It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Rochester, NY is looking as festive as ever. Review our list of places that go all out on holiday decor and make plans to visit soon. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit!

 

Restaurants

A newer Rochester tradition and a must-see is the Genesee Brewery Keg Tree at the Genesee Brew House. Empty kegs are stacked nearly 30 feet high at the oldest brewery in New York State, and are donned with thousands of twinkling lights– creating a beautiful backdrop for you to enjoy your beer and meal. (Pro tip: order the Keg Tree Ale– only available at the Brew House during the holiday season!)

 

The Inn on Broadway creates a festive display in their lobby each year. Hotel guests and restaurant goers are treated to cheerful decorations during their visit.

 

Dine out downtown at Native Restaurant– which features photo-worthy oversized gift boxes outside and an upscale menu for you to order from. 

 

The holiday season is not complete without a visit to Roc Holiday Village– Rochester’s annual holiday festival that brings the magic of the season to people of all ages in the heart of downtown Rochester. 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, an indoor and outdoor bar, food trucks, Santa’s Workshop, outdoor seating and fire pits, live music, private winter igloos, free crafts for kids, holiday celebrations, special events and more! 

 

If cozy, old-fashioned Christmas decorations are your style you’re sure to get nostalgia at the Sibley Building / Mercantile on Main, which has classic Sibley Department Store holiday decorations from decades ago on display.

 

Enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the decorations at Red Fedele’s Brook House– a classic Italian restaurant in the Rochester area. During the holiday season, the Brook House displays thousands of holiday lights, decorations and displays that will delight patrons of all ages. 

 

Salvatore’s Saloon in Scottsville decorates an oversized, beautiful tree for their customers to admire.

 

Shamrock Jack’s Irish Pub creates a unique tree each year using empty Jameson bottles and green lights. 

 

Have another Rochester-area restaurant to add to this list? Send us a note at info@visitrochester.com and we will be sure to add!  

 

Other Festive Displays

  • Add the Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show to your list– where you’ll find endless plants lit up with twinkling lights, creating an otherworldly experience for visitors. 

  • The annual Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display fills the George Eastman Museum with dozens of handcrafted and unique gingerbread houses. 

  • Genesee Country Village & Museum has a number of holiday events for visitors to enjoy. You’ll enjoy stepping into history in the decorated 19th-century Historic Village, learning from costumed interpreters and you may even find Saint Nick himself while visiting!

  • The Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center has a Holiday Laser Show that will get you into the holiday spirit! Enjoy listening to your favorite holiday tunes while admiring the dancing laser light among the stars of the Planetarium sky. 

  • Check off gifts on your list while shopping at Rochester Area Malls including Eastview Mall, Greece Ridge Mall and Marketplace Mall– where you’ll find each decorated with their own unique displays. 

 

Holiday Lights & Driving Tours

 

Looking for more holiday things to do? Review our Holiday Events guide here. Whatever you choose to do, share your adventures with us on social media using #VisitROC!