The holiday season in Rochester is filled with festive activities and cherished traditions for all ages. From sparkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy carriage rides and family-friendly events, Rochester transforms into a winter wonderland each year. Whether you’re looking for a day of family fun or a romantic holiday outing, Rochester offers endless ways to celebrate and create lasting memories this holiday season. Our Guide To Holiday Activities For Families is sponsored by Eastman Community Music School.
Eastman Community Music School
Experience the joy of music at Eastman Community Music School, making through their wide range of classes, lessons, and ensembles for musicians of all ages. For your mini musicians to be, start their musical journey with ECMS’s Early Childhood classes! Your grade school songsters and middle school maestros can find their voice or their musical passions in a variety of group classes and ensembles for different age levels. Individual lessons are also available for your promising performers, ages 5 and up, to further their technical and musical skills one-on-one with either an instructor or an intern. If you have any questions or would like more information, you can visit the ECMS website at esm.rochester.edu/community.
Thanksgiving
Where To Order Thanksgiving Dinner
By Amanda G.
If you’re feeling like the stress of cooking outweighs the good of the holiday, take a load off this year and get your order in ASAP to one of these restaurants. Continue Reading
Tips For Hosting Thanksgiving
By Jen S.
Make A Thankfulness Tree
By Amanda R.
10 Picture Books For Fall
By Sarah C.
Gift Giving
Small Business Saturday In Rochester
By Jackie R.
Check out these great local businesses to shop at for Small Business Saturday. Download our printable map! Continue Reading
20 Best Family Memberships In Rochester
By Devin P.B.
Rochester is full of family-friendly businesses that offer family membership plans or season passes. Continue Reading
Helping Families
Guide To Food Pantries & Hot Meals
By Devin P.B.
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please check out any of these resources. Continue Reading
What To Donate To A Food Pantry
By Devin P.B.
De-Stress The Holidays
By Sarah E.
Volunteer Opportunities
By Sarah C.
Holiday Activities For Families
Holiday Events In Rochester
Every year, there are some amazing Holiday events that happen in Rochester from the gingerbread houses of the George Eastman Museum to ice skating at Roc Holiday Village. How many of these have you been to these? Continue Reading
Holiday Performances
By Amanda G.
Christmas Tree Farms
By Jackie R.
10 Best Christmas Light Displays
By Jackie R.
Christmas Tree Lighting Events
By Lindsey S.
Where To See Santa In Rochester
By Lindsey S.
Looking for Santa? Here are all of the events around Rochester where you can find him including at Rochester Mom Collective’s very own Donuts With Santa! Continue Reading
Christmas Train Rides With Santa
By Jackie R.
Holiday Library Events
By Lindsey S.
Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara
By Lindsey S.
Holiday Activities At Home
50 Things To Do During Holiday Break
By Jackie R.
So much planning goes into the big day, but what about after? Here are 50 Things To Do During Holiday Break around Rochester and at home. Continue Reading
Where To Stream Christmas Movies
By Amanda G.
25 Elf On The Shelf Ideas And Printable
By Lindsey S.
The Pickle Ornament Tradition
By Amanda G.
Advent Traditions
By Lindsey S.
Elf On The Shelf Calendar
By Lindsey S.
All of those Elf On The Shelf antics take some time to plan. Stay organized with our Elf On The Shelf Calendar!
Around Rochester
Restaurants Open Christmas Eve
By Jackie R.
For families looking to celebrate Christmas Eve with a special meal without the hassle of cooking, many restaurants offer festive dining experiences tailored to make the holiday memorable. Continue Reading
Guide To
Coffee Shops
By Jackie R.
10 Chocolate Makers
By Jackie R.
Guide To Indoor Playgrounds
By Jackie R.
10 Sledding Hills
By Amanda G.
