While Rochester, NY gets plenty of sunshine year-round, it’s no secret that chilly overcast days tend to roll in with the winter months. Luckily, there are several ways to bring color and brightness to your winter in ROC even while faced with a rather gray day.
The Memorial Art Gallery is one of the brightest places in Rochester. Featuring 5,000 years of art from all around the world, the MAG has no shortage of beautiful paintings, sculptures, and exhibits that are sure to brighten up your winter.
The MAG encourages long visits full of strolling through permanent and temporary exhibits. With weekly tours and concerts as well as crafting opportunities and kid-focused workshops, the Memorial Art Gallery is a can’t miss Rochester attraction.
This winter, don't miss Frontiers of Impressionism. Featuring fifty-two stunning paintings from the Worcester Art Museum’s collection through the lens of more than thirty artists. This exhibit is on display through March 1, 2026 in the Docent Gallery.
One of our favorite winter traditions is Dutch Connection at the George Eastman Museum. Every February the Historic Mansion at the museum is overtaken by thousands of colorful tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, and spring annuals.
This event is a nod to George Eastman himself, who took inspiration from the flower fields he saw in the Holland countryside while on a trip in 1895. Eastman ordered tens of thousands of bulbs from Holland every year between 1905 and 1932.
This year’s Dutch Connection takes place February 6-22, 2026, and you don't want to miss it!
It is truly difficult to describe a space like ARTISANworks. This not-for-profit art space is housed in a 40,000 square foot warehouse packed to the brim with art in every form you can conceive of. From automobiles and photography to collectibles and memorabilia, ARTISANworks has something for every kind of visitor.
Color is around every corner in this space and – with roughly 500,000 items in the ever-growing collection – there are a lot of corners. Bonus: all artwork on display is available for purchase, renting, or staging.
Nestled right on the intersection of the South Wedge and Swillburg neighborhoods, The Playhouse // Swillburger is a combination bar, arcade, and restaurant featuring vintage arcade games, delicious craft cocktails, and (of course) plenty of bright colors and flashing lights. This one-of-a-kind spot also includes a pinball room and several video games.
The Playhouse // Swillburger is guaranteed to bring you all the good vibes you need, no matter the weather outside! Stop in, grab a beer, and indulge in some colorful gameplay.
The Strong is the only museum in the world 100% dedicated to the history and study of play. It’s also a great place to visit in the wintertime when you’re seeking a pop of color.
Home to the Video Game Hall of Fame, Toy Hall of Fame, and the largest collection of toys, dolls, and games in the world, walking into the Strong feels like stepping into a whirlwind of color.
Additionally, the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden at the museum is a great place to go for a tropical escape even while the snow falls outside.
The Strasenburgh Planetarium brings the beauty of the stars down to Earth through daily shows such as The Sky Tonight, Stars with Carl, Planet Spectacular, and more.
The planetarium also hosts several themed laser shows throughout the year. Whether you're a Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Pink Floyd, or Elton John fan, the planetarium has a show for you!
Originally constructed in 1911, the Lamberton Conservatory is an indoor tropical space that offers warmth and color even on the coldest of days.
The glass greenhouse is open year-round and houses several species of flowers, plants, and small animals. There’s truly nothing like stepping out of a chilly winter day and into this colorful and warm oasis.
Moreover, the conservatory hosts several events throughout the year, including their Holiday Light Show every December.
Radio Social offers live music events, great eats, craft beverages, 34 bowling lanes, and tons of games within a 42,000 square-foot space overflowing with color and good vibes.
Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends or family in a fun and vibrant space or take yourself on a solo date, Radio Social is a great spot to visit during the chillier months in Rochester.
Rochester, NY is home to several amazing pieces of public art and murals. From Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park to downtown Rochester to the South Wedge, you’re never far from public art in Greater ROC.
Learn more and start planning your own art tour here.
However you introduce some color to your winter in ROC, make sure you tag us at #VisitROC so we can follow along on your adventures!
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Visit Rochester Staff
Visit Rochester staff share the inside scoop on Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
