours
December 6 - January 1 | Genesee Brew House
Visit the Genesee Brewery this holiday season and see the famous Genesee Keg Tree! The Keg Tree is constructed out of more than 500 kegs, is strung with hundreds of lights and timed to holiday music all day long.
December 7 Through January 1 | Various Locations
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester has again partnered with some of the brightest and most festively decorated homes in the area to bring you a fun, family-centered event. Holiday Lights Tour presented by Montage Wealth Management is a great way to celebrate the holiday magic while supporting children in our community.
SHOPPING
November 15 through December 2 | Corning Museum of Glass
Visit The Shops for the best holiday deals in town! You’ll find great discounts on holiday items and gifts, from glittering ornaments and jewelry to home decorations and handmade glass items from around the world.
The Lucky Flea Presents Flea Con
November 17, December 1 | Nazareth Golisano Training Center
The Lucky Flea Market is proud to introduce Flea Con—a brand-new event series that promises to be one of the best indoor vintage & creative shows in New York State. Starting this November, Flea Con will bring together 200+ vendors, from vintage sellers and creatives to handmade artisans, for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
November 22-24 | RMSC Museum & Science Center
The Holiday Bazaar is a juried show with five floors of displays across the RMSC campus. A spectacular variety is available, with more than 150 exhibitors showcasing creative fine arts and unique crafts: ceramics, jewelry, glass, woodwork, paintings, photography, fiber arts, floral crafts, and more.
Holiday Market & Preparing for Winter
November 16-17 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Prepare for winter yourself by shopping at the Holiday Market and see how Western New Yorkers prepared for winter in the 19th century. The perfect family activity to kick off the holiday season!
Themata Winter 2024 Indoor Holiday Markets
November 29-30, December 23 | Culver Road Armory
Last year, Themata brought together over 250 artisans + emerging brands that ranged from apparel and accessories to wine and beer. What unified us was our love for local handmade artisan goods + community. Experience different vendors during each market date.
November 29 | Record Archive
You've filled yourself to the brim with stuffing and gravy, now it's time to fill up on music as well! Come shopping at the Record Archive on Black Friday. They'll be opening an hour early at 9am and have tons of exclusive Record Store Day Black Friday vinyl releases as well as their famous dollar records.
Holiday Wine & Craft Marketplace
November 29-30 | Casa Larga
Bring your friends and family to our sixth annual Holiday Marketplace to shop from local craft vendors and stock up on your favorite wines!
Roc Around the Clock Holiday Markets
November 29, December 6, 13, 20 | Mercantile on Main
This holiday season, shop local! Starting Black Friday, the Mercantile will have a variety of vendors and custom creations for your hard-to-shop-for loved ones.
November 30 | La Luna
On November 30, 2024, the Native Made Market will host its third gathering, bringing together Indigenous artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and supporters to immerse attendees in Native cultures in a meaningful, engaging and impactful way.
December 1, 8, 15, 19 | City of Rochester Public Market
A Rochester holiday tradition for more than 25 years, Holidays at the Market features dozens of holiday-focused vendors (trees, decorations, holiday foods and crafts, gifts, and more), visits with Santa, carriage rides, cookie decorating and more.
December 14 | Flower City Arts Center
Shop handmade treasures from local artists, explore our historic firehouse, enter to win raffles, and enjoy family-friendly art activities. It’s the perfect chance to find unique holiday gifts and make some art along the way!
PERFORMANCES
Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
November 22 | Kodak Center
Since the release of her 2012 self-titled debut, the electronic music impresario, violinist, dancer, and artist quietly and humbly became one of the 21st century’s most innovative stars by clinging to her groundbreaking vision of cinematic violin-driven electronic music.
November 23-December 29 | Geva Theatre
Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns in a refreshed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story by Award-winning playwright Harrison David Rivers! Beginning with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit, over the course of one night notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. But will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays
November 23 | Kodak Center
Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays is an all new joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year. With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show stopping event for the whole family.
The Nutcracker with Rochester City Ballet
November 27, 29, 30, December 1 | Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Rochester City Ballet celebrate 25 years of The Nutcracker at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre! This timeless tale of wonder and imagination has become a Rochester holiday tradition. Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as delightful dance pairs with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.
OFC Creations Presents Frank's Christmas in Vegas
November 30 | OFC Creations
Sinatra's Christmas In Vegas features impressionist Frank Torchio as he performs many classic holiday songs with singing and comedic impressions of Dean Martin, Jimmy Durante, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Elvis and more, singing classic holiday tunes and the singers' greatest hits.
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 3-8 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Recommended for ages 5+.
Yuletide in the Country Tours and Dinners
December 6-7, 13-15, 20-21 | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Step into the heart of our 19th-century village for a fresh and lively take on the holiday season! This year’s Yuletide in the Country Tour brings you an immersive journey through the lives and the times of Western New Yorkers, all through the eyes of a resilient servant navigating a whirlwind of Christmas Eve 1870.
The Nutcracker Performed by The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine
December 11 | Kodak Center
Step into Clara's world and immerse yourself in a delightful Christmas party that promises to unfold into a truly magical experience. This exceptional ensemble stands as one of Ukraine's most esteemed classical ballet institutions, showcasing a repertoire that is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
December 13 | Kodak Center
Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, the perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the magical holiday extravaganza filled with music, marvels and merriment will ignite the festive spirit in all who attend.
Eastman School of Music Presents Elf in Concert
December 14 | Eastman School of Music
Nobody spreads Christmas cheer quite like Buddy the Elf! This holiday season, “Elf in Concert,” bringing the timeless holiday classic to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre on Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Presented by the Eastman School of Music, the concert will feature a full, live orchestra performing every note from John Debney’s heartwarming score while the entire film is projected on a 40-foot HD screen.
An Evening with Chevy Chase / National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 29 | West Herr Auditorium/RBTL
Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs as we celebrate the timeless classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, with a special 35th Anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase, and his wife Jayni.
KEEPING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Home for the Holidays Christmas Party
December 19 | Iron Smoke Distillery
Last year was a ball, a snow ball! Gonna be a rippin’ Christmas Party explosion of wrecking the halls awesomeness! Tommy Brunett Band with a cavalcade of all star special guests and a super Christmas set from some of our local favorites.
NEW YEAR'S EVE
December 31 | The Cub Room
The New Year's Eve Party of the year is back! Get on your Gatsby Best. 5 course dinner, glass of champagne for midnight, dancing, photo booth, watch the ball drop and cocktail specials. Call for reservations.
Pop. Fizz. Clink. New Year’s Eve Party 2024
December 31 | Century Club Mansion
Celebrate New Year's Eve 2024 with us at Century Club and ring in 2025 with a pop, fizz, and clink! Close out the year with a Tattinger champagne toast, a DJ provided by Encore Events, and dancing.
