Rochester This Week – 12/30/25
Ring in the New Year and start 2026 strong—plan this week’s day trips around Rochester.
Trending This Week
Start the Year Outside: First Day Hikes on January 1
Begin 2026 with fresh air and forward motion. First Day Hikes across New York State invite you to step outside, reflect, and enjoy nature—no resolutions required. Even a short walk can set an intentional tone for the year ahead.
Here are two walks you can pair; I did this last year:
Brookdale Preserve, Chili
10 a.m.–Noon
Ring in the New Year with an easy two to four-mile walk along the Greenway from Brookdale Preserve, co-hosted by the Genesee Land Trust and Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway. Please dress appropriately for the weather. If there’s snow, feel free to bring your snowshoes or skis. Leashed pets are welcome; kindly clean up after them. Meet at 30 Brook Road, Rochester, NY 14623, in the parking area. Reservations are required.
RSVP at geneseelandtrust.org →
Highland Park
1:00 PM
Join Rochester Ecology Partners for a relaxed walk through Highland Park. The first day of 2026 is a perfect chance to get some fresh air, meet others, and enjoy the natural beauty of Highland Park. Meet at Lamberton Conservatory. Stroll, then enjoy hot cocoa and snacks at their office located at 224 Mt. Hope Ave.
rochesterecologypartners.org →
Holiday School Break Ideas
This guide rounds up indoor and outdoor adventures perfect for filling slow mornings, snowy afternoons, and everything in between.
New Year’s Eve, Rochester-Style
From early-evening family celebrations to concerts, special dinners, and downtown festivities, Rochester offers plenty of ways to welcome 2026. Whether you’re planning a night out or something low-key, now’s the time to decide how you want to mark the moment.
Explore New Year’s Eve events →
Rochester Fun Facts You Might Not Know
Start the new year with a bit of local trivia. From surprising firsts and inventions to lesser-known stories hiding in plain sight, this roundup is a fun reminder of just how interesting Rochester really is—perfect for sharing over coffee or during a quiet holiday week.
Discover Rochester’s fun facts →
D Is for Day Trip
This A-to-Z guide explores day trips around Rochester, from agriculture and beaches to yesteryear and zoos. Each letter highlights a regional aspect and inspires ideas for outings.
Things to Do in Rochester This Weekend
Not sure where to start? This go-to weekend guide gathers the best local resources in one place, making it easy to find events, outings, and ideas—whether you’re planning something spontaneous or looking ahead.
Upcoming Events
Featured Event
Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show
Dec 5–Jan 11
The conservatory glows with festive lights, seasonal florals, and warm tropical air. Evening hours on Friday and Sunday nights offer an especially magical visit.
Note: Lamberton Conservatory is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Plan your visit to Lamberton Conservatory →
Multi-Day Events
Laser Stranger Things, RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
Through Jan 2
Holiday Laser Show, RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
Through Jan 4
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display, George Eastman Museum
Through Jan 4
OFC’s Broadway in Brighton Series™ Presents Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Through Jan 4
Festival of Lights, Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Youngstown
Through Jan 5
Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show, Rochester
Through Jan 11
Lights on the Lake, Liverpool
Through Jan 12
Wednesday, Dec 31
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve @ ARTISANworks
New Year’s Eve Fire & Ice Gala, Avon Inn
New Year’s Eve Dinner, Strathallan
New Year’s Eve Dinner, Horizons Modern Kitchen & Wine Bar (Woodcliff Hotel)
New Year’s Eve @ Tony D’s
New Year’s Eve @ ROAR
New Year’s Eve Party, Captain Jack’s Goodtime Tavern
New Year’s Eve Bash with Public Water Supply, Abilene Bar & Lounge
NYE with Dial Up, Three Heads Brewing
Manic Focus & Flamingosis – New Year’s Eve, Photo City Music Hall
BT’s New Year’s Eve Musical Mayhem, Blackfriars Theatre
New Year’s Eve with Todd Youngman, Comedy at the Carlson
Vinnie & Tommy’s Adult New Year’s Eve – Rickles Room, Comedy at the Carlson
The Capitol Fools, Nazareth University Callahan Theater
Stranger Things 5: The Finale, Various movie theaters (Dec 31 & Jan 1)
Noon Year’s Eve 2025, Seneca Park Zoo
Thursday, Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
First Day Hikes (state & local parks)
Friday, Jan 2
First Friday — Citywide Gallery Night
Saturday, Jan 3
CITY Magazine’s Best of Rochester Party & Awards Show, Anthology
Winter Warrior Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon, MCC
RIT Men’s Hockey Home Games
Laser Elton John opens at the Strasenburgh Planetarium
Find more to do in January at daytrippingroc.com →