Rochester This Week: 12/23/24
Discover indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family this week—from holiday shows to first-day walks.
Wintertime in Rochester
It’s cold, it’s snowy, it’s dark. It’s wintertime in Rochester! Once the December holiday honeymoon is over, Rochestarians must find ways to enjoy what January, February, March, and possibly into early April have in store for us. Here are a few suggestions to help embrace our winter season.
Child-Sized Fun During the Holiday School Break
This guide offers a variety of fun activities for you and the kids to enjoy around Rochester during the holiday school break. From visiting museums and restaurants to going ice skating or hiking, plenty of ideas exist for spending time indoors and out.
Roc Holiday Village
Now–Dec. 29 (Thu–Sun)
Rochester
A Christmas Carol
Now–Dec. 29
Rochester, Geva
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display
Now–Jan. 5, 2025
Rochester, George Eastman Museum
Holiday Laser Shows
Now–Jan. 5, 2025
Rochester, RMSC
Lamberton Conservatory
Holiday Show
Now–Jan. 12, 2025
Rochester, Highland Park
The Prince of Egypt
Now–Dec. 29
Brighton, OFC Creations
Lights on the Lake
Now–Jan. 13, 2025
Liverpool, Onondaga Lake
Edgerton Model Railroad Room
Fans of transportation heritage and Rochester history will enjoy visiting the Edgerton Model Railroad. Each of the four season-themed layouts tells a unique story of life on the move in the 1950s, featuring operating model trains that travel through each scene. Visitors can discover the details of each display during the open house layout tours, which take place on the last Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rochester
Are you seeking a fun way to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and welcome 2025 in style? Look no further! I’ve compiled a list of festive places to ring in the new year, including comedy, theater, music performances, themed dinner parties, and family-friendly activities. I will continue to update this guide as new events are announced.
Theaters Around Rochester
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, including interpretive dance, chamber music, Shakespearean plays, and Broadway productions. Whether historic auditoriums or multiplex theaters with reclining seats, Rochester’s movie theaters offer a wide range of first-run, independent, foreign, and student films, live-stream events, and festivals. And be sure to check out a high school musical! Most theaters offer refreshments on-site or are within walking distance of bars and restaurants, making planning an entertaining afternoon or evening easy.
Our Favorite Christmas Light Displays
Because December is the darkest month, we welcome grand displays of holiday and Christmas lights to brighten the night. These homeowners and neighborhoods go all out to celebrate the season, so let’s get out there and celebrate with them.
First-Day Hikes on January 1, 2025
Welcome the New Year with a guided walk on New Year's Day. Start planning your walk at one of several parks hosting events, including Brookdale Preserve in Chili, Letchworth, and Hamlin Beach. Some require pre-registration to ensure the right staff and volunteers are on hand to make each hike a safe and memorable experience.
