Get ready for a holiday adventure in Rochester! Our guide features all the exciting festive events. Whether you're rediscovering Rochester or exploring it for the first time, our guide leads you to the holiday fun.
Among the highlights this season is the Historic Mayowood Holiday Tour, where visitors can step back in time to experience the elegant decorations and festive atmosphere of this historic estate. The Saltbox Fall Small Business Market also offers a unique opportunity to support local artisans while browsing a variety of handmade gifts. And the Holiday Bazaar is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an array of local crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rochester
- Historic Mayowood Holiday Tour
- Holiday Bazaar
- Saltbox Fall Small Business Market
- Christmas Market
- Holiday Family Fun Day
- Reindeer Craft - Postville (Postville)
- Santa's Workshop
- Holiday Craft Fair
- Holiday Concert Series
- Gingerbread House Making
See these and even more events listed below!
Rochester Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights Display
What to Expect:
Unique themed light displays along a scenic golf course path.
Description:
A drive-through Christmas light display featuring over 20 installations along a mile and a half path through the rolling hills of Victor Hills Golf Club, offering a family-friendly holiday outing with various themed displays.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Lights Display
Rochester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Saltbox Fall Small Business Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and small businesses selling handmade goods.
Description:
The Saltbox Fall Small Business Market is a seasonal event where local artisans and small businesses showcase their unique products, offering a variety of handmade goods, crafts, and holiday items.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Saltbox Fall Small Business Market
Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
A five-floor arts and crafts festival with diverse exhibitors.
Description:
The Holiday Bazaar at the Rochester Museum & Science Center features a juried show with over 150 exhibitors showcasing creative fine arts and unique crafts, including ceramics, jewelry, glass, woodwork, paintings, photography, and more.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Bazaar
Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Cozy winter igloos and igloo inn experiences.
Description:
Roc Holiday Village is a festive holiday event in Rochester, NY, featuring visits with Santa, ice skating, a shopping village, food and drink options, and various activities for all ages.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Christmas Market
Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and handcrafted items from local vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Craft and Gift Show at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN, features over 120 vendors offering handcrafted items, unique gifts, jewelry, and more. This event is a great place to find one-of-a-kind products while supporting local businesses.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Craft Fair
Holiday Cookie Exchange
What to Expect:
Judging of holiday cookies in four categories.
Description:
The Holiday Cookie Exchange at the Rochester Public Market features a contest where local bakers submit their holiday cookies for judging in categories like taste, texture, originality, and presentation. Winners receive coveted Market Gift Tokens.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Cookie Exchange
Rochester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Concert Series
What to Expect:
Classical music performances celebrating winter holidays.
Description:
The Holiday Concert Series by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra features classical music performances, including Handel's Messiah and Gala Holiday Pops, with the Festival High School Chorale. These events celebrate the winter holidays with iconic melodies and soaring arias.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Concert Series
Holiday Movie Night
What to Expect:
Live orchestral accompaniment to classic holiday films.
Description:
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra presents Holiday Movie Night, featuring classic holiday films accompanied by live orchestral performances.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Movie Night
Holiday Caroling
What to Expect:
Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale.
Description:
Join Rochester Civic Theatre for a spectacular musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Follow miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. This holiday tradition is perfect for sharing with the whole family.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Caroling
Rochester Holiday Giving Opportunities
Holiday Volunteer Day
What to Expect:
Community-driven volunteer initiative.
Description:
Join United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes for a day of community service, where volunteers can make a meaningful difference in their neighborhoods. This event fosters collaboration and collective impact, bringing together diverse individuals to address local challenges.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Volunteer Day
Holiday Food Drive
What to Expect:
Community-driven initiative to combat food insecurity.
Description:
Foodlink's Holiday Food Drive aims to collect and distribute essential food items to those in need, fostering community unity and addressing food insecurity.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Food Drive
Rochester Other Holiday Activities
Historic Mayowood Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday transformation of a historic mansion.
Description:
Historic Mayowood Mansion is transformed into a 2024 Christmas extravaganza by community volunteers, showcasing history, glitz, and glamour.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Historic Mayowood Holiday Tour
Reindeer Craft - Postville
What to Expect:
Holiday crafting event with reindeer-themed activities.
Description:
Join Creative Workshops NEIA for a fun-filled holiday crafting event featuring reindeer-themed crafts and activities.
Where: Postville | More Info: Reindeer Craft - Postville
Holiday Family Fun Day
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treat stations and spooky science demos.
Description:
Holiday Family Fun Day features trick-or-treat stations, slime-making, and spooky science demos for a safe and fun Halloween experience.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Family Fun Day
Santa's Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on crafting and festive treats.
Description:
Join Santa's Workshop for a fun-filled afternoon of crafting, hot cocoa, and cookies. Design delightful gift wrapping paper and make adorable hand-crafted Christmas ornaments to wrap inside. This is a great opportunity for young DIY gift-makers to create something special.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Santa's Workshop
Gingerbread House Making
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday activity with comprehensive kits.
Description:
Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun with gingerbread house making. Each ticket includes one gingerbread house kit that serves 2-5 people, with all supplies and instruction provided by the staff.