Rochester in December 2025: Top 10 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Season

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Last updated: November 27, 2025

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Rochester comes alive with warmth, light, and festive spirit during December and the holiday season. This guide includes a list of 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

8. Plan Actives 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.

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.

More December 2025 Events

Chronological highlights for 2025—verify hours, tickets, and venue updates before you go.

• Through Dec 6: Festival of Trees, Granger Homestead, Canandaigua
• Through Dec 7: OFC’s Broadway in Brighton Series™ Presents Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
• Through Dec 12: The Writing’s on the Wall – a WALL\THERAPY Primer
• Through Dec 21 (weekends), plus Dec 23: Polar Express, Medina Railroad Museum
• Through Dec 23: Holiday Show, Image City Photography Gallery
• Through Dec 29, various dates: Holiday Visits with the Reindeer, Shortsville Reindeer Farm
• Through Dec 28: A Christmas Carol, Geva Theatre
• Through Dec. 31: Wonderland of Trees, Holland Land Office Museum, Batavia
• Through Jan 4, 2026: Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display, George Eastman Museum
• Through Jan 4, 2026: Holiday Laser Show, RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
• Through Jan 5, 2026: Festival of Lights at Fatima Shrine, Youngstown
• Through Jan 12, 2026: Lights on the Lake, Onondaga Lake Park (Syracuse)
• Through Mar 1, 2026: Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum, Memorial Art Gallery
• Dec 2: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, RBTL
• Dec 2: A Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala, Kodak Center
• Dec 2: Pittsford Candlelight Night
• Dec 2–26: Holiday Spectacular at West Wind Farm
• Dec 3: Straight, No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour, RBTL
• Dec 4: Park Ave Holiday Open House, Rochester
• Dec 4: Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour
• Dec 4: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage, Kodak Center
• Dec 5: First Friday—Citywide Gallery Night
• Dec 5: Ugly Sweater Silent Disco Party, ARTISANworks
• Dec 5, 6, 12, 13: Real Santa Train Rides to the North Pole at the R&GVRR Museum
• Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, & 20: Yuletide in the Country, Genesee Country Village
• Dec 5–7, Same Holiday Show, Different Title!, Lovin’ Cup
• Dec 6: First Friday, Rochester
• Dec 6: Liberty Pole lighting ceremony, Rochester
• Dec 6: Home Alone: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin Following a 35th Anniversary Screening, RBTL
• Dec 6: W. Kamau Bell – Who’s With Me?, Nazareth University Arts Center Callahan Theater
• Dec 6: Child Advocacy Center’s 2025 Holiday Lights Tour begins
• Dec 6: The Light of Ukrainian Christmas, Galicia Restaurant
• Dec 6: Corn Hill Holiday Tour of Homes 2025 (sold out)
• Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, and 24: Dickens Christmas, Skaneateles
• Dec 6–7: Holiday Open House, Corning Museum of Glass
• Dec 6–7: Christmas Gala 2025: Sounds of the Season, Roberts Wesleyan
• Dec 6–29: Roc Holiday Village, Rochester
• Dec 6–Jan 11, 2026: Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show, Rochester
• Dec 6, Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus presents Yuletide Radiance: From Darkness to Light,
• Hochstein Performance Hall
• Dec 7, Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus presents Yuletide Radiance: From Darkness to Light, Downtown United Presbyterian Church
• Dec 7: The Drifters, The Platters, and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, RBTL
• Dec 7, Holiday Gala, Nazareth University
• Dec 7: Frosty in Snowland, Orkidstra, RPO at Hochstein
• Dec 7: Spencerport’s Enchanted Village Celebration
• Sun, Dec 7, 14 (8 a.m.–2 p.m.) and Thu, Dec 18 (6–9 p.m.): Holidays at the Rochester Public Market
• Dec 7, 13, 14: Holly Trolley Rides, New York Museum of Transportation
• Dec. 7, 21: Holiday Open House, Genesee Country Village
• Dec 8, Jessica Lynn’s A Very Merry Christmas, Innovation Square
• Dec 9–14: & Julia the Musical, RBTL
• Dec 11: Kodak Hall Series Presents: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, featuring Jeff Coffin & Alash – Jingle All the Way, Eastman School of Music
• Dec 11–14: Home For The Holidays with The Calamari Sisters, OFC Creations
• Dec 11–28: Rumors, Blackfriars Theatre
• Dec 12–14: It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, Seneca Falls
• Dec 12–14, 17–23: Christmas at RCCM, Gates
• Dec 13: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, Kodak Center
• Dec 13: The Gilmour Project, Innovation Square
• Dec 14: Rochester TubaChristmas, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
• Dec 14: Santa Stamped, a three-mile community walk, Rochester
• Dec 18: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, Kodak Center
• Dec 18, Nutcracker Grand Kyiv Ballet, Innovation Square
• Dec 18: Third Thursday Concert, Memorial Art Gallery
• Dec 18: Holiday Hams, Comedy at the Carlson
• Dec 18–Jan 4, 2026: OFC’s Broadway in Brighton Series™ Presents Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
• Dec 19: Jim Birckman: The Gift of Christmas, RBTL
• Dec 19-21: Gala Holiday Pops, RPO
• Dec 20: Ugly Sweater Christmas Silent Disco, Montage
• Dec 20: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings, Temple Theater
• Dec 20: Nuts & Bolts Comedy Improv Rickles Room XMAS!, Comedy at the Carlson
• Dec 20: Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus presents ‘A Ukrainian Christmas’, St Josaphat’s
• Dec 20: Christmas Carolcade, East Aurora
• Dec 20: Rutabaga Curl, Ithaca
• Dec 21: The Rochester Theater Organ Society (RTOS) Presents: A Holiday Concert, RBTL
• Dec 21: Reindeer Run 5K & Kids 1/2 Mile, Rochester
• Dec 31: New Year’s Eve with Todd Youngman, Comedy at the Carlson
• Dec 31: Vinnie & Tommy’s Adult New Year’s Eve Rickles Room, Comedy at the Carlson

What are your favorite things to do in December to get into the holiday spirit?

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