Embrace the cold-weather winter wonderland of Rochester, NY to celebrate the holiday season during the seventh annual City of Rochester Roc Holiday Village. This annual holiday festival brings the magic of the season to the heart of downtown Rochester with festivities for all ages that include visits with Santa, ice skating, a unique shopping village, food trucks, local craft beverages, outdoor seating and firepits, Santa’s workshop, private winter igloos, celebrations for Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Three Kings Day, Christmas, and more.
With 16 days of fun with lots of pop-up events and activities, we're sharing our guide on what you need to know about this year's Roc Holiday Village.
The Shops
Wander the vendor village to shop a unique selection of sweets, treats, and treasures from artisan vendors to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list or to treat yourself. View a full list of local vendors by weekend here.
Village Shopping Hours:
- Wednesday 4pm – 9pm
- Thursday 4pm – 9pm
- Friday 4pm – 10pm
- Saturday 11am – 10pm
- Sunday 11am – 6pm
Mark your calendars for additional shopping with the Roc Holiday Village Mini Makers Market happening on Wednesday, December 10 & Wednesday, December 17.
2025 Shopping Village Food & Drink Vendors include:
- The Chai Guy
- Duke's Donuts
- Tony Pepperoni
- La Bola by Avvino
and more!
The Triple-O Lodge
Eat, drink, and be merry during the Roc Holiday Village with The Triple-O Lodge, where the bar is stocked with wine, beer, hard cider, warm mulled wine, bubbles, soda, juice, and water. Cheese & Charcuterie’s Mobile Charcuterie Bar will be inside The Lodge with delicious boards to enjoy. On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, relax by the Simcona Stage and enjoy free live music. Take a stroll down Court St, between Chestnut St and Manhattan Square Dr, to discover a variety of food trucks at Frosty’s Food Court, presented by The Buffalo News.
Lodge Hours:
- Wednesday 4:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday 4:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday 4:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 – 6:00 PM
Special Events By Date
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Sled Hockey Demo 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Watch an exciting sled hockey demonstration on the ice and learn more about this fast-paced, inclusive sport. Meet the Rochester Sled Hawks team and see how adaptive equipment makes hockey accessible to everyone!
Liberty Pole Lighting & Parade | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Start Your Family’s Holiday Traditions Downtown! Join us as we kick off the holiday season with the Lighting of the Liberty Pole and Family Parade to the ROC Holiday Village, sponsored by MVP Health Care.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Hanukkah Celebration | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a special celebration leading up to Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which begins on the evening of December 14! The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago and honors themes of freedom, light, and community.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Don't miss a free performance from Gates Chili High School Show Choir.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Mini Makers Market | 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Shop from local artists, crafters, designers, DIYers, and confectioners during Roc Holiday Village’s two-night Mini Makers Market inside the cozy Gingerbread House!
Band Karaoke | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sing your ho ho hearts out at our popular Band Karaoke events inside The Triple-O Lodge on the Simcona Stage. Ever want to be the lead singer of a band? Well, now’s your chance! In fact, you’ll be singing lead with a live band when they take the Simcona Stage for two nights only!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Silent Disco | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Presented by Dick's House of Sport
Dance under the lights at the ice rink during our Silent Disco nights! Grab a pair of wireless headphones, choose your favorite music channel, and skate or dance along with friends to your own beat. It’s a fun, free, and unforgettable way to celebrate the season at Roc Holiday Village!
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
WeTheHobby Sports Trivia | 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Grab your crew, enjoy a festive drink, and compete for bragging rights and exclusive giveaways. Whether you are a diehard fan or just here for the holiday vibes, it is the perfect mix of cozy cheer and competitive spirit.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Trivia Night | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
The Gingerbread House turns into a festive spot for fun and friendly competition during our holiday Trivia Nights. Gather your team, grab a drink, and test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to holiday classics.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Story Time with Santa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Ticketed event
Join us for a magical, one-of-a-kind experience with the big man himself! After the story and sing-along, children can enjoy donuts and cocoa, take photos with Santa, color pictures, and decorate sugar cookies. Cookie decorating is an optional add-on for an additional fee.
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club Performance | 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Dick's House of Sport
Enjoy a special performance on the ice by the Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club! Watch talented local skaters glide, spin, and showcase their skills in a festive show that captures the magic of the holiday season.
Learn to Skate with the Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club | 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Presented by Dick's House of Sport
Step onto the ice for a fun Learn to Skate session led by members of the Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club! Beginners of all ages are welcome to join and pick up tips and tricks from experienced skaters in this short, friendly lesson.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Paint & Sip | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Ticketed event
Get into the festive spirit and let your creativity flow with a one-of-a-kind holiday Paint & Sip experience inside the Gingerbread House! Whether you prefer to follow a guided demo or free-paint your own seasonal masterpiece, everything you need will be provided to make it a memorable night.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
Story Time with Anna & Elsa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Ticketed event
Join us for an enchanting, one-of-a-kind experience with your favorite winter royalty, Anna and Elsa! Inside the Triple-O Lodge, guests will enjoy a delightful holiday performance featuring stories and songs led by the beloved winter sisters. Children and adults alike will be swept up in the magic of this heartwarming event.
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Kwanzaa Celebration | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Come partake in a day of culture, history, and community as Roc Holiday Village hosts two special Kwanzaa film presentations. The festivities kick off with Kwanzaa, the WXXI-produced video featuring the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition. In the afternoon, we’ll show Roc City Chronicles: Our Stories, Ourselves, a multimedia storytelling project created using the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Don't miss a free performance from Roc City Singers.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Mini Makers Market | 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Shop from local artists, crafters, designers, DIYers, and confectioners during Roc Holiday Village’s two-night Mini Makers Market inside the cozy Gingerbread House!
Band Karaoke | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sing your ho ho hearts out at our popular Band Karaoke events inside The Triple-O Lodge on the Simcona Stage. Ever want to be the lead singer of a band? Well, now’s your chance! In fact, you’ll be singing lead with a live band when they take the Simcona Stage for two nights only!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Silent Disco | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Presented by Dick's House of Sport
Dance under the lights at the ice rink during our Silent Disco nights! Grab a pair of wireless headphones, choose your favorite music channel, and skate or dance along with friends to your own beat. It’s a fun, free, and unforgettable way to celebrate the season at Roc Holiday Village!
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Holiday Floral Class | 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Ticketed event
Join us for a festive, hands-on Holiday Floral Class with Hill Holiday Décor inside the Gingerbread House! Learn how to create a classic holiday centerpiece using fresh evergreens, seasonal florals, and festive accents.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Paint & Sip | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Ticketed event
Get into the festive spirit and let your creativity flow with a one-of-a-kind holiday Paint & Sip experience inside the Gingerbread House! Whether you prefer to follow a guided demo or free-paint your own seasonal masterpiece, everything you need will be provided to make it a memorable night.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
Story Time with Anna & Elsa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Ticketed event
Join us for an enchanting, one-of-a-kind experience with your favorite winter royalty, Anna and Elsa! Inside the Triple-O Lodge, guests will enjoy a delightful holiday performance featuring stories and songs led by the beloved winter sisters. Children and adults alike will be swept up in the magic of this heartwarming event.
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
Curling Demo | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join the Rochester Curling Club on the ice for a live curling demonstration! Learn how this popular winter sport is played, see techniques in action, and even try a few slides yourself. Fun for all ages and a great way to experience something new at Roc Holiday Village!
2nd Annual 5K in Partnership with Wolfpack Multisport | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Run, a festive 5K through downtown Rochester that kicks off at Roc Holiday Village! Lace up for this fun and spirited run that celebrates fitness, community, and holiday cheer.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Trivia Night | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
The Gingerbread House turns into a festive spot for fun and friendly competition during our holiday Trivia Nights. Gather your team, grab a drink, and test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to holiday classics.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
Story Time with Santa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Ticketed event
Join us for a magical, one-of-a-kind experience with the big man himself! After the story and sing-along, children can enjoy donuts and cocoa, take photos with Santa, color pictures, and decorate sugar cookies. Cookie decorating is an optional add-on for an additional fee.
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Visit Santa's Workshop | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Step inside Santa’s Workshop to share your Christmas wishes! The Roc Holiday Village team will snap a photo of you with Santa and print a free 4×6 keepsake to take home.
Christmas Celebration | 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the joy of the season with festive crafts, Christmas carols, and more! Enjoy holiday music, creative activities, and the warmth of community as we gather to share in the spirit of Christmas.
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Don't miss a free performance from School of the Arts Show Choir at noon followed by a free performance by Prime Time Brass Band at 5:00.
Genesee Figure Skating Club Performance | 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Presented by Dick's House of Sport
Enjoy a dazzling on-ice performance by the talented skaters of the Genesee Figure Skating Club. Watch graceful routines and impressive spins as they bring the holiday spirit to life in this festive showcase for all ages.
Learn to Skate with Genesee Figure Skating Club | 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Dick's House of Sport
Slide onto the ice for a Learn to Skate session led by members of the Genesee Figure Skating Club! Skaters of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join, learn basic techniques, and have fun with guidance from experienced instructors.
IACKids Parade of Hope | 5:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Presented by IACKids
On Santa’s final night, Sunday, Dec. 21, Prime Time Brass Band will perform around The Village and inside The Lodge Bar. At approximately 5:45 PM, they’ll parade with Santa throughout the Village in a glowing farewell before he heads back to the North Pole.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
Free Ice Skating | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
The Rec Room | 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
After Christmas, Santa’s Workshop transforms into The Rec Room — a fun, family-friendly arcade featuring a variety of free-to-play games for all ages!
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Gingerbread House for free crafts for kids all season long! A variety of easy, handmade projects will keep little ones busy (and happy) inside a cozy heated tent. Craft themes vary by day and are perfect for children of all ages.
The Rec Room | 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
After Christmas, Santa’s Workshop transforms into The Rec Room — a fun, family-friendly arcade featuring a variety of free-to-play games for all ages!
Free Music in the Triple-O Lounge on the Simcona Stage | 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Round up your friends and come on down to savor some fantastic music while enjoying a drink from the bar.
Paint & Sip | 8:30 p.m. - 10: 30 p.m. | Ticketed event
Get into the festive spirit and let your creativity flow with a one-of-a-kind holiday Paint & Sip experience inside the Gingerbread House! Whether you prefer to follow a guided demo or free-paint your own seasonal masterpiece, everything you need will be provided to make it a memorable night.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park. Enjoy free skating, free skate rentals, and skate helpers, with gratitude to Wegmans!
Three Kings' Day Celebration | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Three Kings’ Day with live music and crafts honoring this cherished tradition. Enjoy a joyful day filled with culture, creativity, and community as we mark the final day of the holiday season together.
The Rec Room | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
After Christmas, Santa’s Workshop transforms into The Rec Room — a fun, family-friendly arcade featuring a variety of free-to-play games for all ages!
