What's Happening in Downtown Rochester this December!

A Christmas Carol

at Geva Theatre

Throughout December

Hours vary

Geva Theatre


Rochester's favorite holiday tradition returns with an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story that begins 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? A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late for a change of heart.


Parking at Geva Theatre

Rochester Americans

at Blue Cross Arena

Throughout December

Hours vary

Blue Cross Arena


Cheer on the Rochester Americans at Blue Cross Arena:

Dec. 3: vs. Utica Comets

Dec. 13: vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Dec. 17: vs. Utica Comets

Dec. 19: vs. Belleville Senators

Dec. 27: vs. Cleveland Monsters


Parking at Blue Cross Arena

Pentatonix

at Blue Cross Arena

December 4

7 PM

Blue Cross Arena


As one of the most innovative, inventive, and inimitable vocal groups, Pentatonix redefine a cappella. Since emerging in 2011, the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning group have toppled charts, selling 10 million albums worldwide.


Parking at Blue Cross Arena

Have Yourself a Merry Little

at The Little Theatre

December 4 - 22

The Little Theatre


It's the most wonderful time to get cozy with your favorite holiday movies. The Little holiday lineup includes classics, rom-coms, and indie gems to unwrap and enjoy. Don your favorite scarf, indulge in popcorn, and "Have Yourself A Merry Little" time at the movies!


Parking at The Little

Celebrate the Holiday Season
at Roc Holiday Village

Opening December 5

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park


Roc Holiday Village brings 16 days of festive magic to downtown Rochester from December 5 through December 28. This winter tradition transforms MLK Jr. Memorial Park into a holiday destination featuring free ice skating and skate rentals, a Shopping Village, visits and photos with Santa, cozy fire pits, indoor and outdoor bars, local food trucks, and free crafts for kids. Guests can also enjoy live music, private events, and a full lineup of holiday celebrations and nightlife, making it one of the region's most anticipated seasonal events.


Parking: Washington Square Garage, Court Street Garage, Midtown Garage, On-Street (Free Weekends)

Liberty Pole Lighting & Parade to Roc Holiday Village

at the Liberty Pole

Saturday, December 6

5 PM Sharp!

Liberty Pole


Join the City of Rochester Saturday, December 6 at 5 p.m. as they kick off the holiday season with the Lighting of the Liberty Pole and Family Parade to ROC Holiday Village.


Parking: Mortimer Street Garage, Midtown Garage, On-Street (Free Weekends)

Happiest Hour

at The Strong Museum

Thursday, December 11

5:30 - 9:30 PM

The Strong Museum


Join The Strong on Thursday, December 11 for the adults-only Happiest Hour in part by Advantage Federal Credit Union. The night includes: cash bar, loads of fun, music by DJ Naps, access to the entire museum, ugly sweater contest, and Supermarket Sweep. Must be 21+ to attend. Get tickets here.


Parking at The Strong's Garage

Merry & Bright - A Holiday Cabaret with Chelsea and Geoff Packard

at Geva Theatre

December 11 - 14

Hours vary

Geva Theatre


Broadway veterans Chelsea and Geoff Packard return home to Rochester for a festive evening of holiday favorites and fresh new takes on beloved classics. Joined by the incomparable Tyler Driskill on piano, this intimate cabaret promises warmth, laughter, and song— the perfect kickoff to your holiday season. Come share some hot cocoa, good cheer, and timeless tunes that are sure to leave you merry and bright.


Parking at Geva Theatre

The Gilmour Project: Wish You Were Here

at The Theater at Innovation Square

Saturday, December 13

6:30 PM

The Theater at Innovation Square


The Gilmour Project returns Fall 2025. The 5-piece, All-Star ensemble quickly gained a reputation for flipping the 'Tribute Band' script on its head, with exploratory performances of iconic and deep cut Pink Floyd classics, David Gilmour-centric and solo compositions, and pulling other surprise classic rock masterpieces out of their hats.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street Parking (Free Weekends)

Tuba Christmas

at Eastman Theatre

Sunday, December 14

3 PM

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre


Celebrating 10 years at Eastman this year, TUBACHRISTMAS features a mass low-brass choir of over 100 tuba and euphonium players of all ages and abilities who perform traditional Christmas carols with an enthusiastic audience sing-along. The concert is free and open to the public.


Parking at Eastman Theatre

Museum Mondays for Seniors - The History of the Christmas Card

at The Strong Museum

Monday, December 15

11 AM

The Strong Museum


Unlike many holiday traditions whose origin stories are lost to history, historians agree that the holiday card has a definitive birth, in 1843 England. Join us for a lively presentation to learn more about the original Christmas card and its evolution.


Parking at The Strong's Garage

Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside, and Jon Spencer

at Temple Theater

Tuesday, December 16

6 - 10 PM

Temple Theater


Get ready for an unforgettable night of blues and rock 'n' roll featuring three great Grammy nominated bands that define the current day and future of blues rock. Experience all three artists' distinct styles in an evening where tradition and innovation merge seamlessly! Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of riveting performances as the 3rd Annual Shake 'em on Down Tour arrives in town.


Parking: Midtown Garage, Mortimer Street Garage, Street Parking (Free after 6 PM)

A Joyful Christmas

at The Hochstein School

Friday, December 19

7:30 PM

The Hochstein School


Serenely inspiring music and a world of carols warm your soul this December. The beautiful Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns, William Grant Still's Christmas in the Western World, and familiar choruses from Handel's Messiah make the heart sing.


Parking: Civic Center Garage, Genesee Crossroads Garage, On-Street (Free after 6 PM)

Gala Holiday Pops

at Eastman Theatre

December 19 - 21

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre


Come in from the cold and celebrate the sounds of the season with Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, your RPO, and the Festival High School Chorale! For more than three decades, Gala Holiday Pops has been one of Rochester's favorite holiday traditions and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the season. Get tickets here.


Parking at Eastman Theatre

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

at Temple Theater

December 20

7 PM

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 the music of Christmas Carols on Strings at Temple Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.


Parking: Midtown Garage, Mortimer Street Garage, Street Parking (Free after 6 PM)

More Events This December


12/2 - Rochester Street Films: Walkable USA

The Little Theatre


12/2 - Spice & Sip - Warming Up December with the Spice Project

Serendipity Labs


12/5 - Prohibition Repeal Party

The Daily Refresher


12/10 - Hayley Jane Band

Flour City Station


12/12 - Chase Rice: The Go Down Singin' International Tour

Anthology


12/13 - Holiday Memories

The Strong Museum


12/13 - Consider The Source

Flour City Station


12/14 - Hot Mess Holiday Market

Water Street Music Hall


12/15 - Wine & Design - Jewelry Making at Unwine'd

Unwine'd


12/19 - Live Smooth Jazz with Jimmie Highsmith

Legacy Wine Bar


12/20 - Winter Wonderland Run

161 Chestnut Street


12/20 - Shakedown Citi - Terrapin Quest Bingo Night

Flour City Station


12/26 - Live Jazz with Andrew Grieder

Legacy Wine Bar


12/27 - I Love R&B

Water Street Music Hall


12/28 - WWE Live Holiday Tour

Blue Cross Arena


12/31 - NYE at Anthology w/ Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Dirty Blanket feat Chris Hollywood English & Flying Object

Anthology

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Rochester Downtown Development Corporation

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