Rochester Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Rochester and surrounding areas
Rochester embraces the festive season with Holiday lights and plenty of things to do around the downtown area and City Hall plaza. The city's holiday attractions feature parades, tree lightings, and festive performances that draw families to Main Street for evenings of music and cheer. Attend the Rochester Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony or take part in the Elf on the Shelf Downtown Hunt and Wolfeboro Festival of Trees for seasonal activities and Santa visits that highlight the town's community spirit.
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Christmas Markets
37 eventsHistoric street walk with a Lobster Trap Tree lighting
Christmas Shows
16 eventsA classic holiday tale brought to life on stage.
Christmas Lights
15 eventsThousands of decorated trees by the ocean
Christmas Parties
5 eventsHoppin' New Year's Eve party at Doubletree Hilton
Christmas Activities
27 eventsTraditional Three Kings Parade with royal arrival by sea
Editor's Picks (6)
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Cabalgata de Reyes Magos in Palma
(Palma)
Traditional Three Kings Parade with royal arrival by sea
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Sea Festival of Trees
(Salisbury Beach)
Thousands of decorated trees by the ocean
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Doubletree Hilton Danvers Hoppin' New Year's Eve Party
(Danvers)
Hoppin' New Year's Eve party at Doubletree Hilton
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Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
(Kennebunkport)
Iconic Santa arrival by lobster boat
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Christmas at Victoria Mansion
(Portland)
Historic Italianate villa adorned for the holidays
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A Christmas Carol at Merrimack Repertory Theatre
(Lowell)
A classic holiday tale brought to life on stage.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Rochester Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Rochester
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Rochester!
Rochester Christmas FAQ
Roc Holiday Village is one of the largest annual Christmas events, featuring holiday markets, free ice skating, and family activities. The Child Advocacy Center Holiday Lights Tour is also a major seasonal highlight.
Rochester is known for its vibrant neighborhood Christmas light displays and the annual restoration of Sibley’s Department Store holiday decorations at the Mercantile on Main.
The Rahway, Endicott, and Buckskin neighborhoods are especially popular for their festive light displays. Many homes in these areas participate in annual holiday light tours.
Roc Holiday Village is the main hub for Christmas markets and local makers, but smaller markets and vendor fairs also appear in community centers and neighborhood spots around the city.
Free activities include visiting neighborhood Christmas light displays, exploring holiday markets, and attending community events like tree lightings and caroling nights.
Families enjoy Roc Holiday Village, the Child Advocacy Center Holiday Lights Tour, and the George Eastman Museum’s holiday displays. Many events offer free crafts, visits with Santa, and festive entertainment.