Last updated: November 11, 2024
Unite with the Rochester community for the holidays! Explore all the festive events in our guide. Whether you're rediscovering Rochester or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide is your key to holiday magic.
Popular events to enjoy this season include the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, where the streets come alive with Victorian charm and festive market stalls. This delightful event captures the spirit of Christmas with carol singing and mulled wine. Another highlight is the Children's Christmas Village, which brings joy with enchanting rides and festive activities for little ones. And the Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a fun-filled experience for the entire family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Family-friendly holiday activities with Santa, ice skating, and shopping.
Roc Holiday Village is an annual holiday festival in downtown Rochester, featuring visits with Santa, ice skating, a shopping village, food and drink, tree lighting, Santa’s workshop, hand-crafted goods, pop-up restaurants, winter igloos, special events, music, and more.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Roc Holiday Village
Unique shopping village with local artisans and treats.
Roc Holiday Village is an annual holiday festival in downtown Rochester, featuring a unique shopping village, free visits and photos with Santa, free ice skating and skate rentals, an indoor and outdoor bar, food trucks, Santa's Workshop, outdoor seating and fire pits, live music, private winter igloos, free crafts for kids, and holiday celebrations.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Roc Made Holiday 2024
An array of handcrafted goods from local artisans and seasonal delicacies.
A vibrant gathering in the heart of Rochester, featuring local artisans, delicious food stalls, and seasonal entertainment. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the holiday season while browsing unique handmade gifts and indulging in festive treats. The market creates a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Rochester Christmas Market
Victorian-themed festivities with guaranteed snowfall.
Step back in time to the Victorian era at the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, where you can explore the literary journey of Charles Dickens. Enjoy street entertainment, readings, song, and dance amidst the historic backdrop of Rochester. The festival features a parade of costume characters, a carol service, and a Christmas market.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
Interactive Christmas experience with craft-making and festive treats.
Children's Christmas Village at Rochester Castle Gardens offers a delightful experience where kids can meet Santa's elves, craft their own decorations, and enjoy festive treats. Mrs. Claus reads a Christmas story, and children can decorate their own sweet treats in the Elves' workshop.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Children's Christmas Village
Classic pantomime with slapstick humor and suspense.
Join Jack on a thrilling quest as he trades his cow for magic beans, leading to a high-stakes adventure against a formidable giant. Enjoy hilarious antics with Silly Billy and Dame Trott, starring Mark Labbett, Leanne Jones, and Georgia Rowland Elliott.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime
Dickens-themed event with live music and dancing.
The Mistletoe Costumed Ball is a Dickens-themed event at Rochester Corn Exchange, featuring live music, dancing, and a pay bar. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Dickens character and enjoy complementary snacks. The evening includes a raffle to support the Dickens Chalet Restoration Fund.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Mistletoe Costumed Ball
Live performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Witness a timeless tale of redemption and kindness as Charles Dickens' iconic characters come to life in a live performance of A Christmas Carol. The classic story is brought to the stage with authenticity and passion, transporting audiences to Victorian London.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Dickens' Christmas Carol Performance
Immersive storytelling with Victorian Father Christmas.
Gather round the fire and hear a festive tale about the mice of Eastgate House, read by Victorian Father Christmas in his green robes. Explore the house to find scenes from the story.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Festive Tale with Victorian Father Christmas
Local actors and community involvement enhance the classic tale.
Geva Theatre Center presents a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey through visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The production includes a blend of local and professional actors, highlighting the true meaning of the holiday season.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Geva Theatre Center’s A Christmas Carol
Unique blend of honky-tonk and holiday music.
Bill Kirchen's Holiday Show features a dynamic lineup of musicians, including Turtle Doves, Rick Richards, and Jack Saunders, performing a honky-tonk holiday tour with special guests and unique musical collaborations.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Bill Kirchen Holiday Show
Community-driven lantern parade and festive downtown celebration.
Join us for the Lighting of the Liberty Pole, a cherished Rochester tradition where Santa, elves, and costumed characters greet kids as Prime Time Brass plays holiday favorites. The event culminates in a family parade from the Liberty Pole to the Roc Holiday Village, featuring free ice skating, visits with Santa, local artisans, and more.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Lighting of The Liberty Pole