What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this December! | |
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 1
Kodak Hall
Your Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Rochester City Ballet celebrate 25 years of The Nutcracker at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre! This timeless tale of wonder and imagination has become a Rochester holiday tradition. Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as enchanting dance pairs with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. This beloved story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart!
Parking: Eastman Theatre Parking Info
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Nov. 23 — Dec. 29
Geva Theatre Center
Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns to Geva Theatre in a refreshed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story by Award-winning playwright Harrison David Rivers! Beginning with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit, over the course of one night notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. But will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
Parking: Geva Theatre Parking Info
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Holiday Markets at The Mercantile
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Every Friday, Nov. 29 — Dec. 20
12 PM - 7 PM
The Mercantile on Main
This holiday season, shop local! Starting Black Friday, the Mercantile on Main will have a variety of vendors and custom creations for your hard-to-shop-for loved ones. With new vendors each week and some vendors that will be there every Friday, you can come each week and discover new, one-of-a-kind finds. Eat, Drink, Be Merry… and shop ‘til you drop!
Parking: St. Joe's Parking Garage
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Games All Month Long
Blue Cross Arena
Get ready for exciting Amerks Hockey action at the Blue Cross Arena! Catch thrilling matchups, cheer on your favorite players, and enjoy the electric atmosphere right in downtown Rochester. Don't miss the chance to be part of the fun—grab your tickets today!
Parking: Blue Cross Arena Parking Info
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Wednesday Dec. 4
12:10 PM - 12:50 PM
Hochstein Performance Hall
Free noontime concert! Hochstein's annual celebration of the holiday season with the choral chamber ensemble Madrigalia. Madrigalia’s expansive interpretation of the December holidays includes celebrations both sparkling and thoughtful. Since 1975, Madrigalia has distinguished itself as one of the finest chamber choirs in Rochester and western New York.
Parking: Hochstein Parking Information
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An AI Conference and Exhibition
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Wednesday, Dec. 4
9 AM - 5 PM
The Little Theatre
Discover how Rochester, NY, leads in AI innovation, business, and research at this one-day conference. Connect with students, professionals, and organizations through keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and an AI project showcase. Don’t miss this chance to network and drive innovation!
Parking: Little Theatre Parking, On-Street
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Wednesdays to Sundays, Dec. 6 — 29
Dr. MLK Jr. Park
The sixth annual Roc Holiday Village presents 17 days of enchanting festivities from December 6 to December 29, every Wednesday to Sunday. The downtown Rochester festival features free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique Shopping Village, free visits & pictures with Santa, fire pits with outdoor seating, indoor and outdoor bars, hand-crafted goods, Cozy Winter Igloos, free crafts for kids, food trucks, a variety of holiday celebrations, live music, private events, nightlife, and more.
Parking: Roc Holiday Village Parking Info
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at Rochester Contemporary Art Center
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Friday, Dec. 6
6 PM - 9 PM
Rochester Contemporary Art Center
Join RoCo for the Opening Reception of the 34th Annual Members Exhibition during December's First Friday! Over 450 artists will have work on view in a variety of mediums, from painting and photography, to collage and sculpture, and much more. Stop by to enjoy refreshments, meet other artists, and support the local art community by purchasing an artwork.
Parking: East End Garage, On-Street (Free after 6 PM)
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and Parade to Roc Holiday Village
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Saturday, Dec. 7
5 PM
Liberty Pole Way
Kick off the season downtown with the Lighting of the Liberty Pole, featuring Santa, elves, and music from Prime Time Brass, sponsored by MVP Health Care. After the lighting, join the family parade to ROC Holiday Village where the festivities continue. Enjoy great food, drinks, crafts, and photo opportunities while creating lasting holiday memories downtown.
Parking: Event Parking Information
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Saturday, Dec. 7
12:30 PM - 5 PM
Beginning at Murphy's Law
Join the 9th Annual Kringle Krawl for a Cause on Saturday, December 7, starting at Murphy's Law Irish Pub in the East End! This festive bar crawl supports local charities while spreading holiday cheer. Participants can enjoy stops at downtown bars, drink specials, and plenty of holiday fun—all while contributing to a great cause. Tickets include a wristband for access to the crawl and benefit local nonprofit organizations.
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Saturday, Dec. 14
2 PM and 7 PM
Kodak Hall
Nobody spreads Christmas cheer quite like Buddy the Elf! This holiday season, CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment announce a once-in-a-lifetime concert event: “Elf in Concert,” bringing the timeless holiday classic to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre on Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Presented by the Eastman School of Music, the concert will feature a full, live orchestra performing every note from John Debney’s heartwarming score while the entire film is projected on a 40-foot HD screen.
Parking: The Eastman Theatre Parking Info
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At the Rochester Riverside Convention Center
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Tuesday, Dec. 17
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Join the Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans for Vision~Future as they speak on the opportunities and challenges for Rochester and its downtown in 2025 and beyond. Vision~Future is produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation in partnership with Rochester Rotary.
Parking: Riverside Convention Center Parking Info
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Friday, Dec. 20
7 PM
The Temple Theater
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Rochester. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by the winter and the holiday spirit at Temple Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street (Free after 6 PM)
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Beginning Dec. 21
The Strong Museum
Spend winter break on the farm! Visit The Strong’s Play Lab to add your own creation to a Winter Village community build and explore a wintery farm scene in the Adams Atrium. Check the weather and learn about how farmers keep their animals cozy in the winter. Become a vet and take care of the farm animals to prepare for winter. Get creative in the kitchen with farm-fresh play products. Take a picture with Bertha, the 30 ft long cow! Enjoy a cozy story time with Eric Carle’s Dream Snow and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Winter on the Farm. This event is presented by The American Dairy Association Northeast.
Parking: The Strong Museum Garage
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Sunday, Dec. 22
8:30 AM
Blue Cross Arena
The Reindeer Run 5K & Kids 1/2 Mile is scheduled for Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 8:30 AM, starting from the Blue Cross Arena. This festive, family-friendly event invites participants of all ages to run or walk. Registration includes a long-sleeve cotton t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by December 8), a finisher medal, and post-race snacks. Packet pickup is available on December 20 and 21 at Fleet Feet at The Armory.
Parking: Blue Cross Arena Parking Info
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More Events This December
Around Downtown
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