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roc holiday village ice skating cover

Roc Holiday Village 2024

The 17-day Roc Holiday Village festival (December 6–29, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) kicks off on the first full weekend of December. In the heart of downtown, the charming holiday village offers a range of free holiday-themed activities and community events, including free ice skating with rentals, a holiday shopping village, cozy igloos, live music, free crafts for kids, Santa visits, fire pits, and food and drinks from indoor and outdoor bars.

Located at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, Roc Holiday Village creates a joyful space for the entire Rochester community and is the quintessential December destination. It’s an enchanting, delightful, magical must-do experience. For the most up-to-date information, including tips on parking, special events, and weather notifications, visit rocholidayvillage.com.

Events Around Rochester Holiday Lights: Liberty Pole
Liberty Pole on Main Street

While opening night for the 2024 village is Friday, December 6, the official kickoff to Rochester’s holiday season is Saturday. After the Liberty Pole lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 7, enjoy a Sanda-led procession from Main Street to the village at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.

ROC Holiday Village fireside seating
Fireside Seating

Wandering around the village’s winter-friendly tents and igloos, it feels like a small countryside village main street. Sprinkled along the way are fire-side seating areas and tasty treats.

ROC Holiday Village daytime free ice skating sign
Free Ice Skating

The ice skating rink is open for free skating, and skate rentals are available, though there is a limited supply—bring your own if you have them. Make a day of it by spending time next door at The Strong National Museum of Play. Its own parking garage makes it super convenient.

ROC Holiday Village daytime the lodge
ROC Holiday Village party igloo
ROC Holiday Village enter shops
ROC Holiday Village I Love ROC tree
ROC Holiday Village Santa Claus
ROC Holiday Village ice skating building

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Tell us about your experience at Roc Holiday Village!


I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.

I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.

If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.

Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.

Thank you!
Debi

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