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Rochester comes alive with warmth, light, and festive spirit during December and the holiday season. This guide features the city’s most cherished traditions, including heartwarming performances, vibrant holiday markets, nostalgic activities, and captivating outdoor light displays.
1. Enjoy Christmas Lights Around Town
One of Rochester’s most dazzling seasonal traditions: holiday lights! Cruise through neighborhoods or explore over-the-top displays like the Genesee Brew House Keg Tree, Shamrock Jack’s Jameson Bottle Tree, and Bauman’s Farm Christmas Tunnel. Don’t miss curated light trails like the Child Advocacy Center’s Holiday Lights Tour, or organized spectacles like Lights on the Lake.
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2. Wander Roc Holiday Village
Martin Luther King Jr. Park | Dec 5–28, 2025
Skate under the lights, sip cocoa in a heated igloo, shop the festive village, and visit Santa—all in the heart of downtown. A local tradition packed with free, family-friendly fun and cozy community vibes.
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3. Experience the Holidays at the George Eastman Museum
East Avenue glows with nostalgia each December, and the George Eastman Museum offers a full lineup of festive delights. Wander through the Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display, bid on artist-designed wreaths and trees, and settle in for a classic film at the historic Dryden Theatre—think It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and more.
Holiday Movies at the Dryden:
- Nov 28: A Christmas Story
- Nov 29 (2 p.m.): A Christmas Story
- Nov 29: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- Dec 2: Hell’s Heroes
- Dec 5: It’s a Wonderful Life
- Dec 6 (2 p.m.): National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- Dec 6: Deaf Santa Claus
- Dec 10: It’s a Wonderful Life
- Dec 13 (2 p.m.): It’s a Wonderful Life
- Dec 18: A Christmas Carol
- Dec 20 (2 p.m.): A Christmas Carol
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4. Explore Lamberton Conservatory’s Holiday Show
Step into warmth and color among poinsettias, tropical blooms, and twinkle lights. The Lamberton Conservatory transforms into a lush indoor escape perfect for a winter’s day wander.
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5. Step Back in Time at Genesee Country Village
Explore “Yuletide in the Country” with historical tours, holiday teas, and Breakfast with St. Nick. The village streets, candlelit windows, and costumed interpreters bring old-fashioned charm to life.
- Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, & 20: Yuletide in the Country
- Dec 10, 11, 16, 17, 18: Holiday Afternoon Teas
- Dec 7, 21: Breakfast with St. Nick
- Dec 7, 21: Holiday Open House
For more information, please visit gcv.org.
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6. Shop Local at Holiday Markets & Shops
Find handcrafted gifts and festive flair at seasonal markets like The Yards Holiday Bazaar, ROC Public Market, Birdhouse Brewing, and more. It’s a joyful way to check off your gift list and support local makers.
- Nov 28, 29, 30, Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21: The Market at Birdhouse Brewing Co., Honeoye
- Dec 5–7: The Yards Collective Holiday Bazaar, Rochester
- Dec 6: It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Festival, Rochester
- Dec 6: Let’s ROC Holiday Market at 962 East Ave, Rochester
- Dec 6: The Art Haus a Gifted Soiree – Art Exhibition, The Urban League
- Dec 7: Let’s ROC Holiday Market at Eagle Vale, Rochester
- Dec 13: Wintercraft at Flower City Arts Center, Rochester
- Dec. 22: Themata Last Minute Monday Market, Rochester
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7. Take a Books & Coffee Break
For the perfect quiet escape this December, pair the warmth of a local coffee shop with the charm of an independent bookstore. Some spots, like Bookeater and Siren and the Sea, bring the best of both worlds together—offering espresso drinks right alongside thoughtfully curated shelves. Others invite you to create your own pairing, like browsing Book Culture in Pittsford before walking across the street to Collier’s Café for a cozy latte, or exploring Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport, followed by a sweet treat at Java Junction. However you combine them, books and coffee are always a good idea—and a perfectly slow, satisfying way to spend a December day.
perfect pairings
8. Plan Activities for the Holiday School Break
Holiday Break, or December Break, including the weekends, runs from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Looking for ways to keep kids entertained during the holiday school break? This guide covers the best indoor and outdoor adventures around Rochester. No matter the weather, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the holiday break memorable.
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9. Check Out a Festive Display
Genesee Keg Tree
December, Rochester, Facebook
Aman’s Farm & Market
December, Irondequoit, amansfarmandmarket.com
Bauman’s Farm Market Christmas Tunnel
December, Webster, baumansfarmmarket.com
Shamrock Jack’s Jameson Bottle Tree
December, shamrockjacks.com
Edgerton Model Railroad Room
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, edgertonmodelrailroadclub.com
Garden Factory Model Train Display
December Weekends, Gates, gardenfactoryny.com
10. Looking Ahead: New Year’s Eve & First Day Hikes
As the month winds down, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead—whether you’re planning a festive night out or a peaceful way to begin the new year. New Year’s Eve celebrations around Rochester range from family-friendly events to concerts, dinners, and downtown festivities (Roc Holiday Village often extends into the 31st with special programming). But if you’re craving a quieter start to 2026, consider joining one of the many First Day Hikes hosted across New York State parks on January 1st. It’s a tradition that encourages reflection, movement, and connection with nature—no resolutions required. Make a habit of starting the year with intention.
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Explore things to do around Rochester in November or start planning ahead with things to do in January.
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What are your favorite things to do in December to get into the holiday spirit?
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I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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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.
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Debi
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