Feel the joy of the holiday season in Rochester! Our guide has all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're deeply rooted in Rochester or just branching out, this guide maximizes your holiday joy.
Popular events this season include the picturesque Roc Holiday Village, where visitors can explore local vendors and enjoy seasonal treats. Another highlight is RPO's The Nutcracker, a classic ballet performance that brings the enchanting story to life with mesmerizing music and choreography. And the Holidays at the Rochester Public Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique gifts and fresh holiday fare. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rochester
- Roc Holiday Village
- RPO's The Nutcracker
- Christmas at RCCM (Gates)
- Holidays at the Rochester Public Market
- Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum Santa Train Rides (Rush)
- Holly Trolley Rides at the New York Museum of Transportation (West Henrietta)
- A Christmas Carol by Geva
- The Nutcracker by Rochester Broadway Theatre League
- Gala Holiday Pops by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
- Holiday Show at Lamberton Conservatory
See these and even more events listed below!
Rochester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Roc Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Cozy winter igloos and free ice skating.
Description:
Roc Holiday Village is a family-friendly holiday event in downtown Rochester, featuring visits with Santa, ice skating, a shopping village, food and drink options, and various activities for all ages.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Roc Holiday Village
Holidays at the Rochester Public Market
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with local vendors and festive activities.
Description:
The Rochester Public Market transforms into a holiday hub with dozens of vendors selling fresh-cut trees, decorations, specialty foods, and hand-crafted items. Kids can visit Santa, and everyone can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides amidst festive music and holiday lights.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holidays at the Rochester Public Market
Rochester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
RPO's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
Description:
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Rochester City Ballet celebrate 25 years of The Nutcracker at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. This timeless tale of a young girl's Christmas Eve dream features delightful dance paired with Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, creating a captivating holiday tradition.
Where: Rochester | More Info: RPO's The Nutcracker
Christmas at RCCM
What to Expect:
Nationally acclaimed Christmas episode with live shows every 20 minutes.
Description:
Christmas at RCCM offers a variety of shows and attractions, including live performances and interactive exhibits, creating a festive atmosphere filled with Christmas cheer.
Where: Gates | More Info: Christmas at RCCM
Gala Holiday Pops by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday concert featuring a renowned conductor and high school chorale.
Description:
Celebrate the winter holidays with Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Festival High School Chorale. This beloved tradition has been a staple in Rochester for over three decades, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Gala Holiday Pops by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
The Nutcracker by Rochester Broadway Theatre League
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Rochester Broadway Theatre League features a world-class ballet performance with an international all-star cast, blending ballet, whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. The event celebrates America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, making it a pure holiday experience for all ages.
Where: Rochester | More Info: The Nutcracker by Rochester Broadway Theatre League
A Christmas Carol by Geva
What to Expect:
New adaptation by Harrison David Rivers.
Description:
Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, returns to Geva Theatre in a new adaptation by Playwright in Residence Harrison David Rivers. Over the course of a single night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, prompting him to change his "humbug" ways. Filled with humor, heart, hope, and a little bit of horror, this production reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
Where: Rochester | More Info: A Christmas Carol by Geva
Holiday Show at Lamberton Conservatory
What to Expect:
Tropical holiday lights and decorations.
Description:
The Holiday Show at Lamberton Conservatory features a vibrant display of holiday lights and decorations, showcasing the conservatory's tropical environment in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Show at Lamberton Conservatory
Rochester Other Holiday Activities
Holly Trolley Rides at the New York Museum of Transportation
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with trolley rides and model railroads.
Description:
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the New York Museum of Transportation, ride a holiday-decorated trolley, and see model railroad action while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Where: West Henrietta | More Info: Holly Trolley Rides at the New York Museum of Transportation
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum Santa Train Rides
What to Expect:
Unique holiday train ride experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, take a vintage diesel train ride through bucolic museum grounds to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, and tour the largest collection of historic trains in New York State.
Where: Rush | More Info: Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum Santa Train Rides
Skate with Santa at DICK’S House of Sport
What to Expect:
Heated tent available during open skate sessions.
Description:
Skate with Santa at DICK’S House of Sport offers a fun winter experience with open skate sessions, Glow Skate Fridays, and special events like Skate Princess.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Skate with Santa at DICK’S House of Sport
Reindeer Run 5K & Kids Half Mile
What to Expect:
Family-friendly winter race with electronic timing and digital finisher certificates.
Description:
The Reindeer Run 5K & Kids Half Mile is a family-friendly winter race at Blue Cross Arena, featuring electronic RFID timing and digital finisher certificates for all participants.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Reindeer Run 5K & Kids Half Mile
Corn Hill Holiday Tour Of Homes
What to Expect:
Historic home tour with diverse architectural styles.
Description:
Explore six beautifully decorated homes in the historic Corn Hill neighborhood, featuring a variety of architectural styles and a refreshment stop.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Corn Hill Holiday Tour Of Homes
First-Day Hikes at Highland, Letchworth, and Genesee Valley Greenway
What to Expect:
Celebratory outdoor hikes marking the start of New York State Parks' Centennial year.
Description:
Join First-Day Hikes at Highland, Letchworth, and Genesee Valley Greenway for family-friendly hikes ranging from one to five miles, exploring New York's beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage.
Where: Various | More Info: First-Day Hikes at Highland, Letchworth, and Genesee Valley Greenway
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Brighton (3 miles)
- Irondequoit (4 miles)
- Henrietta (7 miles)