The holiday season is here, and one of the best ways to celebrate is by visiting our community’s local holiday markets. Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift, sipping hot cocoa with your family, or soaking in the spirit of community, these markets are the perfect family outing. Not only are these markets family-friendly, but they are a great way to support local artisans and small businesses.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the holiday markets happening throughout November and December, listed in chronological order so you can plan your outings with ease.
Moonlight Market at The Grove
📅 November 8
⏰ 4-7 pm
📍The Grove at Midtown, 266 E Broad St, Rochester, NY
Check out the Moonlight Market at The Grove, a free outdoor market the features local vendors, fire pits, live music, warm drinks, and other festive activities. Learn more >
Rochester Night Market: Winter Wonderland Series
📅 November 11, November 25, December 16
⏰ 6-10 pm
📍18 Flint St, Rochester, NY
Kick off the season with this evening flea market where you can explore over 70 vendors. Here you can shop local, support small, and walk away with handmade goods, vintage secondhand finds, and goodies. The Rochester Night Market is dedicated to promoting sustainability through eco-friendly practices with a vibrant community atmosphere. Learn more >
Christmas in the Country
📅 November 14-16
⏰ Friday | 5-8 pm, Saturday | 10 am-5 pm, Sunday | 10 am-4 pm
📍ROC Dome Arena, 2695 E Henrietta Rd, Henrietta, NY
Christmas in the Country is a three-day shopping event ($6 tickets can be purchased at the door, and children 12 and under are free) that features handcrafted creations like jewelry, candles, pottery, art, and woodwork. Learn more >
Holiday Bazaar
📅 November 21-23
⏰ Friday | 4-8 pm, Saturday | 10 am-5 pm, Sunday | 10 am-4 pm
📍Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 E Ave, Rochester, NY
Get ready to explore over 150 artists who will showcase their fine-art and creations. With five floors filled with displays and tables throughout the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC), this event is in its 53rd year. There will be food, beverages, and a myriad of fine-arts to shop from, from ceramics to jewelry. Learn more >
Schutt’s Holiday Market
📅 November 15
⏰ 9 am-2 pm
📍Schutt’s Apple Mill, 1063 Plank Rd, Webster, NY
Shop from over 40 local vendors at Schutt’s Apple Mill with the whole family. Learn more >
THEMATA Holiday Market
📅 November 28, November 29, December 22
⏰ Friday | 10 am-4 pm, Saturday | 10 am-4 pm, Monday | 10 am-6pm
📍Culver Road Armory, 155 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY
Spend your Black Friday, your Small Business Saturday, and your Last-Minute Monday at THEMATA. These three curated markets feature unique gifts, handcrafted goods by local artisans, and has free admission and parking. This environment is festive, communal, and a great place to bring the kids to help you gift hunt. Learn more >
Native Made Market
📅 November 29
⏰ 11 am-5 pm
📍Eisenhart Auditorium at RMSC, 657 E Ave, Rochester, NY
Celebrate the fourth Native Made Market on Small Business Saturday featuring Indigenous cultures, artistry, entrepreneurship, and education. Shop local and shop small by supporting Native vendors. This event is perfect for the whole family to have an immersive experience. Learn more >
Holidays at the Market
📅 December 1, December 8, December 15, December 19*
⏰ 8 am-2 pm (*Exception: December 19 from 5-9 pm)
📍City of Rochester Public Market, 280 N Union St, Rochester, NY
You don’t want to miss one of the four free Holidays at the Market events. The market will have over 100 vendors, including fresh cut trees, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie demonstrations and decorating, and a huge selection of activities that every single person in your family will love. Learn more >
Roc Holiday Village
📅 December 5-28
⏰ Wednesday-Sunday afternoons & evenings
📍Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St, Rochester, NY
A full holiday village experience that is a must-visit! This free large scale 16-day festival features a shopping village, ice skating, food, kids’ crafts, and visit Santa’s workshop. Make this an afternoon or evening outing in itself. Learn more>
Winter Faire
📅 December 7
⏰ 10 am-4 pm
📍The Strathallan & The Century Club, 550-556 E Ave, Rochester, NY
Two elegant venues combined into one unforgettable holiday experience. This is a free event that explores the themes of Christmas Present and Christmas Past. There will be over 60 local artisans, including on-the-spot stitching, baked goods, a flower bar, and more. Learn more >
Exploring Holiday Markets With Kids
- Set a time limit. For your younger kids, pick a 60-90 minute window to avoid tiring them out.
- Layer up or bring extra layers. Several market are outdoors or have outdoor components. Bring a thick blanket to put on top of them if they are riding in the stroller, and extra warm clothes to keep them comfortable.
- Bring snacks or buy a treat there. Pack a thermos of warm milk or hot chocolate, their favorite snack, or plan to get them a treat to enjoy while you do the holiday shopping when you get there.
- Give each child a mission. Assigning your kids to look for different things can help make this a family outing that is interactive and memorable for everyone. “Find a gift for grandpa,” or “keep your eyes open for donuts so we can get those after we are done shopping.” Keep them involved.
- View the event and share a fun activity ahead of time. There are several markets that offer activities just for kids, including craft stations, visits with Santa, skating, photo ops. Take a look at the market ahead of time and share with your kids what they can look forward to.
With so many festive markets available in Rochester this season, you’re sure to find something that fits your family to help you all get into the holiday spirit. Happy market-hopping!
