Sharing the best activities to celebrate Christmas in Rochester. From light displays, to fun activities for the entire family, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season of Christmas in Rochester.
I’ve been living in Rochester, NY for over 15 years and have enjoyed maybe of the different holiday events in Rochester. We moved here when my kids were infants and now they are teens, and we still try to include one or two from this list during the holidays.
These are my picks for the best Christmas in Rochester NY things you want to include this holiday season.
Christmas in Rochester, NY
This is a mix of free and paid activities that have become our go-to during the holidays in Rochester.
Lamberton Conservatory Lights
We did this for the first time last year and I loved it! The conservatory is small and we walked around a few times but it really is so pretty this time of year.
Hours are still being updated for the 2025 season but expect this to start around the first week of December. Check their website for updates.
Holly Trolley Rides
During December visit the New York Museum of transportation for holiday train rides. Includes a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Powers Farm
Powers Farm has sweet treats and hot cocoa to welcome guests during the holiday season. There is also a wooded trail that features a living Nativity scene.
Christmas Lights
When my kids were small we would put pajamas on, pack a holiday snack, and drive around looking for holiday light displays. Check out this list from Day Tripping Roc for a few great options.
ROC Holiday Village
ROC Holiday Village has free ice skating, meet Santa, weekend events, and a holiday market. Read my full review of ROC Holiday Village with updates for 2025.
Holiday Light show at Rochester Museum & Science Center
RMSC offers a 50 minute Holiday Laser Show show on the weekends. It is a show filled with lasers and holiday music and is a wonderful tradition to start with your family. This starts the week of Thanksgiving and tickets can be purchased on the website.
Genesee Brew House Keg Christmas Tree
Genesee Brew House has the first Keg Christmas Tree I have ever seen! I know this sounds like it is for the adults but kids can appreciate the lights and adults will love it. You can make an evening of it and enjoy dinner…and possibly a tasting. I recommend the Bavarian Pretzels!
Sweet Creations at the George Eastman Museum
This is a great indoor holiday event that is fun for all ages. Stroll along the impressive gingerbread houses and if you want to take one home you can even make a bid at the auction. Learn more here.
Winter Festival of Lights in Macedon
This is a fairly new activity that I have seen friends do and rave about, but we haven’t had a chance to experience.
It is a tractor ride through the lights. Dress warm and bring blankets. This looks like a really great activity that I am hoping we can do this year. Learn more here.
Holiday Shows
The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition at the RPO and has performances at the end of November. Last year we saw A Christmas Carol at GEVA and it was a fantastic performance. Seeing a show is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
Plan a Holiday Day Trip
If you have a full day you might consider a day trip from Rochester. Niagara Falls is one of my favorite places to visit during a winter day trip. Their annual Winter Festival of Lights is a fantastic event.
You may also want to consider a visit to Seneca Falls for the It’s a Wonderful Life event. This is a big event that celebrates the movie and the story that inspired it. Details here.
Weekend Getaway for the Holidays
When my kids were younger (and could miss a day or two of school) we would take a weekend to visit some of our favorite theme parks during the holidays. Read about these great trips- We have visited Hersheypark, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando during the holidays.
Another one of my favorite places to go for the weekends is the Adirondacks area. We spent a weekend in Lake George and time at the Wild Center. The Wild Center has Wild Lights which I haven’t had an opportunity to experience but is high on my list. If you have a free weekend you may want to include a visit.
Whether you plan an activity each weekend or pick a couple special activities Christmas in Rochester is full of holiday fun.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.