'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 8 through January 4, 2026 | 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.
Holiday Films at the Dryden Theatre
November 28 - December 31
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 the return of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life on 35mm film, as well as the first ever Dryden screenings of Christmas Vacation, It Happened on 5th Avenue, and the 1938 A Christmas Carol. In between Christmas and New Year’s, you can celebrate the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking Back to the Future trilogy, and ring in the new year with Billy Wilder’s classic The Apartment. It’s the most cinematic time of the year!
Seneca Park Zoo Holiday Magic Tours
November 28 - 30, December 22 & 23, December 27-30, January 2 & 3, 2026 | 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.
November 22 & 23, 28-30, December 6, 7, & 13 | Stokoe Farms
The holiday season will be in full swing at Stokoe Farms this November and December! Head down to the farm to celebrate Christmas Tree Season and pick out your own family Christmas tree. Stick around for Animal Encounters, where you have the chance to meet and hold a Kangaroo, Wallaby, two species of Armadillo, three species of Tortoise, Bearded Dragon, Patagonian Mara, Hedgehog, and more!
Park Avenue Holiday Open House
December 4 | 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
November 30 & 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 2 | Pittsford, NY
Starting at 5:00PM, this family-fun annual tradition is a festival that kicks off the winter holidays. Activities will take place in the center of the Village, Schoen Place and Northfield Common.
December 5 | 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 5-28 | 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 16 day festival offers free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique Shopping Village, free visits & pictures with Santa, fire pits with outdoor seating, indoor and outdoor bars, hand-crafted goods, Cozy Winter Igloos, free crafts for kids, food trucks, a variety of holiday celebrations, live music, private events, nightlife and more. The festival has been recognized by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top holiday markets and ice skating destinations in the country!
It's a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge 2025
December 6 | 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 6 | 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.
November 15 - January 4, 2026 | RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
The Planetarium’s family holiday spectacular returns as our new state-of-the-art laser system and full-dome visualization system combine to create a more colorful and immersive experience than ever before.
Women’s Welding Workshop: Reindeer & Ornament
Throughout November & December | 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 or ornament, you'll witness your creative sparks fly.
December 7, 13, & 14 | 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 7 | Roc Holiday Village
Attend this event for storytelling and crafts throughout the day, presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester and PJ Library
December 7 & 21 | 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 1, 21 | 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 7, 14 | 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 7 | Dave & Buster's Rochester
A Holly Jolly Magical Morning filled with fun & festivities for the whole family to enjoy! Kick off the season with sparkle and cheer at our exclusive Breakfast with Santa event.
Holiday Afternoon Tea in the Village
December 10 & 11, 16-18 | 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 14 | Roc Holiday Village
Attend this event for live music and storytelling in celebration of Kwanzaa!
December 21 | 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 | Roc Holiday Village
Enjoy live music and crafts in celebration of Three Kings' Day, presented by Rochester's Puerto Rican Festival.
Through January 5 | 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
Starting December 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 5 | 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 6 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
The Lucky Flea Indoor Holiday Markets
November 23, December 14 | ROC Dome’s Minett Hall
Flea Con Indoor Markets bring together 100+ vendors & food trucks, from vintage sellers and creatives to handmade artisans, for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
November 21-23 | 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.
Themata Winter 2025 Indoor Holiday Markets
November 28 & 29, December 22 | 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 28 | Record Archive
This year’s live-music lineup kicks off at 1 PM with Texas Headphones, followed by Beef Gordon at 3 PM, and Candy Country at 5 PM to close out the day. Start early with Ugly Duck Coffee & Pastries serving breakfast treats from 6 AM, then stick around for lunch with Neno’s Food Truck and Pat’s Pigs BBQ, both rolling in between 10:30 and 11 AM. Enjoy a beer tasting from Genny, while you dig through crate after crate of limited-edition Record Store Day Black Friday releases and classic favorites.
Holiday Wine & Craft Marketplace
November 28 & 29 | Casa Larga
Bring your friends and family to our seventh annual Holiday Marketplace to shop from local craft vendors and stock up on your favorite wines!
Roc Around the Clock Holiday Markets
December 5, 12, & 19 | Mercantile on Main
This Holiday Season come Support Local while getting your holiday shopping done and having fun! Each Friday will have a variety of vendors with custom creations for all those hard to shop for loved ones & for less than the cost of those department store gifts.
November 29 | Rochester Museum & Science Center
On November 29, 2025, the Native Made Market will host its fourth gathering, bringing together Indigenous artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and supporters to immerse attendees in Native cultures in a meaningful, engaging and impactful way.
November 30, December 7 & 14 | 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 13 | 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
November 22 - December 28 | 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.
The Nutcracker with Rochester City Ballet
November 26, 28 - 30 | 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.
Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas
November 26 - December 7 | OFC Creations Theatre
In this shows regional premiere, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas brings the beloved Jim Henson television special to life, live on stage. Hailed by The New York Times for its “superb score” by Academy Award–winning songwriter Paul Williams, this nostalgic tale takes us to Frogtown Hollow, where Ma and Emmet Otter risk what little they have to make each other’s holiday dreams come true.
December 2 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends. Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition! Tchaikovsky’s timeless score sets the stage for a Christmas your family will never forget.
December 3 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Look up “holiday music” in the dictionary, and it’s likely that there is a photo of the nine-person a cappella group Straight No Chaser, instead of a standard definition. For more than two decades, the group has provided the soundtrack of the season, bringing millions of fans to their feet while putting them in the holiday spirit. Year after year, fans anxiously await the moment they can officially hit play on Straight No Chaser favorites. And this year is no different. Straight No Chaser is back on tour, serving up an all-you-can-eat buffet of holiday music.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
December 4 | Kodak Center
This critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi. The Broadway-style production complete with immersive sets, lighting, choreography, and colorful costumes has sold more than 300,000 tickets over the prior holiday seasons.
Yuletide in the Country Tours and Dinners
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, & 20 | 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.
Home Alone / A Night with Macaulay Culkin
December 6 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Join us for a special 35th anniversary screening of the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive live moderated interview with the one and only Macaulay Culkin. That's right, the star who brought Kevin McCallister to life will be joining us for a one-of-a-kind event that you won't want to miss! Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from Home Alone on the big screen, then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin himself. Hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic
December 11 - 28 | Blackfriars Theatre
As their tenth wedding anniversary party commences, Charlie lies bleeding in another room, and his wife Myra is nowhere in sight. The first guests, lawyer Ken Gorman and his wife Chris, scramble to get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.
Home for the Holidays with the Calamari Sisters
December 11 - 14 | OFC Creations Theatre
Your favorite public access cable TV stars - The Calamari Sisters - are back with their brand-new Christmas show! In typical fashion, they'll be bringing their plus-sized chaos to this Yuletide season with new Italian recipes, hilarious anecdotes, and of course, singing and dancing their way through some of your favorite holiday tunes. Join Delphine & Carmela as they make a musical mad dash to host their extended family for the holidays - aunts, uncles, cousins galore, and even Dominick the Donkey! With The Calamari Sisters, peace on Earth isn't even an option.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
December 13 | Kodak Center
With breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances, and an all-new production for this year, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland delivers an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family. Feel the holiday spirit come to life with heart-pounding feats and beloved seasonal melodies.
December 14 | Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Rochester’s 42nd annual TUBACHRISTMAS concert will take place Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 pm in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Celebrating 10 years at Eastman this year, a mass low-brass choir of over 100 tuba and euphonium players of all ages and abilities will perform traditional Christmas carols with an enthusiastic audience sing-along.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 18 - January 4, 2026 | OFC Creations Theatre
Based on the iconic animated film and beloved children’s book, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, the musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" from the original animated television special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos.
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
December 19 | Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Brickman's shows are a holiday tradition, filled with festive cheer! His music transports you to a magical world of peace and love, celebrating the gift of family, friends, and the spirit of Christmas. Enjoy his timeless holiday music, including his signature songs like "The Gift," "Love of My Life," “Destiny,” “Valentine," and joyfully unexpected surprises.
December 19 - 21 | Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Come in from the cold and celebrate the sounds of the season with Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, your RPO, and the Festival High School Chorale! For more than three decades, Gala Holiday Pops has been one of Rochester’s favorite holiday traditions and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the season.
KEEPING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Throughout December | Lovin' Cup
This Holiday season, celebrate at Lovin' Cup with one of their Holiday live music events!
Santa's Coming to the Beer Hall
December 6 | Rohrbach Brewing
Santa will be jollying around the Beer Hall for one hour of photo ops and holiday wishes. Stop by for family-friendly holiday fun, including food + drink specials, hot chocolate + pizza, beer flights + new small-batch beers, plenty of holiday gifts for the beer lovers in your life, crowler fills to go.
Flower City Drinksmiths: Holiday Cocktails
November 18 | Daily Refresher
Celebrate the season with us as we shake, stir, and sip our way through some holiday favorites! In this festive class, you’ll enjoy light appetizers and a welcome drink before diving into the fascinating history of cocktails. Learn how to use essential bar tools with confidence, then craft two delicious drinks of your own, chosen from four seasonal selections. Perfect for warming up winter nights and adding a little merry to your holiday gatherings!
December 14 | The Alexander
Support local this holiday season & join us for a curated shopping event on Sunday, December 14th 12-4pm. Enjoy a complimentary signature drink & light apps!
NEW YEAR'S EVE
December 31 | Seneca Park Zoo
Celebrate the New Year at Seneca Park Zoo with a unique and family-friendly event designed for those who want to enjoy the festivities without staying up late. Join us as we count down to noon with ball drops at two special locations in the zoo: the snow leopard habitat and the elephant habitat!
December 31 | Blackfriars Theatre
Six brave BT artists take the stage for a night of musical roulette! In the first act, each sings their show-stopping signature number with a live band backing them, but in act two, things get flipped on their head as six new songs are on the board and the audience pulls names out of a hat to see who sings what.
December 31 | Three Heads Brewing
Dial Up is bringing a special 3 set show to bring in the New Year, complete with special curated house music between sets to keep the party going all night long.
Horizon's New Years Eve Dinner
December 31 | Woodcliff Hotel and Spa
Ring in 2026 with an unforgettable culinary celebration at Horizons Modern Kitchen & Wine Bar. Savor a decadent five-course prix fixe menu crafted by our culinary team, perfectly paired with panoramic views and a sparkling ambiance. Enjoy exceptional flavors, fine wines, and the company of friends and loved ones as you toast to the new year in style.
