Winter in Rochester brings more than cold weather—it brings traditions families look forward to year after year. Once the holidays wrap up, these annual events offer a fun reason to bundle up, get out, and enjoy the season together.
January Family Fun
Are You My Mother? | TYKES
January 17 – 25
Ten years in the making, the world-premiere musical adaptation of the beloved and heartwarming P.D. Eastman book Are You My Mother?takes flight! Written and composed by TYKEs’ own artistic team, the classic story of a newly hatched baby bird in search of its mother bursts on stage with a parade of colorful and endearing characters, an outstanding score and plenty of hilarious antics. Based on one of the top 100 books of all time, this heartwarming, high-energy production celebrates curiosity, courage and the unbreakable bond between caregiver and child. Performances will be at the JCC Hart Theater between January 17 and January 25.
OrKIDStra: I Have A Dream | RPO
January 18
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has a special concert series for kids called OrKIDStra. On January 18, RPO will be celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special concert – I Have A Dream. This special program will feature inspiring works alongside performances by Strings For Success and the School of the Arts Choir—highlighting young voices and musicians as they share messages of light, justice, and possibility. Arrive early at 1 PM for free, family-friendly pre-concert crafts, including a World Diversity coloring page, hand bouquet creations, and a “rainbow of your dreams” activity—perfect for curious minds and creative hands.
Lakeside Winter Celebration
January 31 – February 1
For 40 years, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee has hosted a free-admission Lakeside Winter Celebration at the Great Lake Ontario shoreline. On Saturday, families can enjoy snow and ice sculptures, live music, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more. At noon on the Sunday of every Lakeside Winter Celebration is the zany and inspiring Polar Plunge during which hundreds of participants run into (and quickly out of!) the Lake to raise funds for Special Olympics New York.
February Activities
Dutch Connection | George Eastman Museum
February 6 – 22
Every year, the museum draws thousands of visitors with this annual floral display. George Eastman ordered tens of thousands of bulbs from Holland every year between 1905 and 1932. The annual display features thousands of colorful tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, and spring annuals, throughout the historic mansion. Enjoy hands-on activities and free bulb kits for children. The event is included with museum admission.
Winterfest in Irondequoit
February 8
The town of Irondequoit comes to life at this annual winter celebration at the Town Hall Campus. Families can enjoy horse and wagon rides, bonfires and marshmallow roasting, kiddie snowboarding and snowshoeing demos, the Truck & Vehicle Exploration Zone and more.
NYS Ice Wine & Culinary Festival
February 14
For moms, the NYS Ice Wine & Culinary Festival is noteworthy and happens right here in Fairport every year at Casa Larga Winery. If you enjoy wine tasting, give ice wine a try! Ice wine is incredibly unique and most of the ice wine made in the US, is made here in upstate New York. Tickets include food and wine pairings and activities.
Valentine’s Day
February 14
Whether you’re planning something for the kids, a date night, or keeping it low-key, our Guide to Valentine’s Day has you covered.
Winter Break
February 16 – 20
In New York, most schools are on Winter Break for the week of President’s Day. Check out our 50 Things To Do During Winter Break!
March Spring-On-The-Way Events
Indigenous Winter Games & Maple Festival
March 15
Join Ganondagan’s Indigenous Winter Games & Maple Festival as a way to celebrate and discover the Seneca ways of winter through traditional Native American activities. Families can enjoy learning about traditional Haudenosaunee games, dog-sledding demonstrations, maple syruping and children’s crafts.
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17
Time to wear your green! Check out ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day In Rochester and St. Patrick’s Day Events In Rochester.
REXPO
March 28
Join the fun at REXPO, New York’s largest convention dedicated to the care of reptiles and amphibians, at the ROC Dome Arena in Henrietta. Explore a showcase featuring everything from majestic tortoises to vibrant frogs and even rare mammals and invertebrates. Meet passionate vendors, soak up knowledge from experts, and connect with fellow reptile lovers.
Maple Sugaring Events
Throughout late March, many Maple Syrup Farms have special events featuring fresh Maple Syrup – usually with pancakes. Check out Maple Sugar Weekend Events In Rochester for some maple syrup fun.
Ongoing Outdoor & Indoor Fun
Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worchester Art Museum | Memorial Art Gallery
This special exhibit which includes well-known American and European Impressionist paintings is on display until March 1 at the MAG.
Ice Skating | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park & Ice Rink
While Roc Holiday Village is packed up, outdoor ice skating is still open at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park & Ice Rink through March 8. Skate rental is available. Also see Where To Go Ice Skating In Rochester.
Snow Tubing | Greystone Tubing
Snow Tubing is a fun winter adventure at Greystone Tubing. Book your online reservation before they close in mid-March.
Astronaut | Rochester Museum & Science Center
RMSC’s newest exciting temporary exhibit, Astronaut, explores the tasks and challenges required of a space explorer, requires teamwork to solve problems, and illuminates the science + tools needed to monitor damage to a spacecraft. Experience a rocket launch, explore how a lack of gravity can affect the body & mind, and discover how scientific observations and measurements can both differ in space. This temporary exhibit is on display through May 3.
