The holiday season in Rochester is packed with charm, tradition, and family-friendly magic — if you know where to look. From twinkling light displays and timeless stage performances to hands-on gingerbread fun and cozy winter villages, our city truly comes alive this time of year. Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking to refresh your family’s holiday bucket list, we’ve gathered the most beloved local events that make the season sparkle. So grab a warm drink, bundle up the kids, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories right here in Rochester.
For a list of calendar events happening this December, see our Guide To Decembers Events In Rochester!
Holiday Events In Rochester
Performances
The Nutcracker | Rochester City Ballet & Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Your Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Rochester City Ballet celebrate a holiday tradition: The Nutcracker at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre! Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score pairs with beautiful ballet. This story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart!
A Christmas Carol | Geva Theatre
Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns in a refreshed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story by Award-winning playwright Harrison David Rivers! Beginning with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit, over the course of one night notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. But will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
Gala Holiday Pops | Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Celebrate the winter holidays with Gala Holiday Pops as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the season!
Light & Holiday Displays
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display | George Eastman Museum
Dozens of cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses fill the mansion. This beloved holiday tradition provides a visual and aromatic treat for visitors of all ages.
Holiday Laser Shows | Strasenburgh Planetarium
This show features your favorite holiday songs played back-to-back, choreographed with dancing laser light among the stars of the Planetarium sky. Produced at the Strasenburgh Planetarium, it’s a Rochester tradition for families, friends, and out-of-town visitors.
Holiday Show | Lamberton Conservatory
In December, the Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park is decorated with poinsettias and Christmas lights with extended hours for guests to enjoy their Holiday Show. The Conservatory is open 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Holiday Show runs from early December through early January and is open until 9 pm on Fridays and Sundays.
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester’s RG&E Holiday Lights Tour
The CAC has partnered with some of the brightest and most festively decorated homes in the Greater Rochester area to bring you a fun, family-centered event.
Live Nativity Trail | Powers Farm Market
The Powers Farm Market’s Live Nativity through an interactive wooded trail is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Treat yourself to a hot cocoa, cider or coffee while you gather around the blazing fire outside the holiday marketplace.
Winter Events
Roc Holiday Village
The annual Roc Holiday Village presents several days of enchanting festivities, every Wednesday to Sunday in December. The downtown Rochester festival features free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique Shopping Village, free visits & pictures with Santa, fire pits with outdoor seating, indoor and outdoor bars, hand-crafted goods, Cozy Winter Igloos, free crafts for kids, food trucks, a variety of holiday celebrations, live music, private events, nightlife and more.
Yuletide in the Country | Genesee Country Village & Museum
Step into the heart of our 19th-century village for a fresh and lively take on the holiday season! Enjoy an immersive journey through the lives and the times of Western New Yorkers, all through the eyes of a resilient servant navigating a whirlwind of Christmas Eve 1870.
Train Rides
Santa Train Rides | Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
All trains depart from our restored 1909 train station at Industry. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and complimentary hot chocolate while you wait for the conductor to call “ALL ABOARD!” Climb aboard our restored vintage freight train cabooses for a special trip to the North Pole to visit with Santa Claus! Every child will get to meet Santa and receive a candy cane from one of his elves. This is a fun, holiday-themed event geared towards young children and the young at heart!
Holly Trolley Train Rides | New York Museum of Transportation
Join us for a trip through the rural Rush countryside in our heated trolley. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take a picture, have a cup of hot chocolate and holiday cookies, stroll the decorated museum, see the Midtown Plaza Monorail, and visit our large model train room.
Guide To Holiday Activities For Families
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,…
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