Embrace the cold-weather winter wonderland of Rochester, NY to celebrate the holiday season during the sixth 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 and Hanukkah, and more.
With 17 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:
- Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Thursdays 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Fridays 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars for additional shopping with the Roc Holiday Village Mini Maker Market happening on Wednesday, December 11 and 18.
2024 Shopping Village Food & Drink Vendors:
- The Chai Guy
- Duke's Donuts
- Tony Pepperoni
- La Bola
- Bozza Pasta
- Mercury Coffee
The Lodge
Eat, drink, and be merry during the Roc Holiday Village with The Lodge Bar, Village Food & Drink Vendors, as well as the exclusive private winter igloos. The Lodge is where you’ll enjoy drinks from the bar stocked with wine and beer. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, relax and enjoy free live music. Take a stroll down to Court Street outside to discover a variety of food trucks at Frosty’s Food Court, where you’ll find a variety of food truck plus seating arrangements for your convenience.
Special Events By Date
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
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 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the T-Mobile Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
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 | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the T-Mobile Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Liberty Pole Lighting & Parade | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The annual Liberty Pole Lighting will include a new Lantern Parade to Roc Holiday Village held in conjunction with the City of Rochester and Downtown Definitely.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
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 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Sled Hockey Demo | 11:00 am - 1:00 p.m.
Get ready for an action-packed sled hockey demo on the outdoor ice rink led by the Rochester Accessible Adventures’ Rochester Sled Hawks.
Hanukkah Celebration | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Join the Rochester community for a fun Hanukkah Celebration presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Rochester and PJ Library! The day features free ice-skating, storytelling, and Hanukkah crafts.
WEDNESDAY, 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 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the T-Mobile Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Band Karaoke | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sing with the band Up2Somethin’ inside The Lodge Bar! A list of songs will be available as well as a monitor to follow along with the lyrics in true karaoke fashion.
THURSDAY, 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 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
1911 Bar Tasting | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Experience the essence of quality and innovation with a free bar tasting of 1911 Established Hard Ciders (for guests 21 years and older).
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the T-Mobile Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Silent Disco | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Experience a Silent Disco on the ice! Skate with your loved ones and friends while enjoying music through a personal headset provided to you free of charge.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
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 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the T-Mobile Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Stella Artois Bar Tasting | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a free bar tasting featuring the iconic Stella Artois (for guests 21 years and older).
Live Music – ISquare | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
Trivia Night | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Step into the holiday magic of the Simcona Gingerbread House as it transforms into a cozy hub of festive fun for our Trivia Night. Trivia is FREE to attend, but a suggested donation at the door helps spread even more holiday cheer.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Story Time with Anna & Elsa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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 be treated to a holiday performance by Anna and Elsa. Children and adults alike will be delighted by a story and sing-along led by the winter sisters. (Ticketed)
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!
Curling Demo | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Watch a free curling demonstration on the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park.
Visit Santa | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Sled Hockey Demo | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Watch a free sled hockey demonstration on the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park.
Paint & Sip Night | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Get into the festive spirit and let your creativity flow with a one-of-a-kind holiday Paint & Sip experience! Whether you’re ready to follow a guided demo or feel like free-painting your own seasonal masterpiece, we’ve got everything you need to make it special. (Sold out)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
Story Time with Santa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Guests will listen to a holiday story read by Santa Claus and a holiday sing-along led by Mr. Loops inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Rochester Area Community Foundation and Triple-O-Lodge.
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 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Kwanzaa Celebration | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Kwanzaa with storytelling and crafts throughout the day.
Free Crafts For Kids | 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Genesee Figure Skating Club Performance and Learn to Skate | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Watch a free skating performance and Learn to Skate at the outdoor ice rink at MLK Park by Genesee Figure Skating Club.
WEDNESDAY, 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 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Mini Makers Market | 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Roc Holiday Village is proud to host a variety of local makers of handmade goods inside of the Simcona Gingerbread House tent. Here you’ll find artists, crafters, designers, DIYers, and confectioneries! Join us and support our local businesses and entrepreneurs while checking off your holiday shopping list!
Band Karaoke | 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sing with the band Up2Somethin’ inside The Lodge Bar! A list of songs will be available as well as a monitor to follow along with the lyrics in true karaoke fashion.
THURSDAY, 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 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the T-Mobile Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Live Music – Jacob Merril Quartet | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar
Silent Disco | 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Experience a Silent Disco on the ice! Skate with your loved ones and friends while enjoying music through a personal headset provided to you free of charge.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
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!
Three Kings’ Day Holiday Celebration | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for a Three Kings’ Day Holiday Celebration presented by the Puerto Rican Festival.
Visit Santa | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Stella Artois Bar Tasting | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a free bar tasting featuring the iconic Stella Artois (for guests 21 years and older).
Live Music – Mike Melito Trio | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
A Christmas Story – Free Movie Screening | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Get cozy and relive the timeless charm of A Christmas Story at The Simcona Gingerbread House. This special movie night is free for all! Space is limited, so arrive early for a chance to join in the fun—first come, first served!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Story Time with Santa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Guests will listen to a holiday story read by Santa Claus and a holiday sing-along led by Mr. Loops inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Rochester Area Community Foundation and Triple-O-Lodge.
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 | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa for a photo, to mail letters with all of your Christmas wishes, enjoy a free, delicious cookie from Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, and more!
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club Performance | 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Details TBD
Learn to Skate With the Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club | 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
We are excited to offer a short and informal Learn to Skate class. Two coaches will be available, and older skaters will be there to assist. A portion of the rink will remain open for participants to enjoy free skating during the public skate. No sign-up is required, and the class is completely free.
Live Music – Cora & Liam | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
Live Music – Beggars Will Ride | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
Winter Wonderland 5K Run | 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join the inaugural 5K in partnership with Wolfpack Multisport. The starting line and finish line will be on Chestnut St. between Woodbury and Court.
Elf – Free Movie Screening | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Join us for a night of festive fun with everyone’s favorite holiday comedy, Elf in the Simcona Gingerbread House. The movie event is free for everyone! Space is limited, so arrive early for a chance to join in the fun—first come, first served!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
Story Time with Anna & Elsa | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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 be treated to a holiday performance by Anna and Elsa. Children and adults alike will be delighted by a story and sing-along led by the winter sisters. (Ticketed)
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!
Christmas Celebration | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Details TBD
Visit Santa | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Visit with Santa in the Gingerbread House, tell him what you want for Christmas, and have a photo taken with the jolly guy. You will receive an instant printed 4×6 copy for free. No worries about the wait, when you arrive, they’ll take your name and number and send you a text when it’s your turn with Santa!
Prime Time Brass Band | 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
On Santa’s final night, Prime Time Brass Band will performing around The Village and in The Lodge Bar. Around 5:45 p.m., Santa will parade through the Village one last time before we say goodbye until next year.
THURSDAY, 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.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
The Rec Room | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Free-to-play arcade games take over Santa's Workshop transforming the space into the ultimate gaming haven.
Live Music – Beggar Will Ride | 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
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.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
The Rec Room | 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Free-to-play arcade games take over Santa's Workshop transforming the space into the ultimate gaming haven.
Live Music – ISquare | 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
Trivia Night | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Step into the holiday magic of the Simcona Gingerbread House as it transforms into a cozy hub of festive fun for our Trivia Night. Trivia is FREE to attend, but a suggested donation at the door helps spread even more holiday cheer.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
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!
Studio East Dance Company Performance | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Meet at the Lodge for a free and inspiring dance performance by talented dancers from Studio East Dance Company. A celebration of movement and emotion you won’t want to miss.
Free Crafts For Kids | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Embrace your children's creative side and join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for FREE crafts for kids! A variety of easy handmade craft projects will keep your little ones busy (and happy) inside of the heated tent structure. Themes vary by day and are appropriate for kids of all ages!
The Rec Room | 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Free-to-play arcade games take over Santa's Workshop transforming the space into the ultimate gaming haven.
Live Music – Daniel Atkinson | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Meet up at the Lodge for festive live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening on the Lodge Stage. Gather your friends and enjoy fantastic tunes while sipping on drinks from the bar.
Paint & Sip Night | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Get into the festive spirit and let your creativity flow with a one-of-a-kind holiday Paint & Sip experience! Whether you’re ready to follow a guided demo or feel like free-painting your own seasonal masterpiece, we’ve got everything you need to make it special. (Sold out)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Free Ice Skating | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 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.
Join us in the Simcona Gingerbread House for the Three Kings’ Day Celebration, proudly presented by the Puerto Rican Festival. This festive event will be filled with lively music and an array of handcrafted creations, perfect for all ages.
The Rec Room | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Free-to-play arcade games take over Santa's Workshop transforming the space into the ultimate gaming haven.
For more information on Roc Holiday Village and additional event details, visit rocholidayvillage.com. Don't forget to share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #VisitROC and #ROCHOLIDAYVILLAGE.
