Get an overview of the holiday season in Rochester! Our guide includes all the key festive events. Whether you're deeply connected to Rochester or just making connections, this guide enhances your holiday experience.
Popular events during the season include the enchanting Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the community gathers to light up the festive season with laughter and joy. Featuring a charming train ride through twinkling lights, Santa’s Holiday Express promises unique memories for families of all ages. And the captivating A Christmas Carol starring Gerald Dickens is something you definitely don't want to miss as it brings classic literature to life amidst the holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rochester
- A Christmas Carol starring Gerald Dickens (Manchester)
- Santa’s Holiday Express (Wolfeboro)
- Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Capital Jazz Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops” (Concord)
- Holiday Parade
- White Christmas: A Strafford Wind Symphony Concert
- Elf on the Shelf
See these and even more events listed below!
Rochester Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting ceremony with festive activities.
Description:
Join the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Square in downtown Rochester. The evening includes caroling, a reading of "The Night Before Christmas," dance performances, cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Rochester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol starring Gerald Dickens
What to Expect:
Energetic one-man performance with precise postures and distinct voices.
Description:
Witness Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, bring "A Christmas Carol" to life with his energetic one-man show. He portrays all 26 characters, using minimal props like a table, chair, and hat rack to vividly recreate the yuletide tale.
Where: Manchester | More Info: A Christmas Carol starring Gerald Dickens
Capital Jazz Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops”
What to Expect:
World premier pieces and audience sing-along.
Description:
The Capital Jazz Orchestra's "Holiday Pops" is an annual yuletide program featuring the orchestra, guest vocalists CJ and Laura Poole, and narrator Laura Knoy. The event includes world premier pieces based on "Silent Night" and "The Little Drummer Boy," musical chestnuts, an audience sing-along, and special surprises to leave everyone in the holiday spirit.
Where: Concord | More Info: Capital Jazz Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops”
White Christmas: A Strafford Wind Symphony Concert
What to Expect:
Challenging musical performances by a diverse group of musicians.
Description:
The Strafford Wind Symphony presents a captivating concert featuring traditional and contemporary holiday music, showcasing the ensemble's versatility and musical excellence.
Where: Rochester | More Info: White Christmas: A Strafford Wind Symphony Concert
Rochester Other Holiday Activities
Elf on the Shelf
What to Expect:
Hidden elves around downtown Rochester.
Description:
In downtown Rochester, find all 12 elves hiding around, each giving a ticket and a treat. Once you have all your tickets, visit Collec-tiques on North Main Street to enter them into the raffle.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Elf on the Shelf
Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas parade in Michigan with over 100 entries.
Description:
The Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade is an annual event held on the first Sunday in December, featuring over 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, and community groups, marching down a one and a half mile route in downtown Rochester, Michigan.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Parade
Santa’s Holiday Express
What to Expect:
Santa's hut opening with Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Santa Claus will open his hut with the help of Mrs. Claus at the end of the Christmas parade, offering a delightful conclusion to the festive event.
Where: Wolfeboro | More Info: Santa’s Holiday Express
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Dover (9 miles)
- Sanford (14 miles)
- Portsmouth (19 miles)
- East Concord (29 miles)
- Concord (29 miles)
- Biddeford (29 miles)
- Manchester (32 miles)
- Derry Village (33 miles)
- Derry (34 miles)
- West Scarborough (35 miles)
- Bedford (37 miles)
- Haverhill (37 miles)
- Salem (37 miles)
- Merrimack (40 miles)
- South Portland Gardens (40 miles)
- Methuen (41 miles)
- North Andover (43 miles)
- Portland (43 miles)
- South Portland (44 miles)
- Nashua (45 miles)