Celebrate the holiday season in Rochester, MN, with a variety of festive events perfect for all ages. Experience the local talent at the Sounds of the Season concert, where choirs, orchestras, and solo artists perform holiday favorites. Beer enthusiasts can savor unique brews at the Rochester on Tap Beer Festival, featuring over 50 breweries offering seasonal ales.
Sports fans will love the Rotary Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament, showcasing top high school teams in thrilling matchups. Whether you're a local or visiting, Rochester welcomes you to enjoy these exciting holiday traditions.
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The Top Christmas Events in Rochester
- Rochester on Tap Beer Festival
- Sounds of the Season
- Rotary Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament
- Festival of Trees
- Downtown Rochester Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Holiday Lights Tour
- Christmas Brass & Bells
- Rochester Dance Company’s Nutcracker Ballet
- Santa on the Plaza
- Holiday Art Market
Rochester Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Rochester Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Combines tree lighting with community performances
Description:
The Downtown Rochester Tree Lighting Ceremony ignites the holiday spirit with a dazzling display. This event brings together the entire community to witness the illumination of a towering evergreen in the heart of the city. Local choirs and dance troupes perform seasonal favorites, adding a lively soundtrack to the evening. The ceremony also features a special appearance by a local celebrity or dignitary to flip the switch. This tradition dates back to the early 1900s when Rochester first began public holiday celebrations. Attendees can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
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Downtown Rochester Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of the city's best holiday light displays
Description:
The Holiday Lights Tour illuminates Rochester's most spectacular seasonal displays. This guided excursion takes visitors through neighborhoods and business districts adorned with elaborate light installations. Expert guides share stories about the history and significance of various displays, including some that have been local traditions for generations. The tour includes stops at hidden gems off the beaten path that most residents don't even know about. You'll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite display, with the winner receiving a community award. The twinkling lights reflect off the snow-covered landscape, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
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Rochester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Art Market
What to Expect:
Showcases handmade gifts by local artisans
Description:
The Holiday Art Market celebrates creativity and community spirit in Rochester. This bustling marketplace brings together dozens of local artists and craftspeople, offering unique, handmade gifts you won't find anywhere else. From hand-blown glass ornaments to locally sourced wool scarves, each item tells a story of Minnesota craftsmanship. The market highlights Rochester's thriving arts scene, which has been growing since the city's founding. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of various artistic techniques, gaining insight into the creative process. The air is filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon, evoking nostalgic holiday memories.
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Rochester Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcases creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Rochester into a forest of creativity and generosity. Local businesses, schools, and community groups compete to design the most innovative and eye-catching holiday trees. Each uniquely decorated tree tells a story, reflecting the personality and mission of its creator. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This event has become a cherished Rochester tradition since its inception in 1987. As you stroll through the displays, the twinkling lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer Concert
What to Expect:
Combines music performance with community giving
Description:
The Spreading Holiday Cheer Concert harmonizes the joy of music with the spirit of giving. This unique event features performances by local musicians interspersed with opportunities for audience members to contribute to various community causes. Between sets, representatives from local charities share stories about their work and how donations make a difference. The concert showcases Rochester's long-standing tradition of philanthropy, which has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding. Attendees can participate in a "giving tree" activity, selecting ornaments that represent specific needs in the community. The uplifting melodies and generous spirit create a heartwarming atmosphere.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer Concert
Rochester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Sounds of the Season
What to Expect:
Combines multiple musical genres in one holiday concert
Description:
Sounds of the Season orchestrates a harmonious blend of musical styles to celebrate the holidays. This unique concert features local choirs, orchestras, and solo artists performing everything from classical carols to contemporary pop hits. The event showcases Rochester's diverse musical talent, with performers ranging from young prodigies to seasoned professionals. Audience members can join in a community sing-along of beloved holiday tunes. The concert continues a tradition of holiday performances in Rochester that stretches back over a century.
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Christmas Brass & Bells
What to Expect:
Combines brass instruments and handbells in a unique holiday concert
Description:
Christmas Brass & Bells resonates with the rich tones of brass instruments and the delicate chimes of handbells. This distinctive concert brings together professional musicians and community handbell choirs for a truly unique auditory experience. The program features both traditional carols and contemporary compositions arranged specifically for this unusual instrumental combination. Audience members can learn about the history of these instruments in holiday music, dating back centuries. During intermission, you can try your hand at playing a handbell under the guidance of experienced ringers.
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Rochester Dance Company’s Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Incorporates local landmarks and history into the classic ballet
Description:
Rochester Dance Company's Nutcracker Ballet pirouettes with a local twist on the beloved holiday classic. This unique production reimagines the story with Rochester landmarks and historical figures woven into the narrative. Professional dancers perform alongside talented local students, showcasing the city's vibrant dance community. The production features custom-designed sets that pay homage to Rochester's architectural heritage. Audience members can spot familiar local references throughout the performance, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for longtime residents. The graceful movements of the dancers are accentuated by the shimmering costumes designed by local artisans.
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Rochester Dance Company’s Nutcracker Ballet
Festival of Music Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Showcases a wide variety of musical styles in one concert
Description:
The Festival of Music Christmas Concert orchestrates a diverse musical journey through the holiday season. This unique event brings together performers from various genres, including classical, jazz, folk, and world music. Each act presents their own interpretation of holiday classics, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The concert highlights Rochester's multicultural community, featuring performances that reflect holiday traditions from around the world. Audience members can learn about the origins of different holiday songs and their cultural significance. The harmonious blend of voices and instruments fills the venue with joyous melodies.
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Festival of Music Christmas Concert
Rochester Other Holiday Activities
Rochester on Tap Beer Festival
What to Expect:
Showcases local and regional craft breweries
Description:
Rochester On Tap Beer Festival transforms the city into a craft beer lover's paradise. This event brings together over 50 local and regional breweries, offering a diverse array of unique and seasonal brews. Visitors can sample limited-edition holiday ales while chatting with passionate brewmasters about their craft. The festival pays homage to Rochester's rich brewing history, which dates back to the 1800s. As you explore the venue, the aroma of hops and malts fills the air, creating an immersive experience for beer enthusiasts.
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Rochester on Tap Beer Festival
Rotary Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament
What to Expect:
Combines competitive sports with charitable giving
Description:
The Rotary Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament scores big for both sports fans and the community. This high-energy event pits top high school basketball teams against each other in fierce competition. Spectators cheer on talented young athletes while supporting local charities, as proceeds from the tournament benefit various community projects. The event has raised over $1 million for local causes since its inception. Between games, you can participate in basketball-themed contests and meet former professional players who got their start in Minnesota high school sports.
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Rotary Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament
Santa on the Plaza
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience in a historic downtown setting
Description:
Santa on the Plaza brings holiday cheer to the heart of Rochester's historic downtown. This event transforms Peace Plaza into a winter wonderland, complete with a cozy Santa's workshop. Children can share their wishes with Santa and receive a special keepsake photo. The plaza comes alive with the sounds of carolers and the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Families can participate in holiday-themed crafts led by local artists. This event continues a tradition of downtown holiday celebrations that began in the early 20th century when Rochester was emerging as a major Midwest city.
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New Year's Eve on the Plaza
What to Expect:
Combines traditional countdown with unique local elements
Description:
New Year's Eve on the Plaza propels Rochester into the future with a bang. This lively celebration features a mix of live music, local food vendors, and interactive art installations. As midnight approaches, a massive ice sculpture is dramatically illuminated, serving as a unique backdrop for the countdown. The event showcases Rochester's innovative spirit, incorporating high-tech elements like a digital wishing wall where attendees can project their hopes for the coming year. You can participate in a community art project that will be displayed in the city throughout the new year. The celebration culminates in a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to music.
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Winter Skate at Soldiers Field
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating in a historic park setting
Description:
Winter Skate at Soldiers Field glides into the holiday season with outdoor fun for all ages. This picturesque skating rink is set against the backdrop of one of Rochester's oldest and most beloved parks. Skaters can twirl and glide under twinkling lights, with the city skyline visible in the distance. The event honors the park's rich history, which dates back to 1926 when it was dedicated to local veterans. You can warm up by a roaring bonfire while sipping hot apple cider. The crisp winter air and the sound of blades on ice create an invigorating atmosphere.
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Winter Skate at Soldiers Field