Kris Kringle Market
Inspired by 700-year-old European market traditions, this open-air Christmas event brings together local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, fresh greens, wreaths, and specialty foods. Visitors can head to Santa's Village to meet Santa and listen to scheduled holiday story-times. Guests can also enjoy live performances from The Roxy Musical Entertainment Stage or roast marshmallows with the Rochester Lions Club.
What to Expect
European-inspired open-air market with shopping, fresh greens, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Rochester
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Rochester Downtown Development Authority
Food & Drink
The event features specialty foods, and the Rochester Lions Club offers hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting at Santa’s Village.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and traditional
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Friday 4:00–10:00 pm; Saturday noon–10:00 pm. Santa visits: Friday 4:00–9:00 pm; Saturday noon–9:00 pm. Santa story-time: Friday 6:00 pm; Saturday 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Tips & Advice
- Plan a Santa visit for Friday between 4 and 9 p.m. or Saturday noon to 9 p.m., when Santa is scheduled to appear.
- Choose a story-time slot—Friday at 6 p.m. or Saturday at 1 or 6 p.m.—if children want to hear Santa’s stories.
- Wear warm layers for this open-air December market, especially while browsing outdoors or waiting to see Santa.
- Allow time to browse one-of-a-kind shopping, handcrafted gifts, fresh greens, wreaths, and specialty foods from market vendors.
- Stop at Santa’s Village for Rochester Lions Club marshmallows, hot chocolate, and toy sales.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa visits are scheduled Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
- Santa story-times are scheduled Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I shop for?
Vendors offer one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens and wreaths, and handcrafted holiday gifts.
Can kids see Santa?
Yes. Santa's Village, brought to you by Straight Smiles Orthodontics, has Santa visits on both Friday and Saturday. Santa story-time happens once on Friday and twice on Saturday.
What is there to eat and drink?
There are specialty foods from the vendors. The Rochester Lions Club offers roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Is there live entertainment?
Yes, on The Roxy Musical Entertainment Stage. The lineup is still to be announced.
Is there somewhere to warm up?
Yes, the market has a warming tent.
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