Guide To 2020 Holiday Events In Rochester, NY

While this year’s calendar looks a bit different than years past, we still have many ways that you can safely get into the holiday spirit this season. This is a growing list that is subject to change as organizations make announcements about upcoming events. If you plan to visit specific locations, please be sure to check directly with those entities for the latest event information and to view their COVID-19 operating guidelines. 

Holiday Happenings

Yuletide Open House & Yuletide Pancake Breakfast at Genesee Country Village & Museum 

Weekends, December 5-20 | Pre-Sale Tickets Only 

Enjoy the delights of the festively-decorated historic village during the Yuletide Open House or indulge in a hearty breakfast with a socially-distanced St. Nick during the Yuletide Pancake Breakfast. 

Sweet Creations, Wreath Display, and Tabletop Tree Display at Eastman Museum 

Now Through December 13 | Timed Tickets Required 

The annual holiday displays will fill the museum with familiar cheer and some new protocols will help ensure the health and safety of guests. 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. You can also enjoy holiday fun from the comfort of home with a 360 view of the historic mansion decorated for the season, gingerbread recipes, and more. 

Season of Warhol at the Memorial Art Gallery 

Now Through March 28 | Timed Tickets Required 

Spend your Warholidays at the MAG as you explore the many facets of Andy Warhol’s work while it is on view in Rochester. 

Holiday Pet Photos at Lollypop Farm 

December 4-6 | Timed Photo Sessions 

Celebrate the season with a festive portrait of you and your pet! 

Holiday Show 2020 at Image City Photography Gallery

Now Through December 23 

The 16th Annual Holiday Show features photos from the nine Image City Photography Gallery partners and guest photographers. 

Light Displays 

Strasenburg Planetarium Holiday Laser Show at Rochester Museum & Science Center 

Now Through January 3 | Timed Tickets Required 

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. 

Shopping

Holidays at the Market 

December 6, December 13, December 17  

A Rochester holiday tradition for more than 25 years, Holidays at the Market features dozen of holiday-focused vendors (trees, decorations, holiday foods and crafts, gifts, and more), visits with Santa, hay rides, cookie decorating and more! 

Holiday Makers Market at New York Kitchen 

December 4 & December 5 

If you're looking for a unique gift for that special someone, stop by the NYK's outdoor craft market featuring local makers. 

Holiday Wine & Craft Markeplace at Casa Larga Winery

December 5, December 12, December 19 

Shop 18 unique local vendors and then sip some wine or eat some food while seated in Casa Larga's spacious event room. 

Performances

RPO Holiday Streaming

Streaming Online With Ticket Purchase 

Enjoy your favorite holiday songs by streaming performances by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra from the comfort of your own home. Five holiday streaming concerts are available for purchase and with unlimited enjoyment for up to 45 days. 

Rochester City Ballet’s Virtual Nutcracker 

Streaming Online With Ticket Purchase 

Rochester City Ballet’s holiday favorite “The Nutcracker”  will be coming to your home virtually this season. The performance will be streamed from Thanksgiving Day until Christmas Eve. Be sure to gather your favorite holiday treats as you sit back, relax, and begin your holiday season with this magical production. 

Shotspeare Presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare...Sort Of

December 31, 2020 | 8:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. 

Live Online Streaming With Ticket Purchase 

Join an all-star cast of Shakespearean bandits, special guests, the Wheel of Soliloquy, John Falstaff himself, a bit of beer and the complete works of William Shakespeare – all for about 83 minutes! It's Monty Python meets Drunk History, with prizes! Shotspeare will zoom Shakespeare’s Complete Works directly to you for an evening of immeasurable virtual mayhem. Grab your favorite cocktail, or beer or wine or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s (because you do you!), get over dressed (because why not?), and prepare to wake up in your Lazy Boy!