Rochester comes alive with warmth, light, and festive spirit during 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.
Explore a variety of activities to enjoy throughout November and December.
Featured Favorites
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display
November 9–January 5, 2025
George Eastman Museum
Celebrate the holiday season at the George Eastman Museum with festive displays and family-friendly events that capture the magic of this special time of year. Enjoy the beloved Sweet Creations Gingerbread Displays, a delightful showcase of intricate gingerbread creations. Admire the uniquely decorated wreaths in the Potter Peristyle and stroll through the historic mansion to see beautifully adorned tabletop trees created by local businesses. The Dryden Theatre also features a selection of festive films.
- Nov. 29: Elf
- Nov. 30 (2 p.m.): The Polar Express
- Nov. 30: Edward Scissorhands
- Dec. 7 (2 p.m.): Elf
- Dec. 13: Going My Way
- Dec. 20: Scrooge
- Dec. 21 (2 p.m.): Scrooge
- Dec. 21: Little Women
Don’t miss the Holiday Homecoming event on December 5, where guests can enjoy live music and visit Santa in the historic mansion. For more information, please visit eastman.org.
Holiday Laser Shows
November 16–January 5, 2025
RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
Enjoy this festive daytime laser light show synchronized with holiday music from November 16 to January 5, 2025. For more information, please visit rmsc.org.
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Rochester Museum & Science Center
Between the star shows, laser shows, interactive exhibits, and Singing Tesla Coils, the Rochester Museum and Science Center will entertain you for hours!
Lights on the Lake
November 18–January 13, 2025
Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool
The drive-through holiday light show at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool (Syracuse) features a two-mile route with towering displays, a fantasy forest, vibrant arches, and a magical fairy-tale ending. For more information, please visit lightsonthelake.com.
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Our 3 Favorite Neighborhoods with Spectacular Christmas Light Displays: 2024 Edition
Enjoy our favorite extreme Christmas lights around Rochester! These homeowners and communities go all out to celebrate the holiday season.
Dickens Christmas
November 29, 30,
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
Skaneateles
The World’s Smallest Parade, held the Friday after Thanksgiving, kicks off Skaneateles Dickens Christmas, a month-long weekend-only event. The festival continues every Saturday and Sunday, leading up to Christmas. Charles Dickens and other characters can be seen roaming the streets, shops, and restaurants, greeting guests and spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the village, caroling and plays at the gazebo, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. For more information, please visit skaneateles.com.
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Skaneateles Dickens Christmas 2024
Experience the magic of Skaneateles’ Dickens Christmas with festive performances, carriage rides, and a cast of merry-making characters.
Holidays at the Market
December 1, 8, 15 (8 a.m.–2 p.m.)
December 19 (6–9 p.m.)
Rochester Public Market
A beloved Rochester tradition, the Rochester Public Market hosts dozens of vendors offering fresh-cut trees, handmade gifts, specialty foods, and seasonal treats. Enjoy a visit with Santa and free horse-drawn carriage rides. A special evening market on Thursday, December 19, adds extra holiday cheer with extended hours, local shopping specials, and live entertainment. For more information, please visit cityofrochester.gov
Holiday Show
Friday, Dec. 6–Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025
Lamberton Conservatory
The Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show runs from the first full weekend in December (starting Friday) through early to mid-January. To appreciate the holiday lights after dark, enjoy evening hours on Friday and Sunday nights until 9 p.m. Saturday nights are reserved for weddings and wedding photos.
Roc Holiday Village
December 6–29
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park
The 17-day festival (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) kicks off on the first full weekend of December. After the Liberty Pole lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 7, enjoy a Santa-led procession from Main Street to the Roc Holiday Village. In the heart of downtown, the charming 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. For more information, please visit rocholidayvillage.com.
Holidays at the Genesee Country Village
Various Dates
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Experience Christmases past on a guided tour of the Genesee Country Village & Museum during “Yuletide in the Country” on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, and 21. Meet families as they plan traditional meals, share stories, and prepare for the long winter ahead. Take part in all of their heartwarming holiday events, including:
- Holiday Market and Preparing for Winter, Nov. 16, 17
- Yuletide in the Country, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21
- Holiday Afternoon Teas, Dec. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19
- Breakfast with St. Nick, Dec. 8
- Holiday Open House, Dec. 22
For more information, please visit gcv.org.
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Genesee Country Village & Museum
The Genesee Country Village is a living history museum with 68 structures on 700 acres, making it the largest museum of its kind in New York.
Shopping & Holiday Markets
Find unique treasures and support local artisans at Rochester’s holiday markets. With handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and festive decorations, these markets are the perfect way to make your holiday shopping a joyful experience filled with community spirit.
Wintercraft at Flower City Arts Center
Dec. 14, Rochester, flowercityarts.org
Let’s ROC Holiday Market at the Port of Rochester
Dec. 14, Rochester, Facebook
WinterFest at Cobblestone Arts Center
Dec. 14, Farmington, Facebook
Holiday Magic at Oaks Manor
Dec. 14, Churchville, eventbrite.com
The Yards Collective Market-Wide Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 14–15, Rochester, theyardsrochester.com
A Very Merry FLXMAS
Dec. 14–15, Geneva, Facebook
Folk Art Guild Holiday Open Studio Sales
Dec. 14–15, Middlesex, Facebook
The Market at Birdhouse Brewing Co.
Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22, Honeoye, Facebook
Let’s ROC Holiday Market at Perinton Rec Center
Dec. 15, Perinton, Facebook
Chef’s Winter Vendor & Craft Show
Dec. 18, Spencerport, Facebook
Merrymaking Makers Market at the New York Kitchen
Dec. 21, Canandaigua, nykitchen.com
Themata Winter Market
Dec. 23, Rochester, themata145.com
Performances & Screenings
Experience Rochester’s finest holiday performances and classic films that add a cozy glow to the season. From timeless tales like A Christmas Carol to concerts that stir the soul, these events bring magic to every moment, inviting you to settle in and celebrate with warmth and cheer.
The Prince of Egypt
Dec. 5–29, Brighton, ofccreations.com
The Nutcracker, performed by The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine
Dec. 11, Rochester, kodakcenter.com
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 12, Rochester, rpo.org
The Nutcracker, performed by the New York State Ballet
Dec. 12–15, North Chili, roberts.edu
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Dec. 13, Rochester, kodakcenter.com
The Nutcracker, performed by the Rochester City Ballet
Dec. 13–15, Canandaigua, fhpac.org
Christmas at RCCM
Dec. 13–15, 18–23, Gates, christmas.rccm.org
Dot at Blackfriars
Dec. 13–29, Rochester, blackfriars.org
Elf in Concert
Dec. 14, Rochester, esm.rochester.edu
Miracle of 34th Street: A Stage Radio Show
Dec. 14, LeRoy, Facebook
Advent Special Music: Kreek’s Notebook
Dec. 15, Rochester, thirdpresbyterian.org
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Dec. 15, Rochester, Facebook
Rochester TubaChristmas
Dec. 15, Rochester, rochestertubachristmas.org
Rhinestones & Rust: Acoustic Country Christmas
Dec. 19, Rochester, eventbrite.com
Third Thursday Concert: The Festive Season
Dec. 19, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, rochester.edu
Holiday Hams
Dec. 19–21, Rochester, carlsoncomedy.com
Gala Holiday Pops
Dec. 20-22, Rochester, rpo.org
Carols & Community
Dec. 22, Rochester, thirdpresbyterian.org
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
with a guest appearance by Chevy Chase
Dec. 29, Rochester, rbtl.org
Train & Wagon Rides and Nostalgic Displays
Rides
Polar Express at Medina Railroad
Nov. 25–Dec 17, select dates, Medina, medinarailroadmuseum.org
Real Santa Train Rides to the North Pole at the R&GVRR Museum
Dec. 13–14, Rush, rochestertrainrides.com
Holly Trolley Rides at the NYMT
Dec. 16, Rush, nymtmuseum.org
Winter Festival of Lights
Tractor and Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Dec. 6–31, select dates, Macedon, rootedcountry.com
Displays
Genesee Keg Tree
Official Lighting on Dec. 6
December, Rochester, Facebook
Aman’s Farm & Market
December, Irondequoit, amansfarmandmarket.com
Bauman’s Farm Market Christmas Tunnel
December, Webster, baumansfarmmarket.com
Edgerton Model Railroad Room
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, edgertonmodelrailroadclub.com
Shamrock Jack’s Jameson Bottle Tree
December, shamrockjacks.com
Garden Factory Model Train Display
December Weekends, Gates, gardenfactoryny.com
The Joy Project at St. Mark’s
Nov. 30–Dec. 21, LeRoy, Facebook
More Holiday-Themed Activities
Step outside and enjoy Rochester’s festive season, where twinkling lights, heritage train rides, and open-air markets bring the spirit of the holidays to life. Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and experience these seasonal outdoor events that make the holidays sparkle.
Image City Gallery Holiday Show
Nov. 29–Dec 22, Rochester, imagecityphotographygallery.com
Wonderland of Trees at the Holland Land Office Museum
Nov. 22–Dec. 31, Batavia, hollandlandoffice.com
Festival of Lights at Fatima Shrine
Nov. 23–Jan. 5, 2025, Youngstown, fatimashrine.com
It’s a Wonderful Life Festival
Dec. 13–15, Seneca Falls, wonderfullifemuseum.com
Breakfast with Santa at ArtisanWorks
Dec. 15, Rochester, eventbrite.com
Christmas Carolcade
Dec. 21, East Aurora, eanycc.com
Ugly Sweater Christmas Silent Disco
Dec. 21, Rochester, eventbrite.com
Rutabaga Curl
Dec. 21, Ithaca, ithacamarket.com
Reindeer Run 5K & Kids 1/2 Mile
Dec. 22, Rochester, yellowjacketracing.com
Explore More
The Clock of Nations Returns to Midtown
Experience the iconic Midtown Plaza Clock of Nations, now open to the public at Tower280 in Rochester, NY, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Our 3 Favorite Neighborhoods with Spectacular Christmas Light Displays: 2024 Edition
Enjoy our favorite extreme Christmas lights around Rochester! These homeowners and communities go all out to celebrate the holiday season.
300+ Places to Shop Locally Around Rochester, New York
Shopping locally is about discovering something uniquely Rochester while directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.
Child-Sized Fun During the Holiday School Break
This guide offers a variety of fun activities for you and the kids to enjoy around Rochester during the holiday school break.
New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books take us on a journey through time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure, check out these bookstores around Rochester.
21 Rochester-Area Chocolatiers
Many of our fine Rochester-area chocolatiers are 3rd- and 4th-generation descendants using traditional family recipes with modern twists.
Give the Gift of Rochester! 5 City Shops that Celebrate Regional Novelties
These Rochester gifts are more than mere objects; they are nostalgic expressions of the city’s soul, making them a joy to give and receive.
5 Old-Fashioned Country Stores Around Rochester
Step back in time when you visit these old-fashioned country stores filled with nostalgic candies, vintage toys, and charming knickknacks.
Kindling Community: A Guide to Finding Rochester’s Cozy Fireplaces
I’ve curated a list of spots around the city perfect for quiet reading or community engagement next to a comforting fireplace.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024-2025 in Rochester
I’ve compiled a list of festive places to ring in the new year on December 31, ranging from comedy, theater, and music to themed parties.
Shared Rochester Experiences that Make Great Gifts
Giving the gift of shared Rochester experiences offers rewards that go well beyond mere personal joy—where less is genuinely more.
First-Day Hikes on January 1, 2025
Welcome the New Year with a guided First-Day Hike at several parks, including Brookdale Preserve, Letchworth, and Hamlin Beach.
What are your favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
In an attempt to keep the list above current, I’m moving past events here.
Past Shopping & Holiday Markets
- MAYDAY! Underground
Nov 2–3, Rochester, Facebook - Sip-n-Shop
Nov. 7, Fairport, Facebook - Holiday Art & Gift Sale at Pane Vino
Nov. 8, Pittsford, Facebook - Christkindl Market at Ganger Homestead
Nov. 8–10, Canandaigua, grangerhomestead.org - Holiday Market at Schutt’s
Nov. 9, Webster, schuttsapplemill.com - Christmas in the Country
Nov. 15–17, Henrietta, wnypremierpromotions.com - Holiday Market and Preparing for Winter
Nov. 16–17, Mumford, gcv.org - Folk Art Guild Holiday Open Studio Sales
Nov. 16–17, Middlesex, Facebook - Nightmare Before Christmas Market at ARTISANworks
Nov. 17, Rochester, artisanworks.net - The Lucky Flea presents Flea Con
Nov. 17, Pittsford, theluckyflea.com - Holiday Bazaar at RMSC
Nov. 22–24, Rochester, rmsc.org - Let’s ROC November Market at the Port of Rochester
Nov. 23, Rochester, Facebook - Themata Winter Market
Nov. 29–30, Rochester, themata145.com - Holiday Craft Marketplace
Nov. 29–30, Perinton, casalarga.com - Small Business Saturday
Nov. 30 - Native Made Market at La Luna
Nov. 30, Rochester, Facebook - Crystal City Christmas
Nov. 30–Dec. 31, Corning, gafferdistrict.com - Roc Made Holiday at Arbor at the Port
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, Rochester, rocmadegoods.com - Nostalgic Book Fair & Market at Three Heads Brewing and The Unreliable Narrator
Dec. 1, Rochester, eventbrite.com - Holiday Market
Dec. 1, Holiday Inn, Rochester, facebook.com - The Lucky Flea presents Flea Con
Dec. 1, Pittsford, theluckyflea.com - Candlelight Night
Dec. 3, Pittsford, pittsfordchamber.org - Park Ave Holiday Open House
Dec. 5, Rochester, park-avenue.org - It’s a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge Holiday Festival
Dec. 7, Rochester, southwedge.com - Viciously Crafty Holiday Makers Market
Dec. 7, Rochester, Facebook - Let’s ROC Holiday Market at Eagle Vale
Dec. 8, Fairport, Facebook - Jingle Markets
Dec. 7, Geneva, Facebook - Blue Barn Cidery Holiday Market
Dec. 7–8, Hilton, bluebarncidery.com - The Strathallan Skyline Sip & Shop Holiday Market
Dec. 8, Rochester, Facebook - Enchanted Village Celebration
Dec. 8, Spencerport, Facebook
Past Performances & Screenings
- Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Nov. 9, Rochester, rbtl.org - Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
Nov. 22, Rochester, kodakcenter.com - Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays
Nov. 23, Rochester, kodackcenter.com - A Christmas Carol
Nov. 23–Dec. 29, Rochester, gevatheatre.org - The Nutcracker, performed by the Rochester City Ballet
Nov. 27, 29, 30, Dec.1, Rochester, rpo.org - Frank’s Christmas in Vegas
Nov. 30, Brighton, ofccreations.com - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Elsa, Anna & Friends
Dec. 1, Brighton, ofccreations.com - O Christmas Tea – A British Comedy
Dec. 4, Rochester, theaterais.com - Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical
Dec. 3–8, Rochester, rbtl.org - Hail Santa: A Holiday Special
Dec. 6, Rochester, Facebook, carlsoncomedy.com - Christmas Céilidh Band – A Golden Link Concert
Dec. 6, Greece, goldenlink.org - Same Holiday Show, Different Title!
Dec. 6–8, Henrietta, lovincup.com - Holiday Gala
Dec. 7, Pittsford, naz.edu - Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus HoliGAY Spectacular
Dec. 7–8, Rochester, thergmc.org - Christmas Gala
Dec. 7–8, North Chili, roberts.edu - Winter World Music Concert 2024
Dec. 8, Rochester, rochester.edu - Le Patin Libre presents Murmuration, on Ice
Dec. 8, Henrietta, eventbrite.com
Past More Holiday-Themed Activities
- Festival of Trees at the Granger Homestead
Nov. 8–30, Canandaigua, grangerhomestead.org - Skate with Santa at DICK’s House of Sport
Dec. 2, Victor, dickssportinggoods.com - Holiday Open House at the Corning Museum of Glass
Dec. 2–3, Corning. cmog.org - Happiest Hour at the Strong Museum of Play
Dec. 5, Rochester, museumofplay.org - Krampus Ball – Goth Yule
Dec. 6, Rochester, ticketweb.com - Holiday Pet Photos at Lollypop Farm
Dec. 6–8, Perinton, lollypop.org - Liberty Pole Lighting & Parade
Dec. 7, Rochester, cityofrochester.gov - Santa’s Coming to Rohrbach’s Beer Hall
Dec. 7, Rochester, rohrbachs.com - Breakfast with Santa at ArtisanWorks
Dec. 8, Rochester, eventbrite.com