5th Annual Roc Holiday Village Opens Today at 4 PM
8 Different Businesses to Shop From
17 Local Charities Participating in The Giving Cup
Limited Number of Igloo Inns Available to Book
Rohrbach Brewing Co. to Debut Village Lager
New Photo Experience
Open More Days Than Ever Before
Rochester, NY—Dec. 1, 2023—Today, Friday, December 1, is opening day of the fifth annual City of Rochester Roc Holiday Village, presented by Five Star Bank. This year's event will feature more days, free activities, Igloo Inns, and shopping opportunities than ever before.
Roc Holiday Village opens Friday at 4 p.m. and runs for 17 days until December 23 at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park in downtown Rochester. For the first time since 2019, ticketed Story Time events return. All of the Cozy Winter Igloos and Story Time events are sold out.
This year's event features festive fun for everyone including free visits and photos with Santa, free ice skating and skate rentals, unique holiday shopping, free crafts and activities for kids, free live music, delicious food and drinks, outdoor fire pits and seating, ice rink events and activities, and more.
WHERE
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park
353 Court St., Rochester, NY 14604
Note to editors: For photo ops and interviews please text or call Amanda Antinore at (585) 729-7533.
Opening Weekend Schedule
Friday, December 1
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Visit Santa Claus in Santa’s Workshop
4 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Free ice skating and skate rentals presented by Wegmans
4 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Shopping Village presented by the Democrat & Chronicle
4 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Drinks, seating and free arcade games in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
4 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The Giving Cup hot cocoa for a cause hosted by Verona Street Animal Shelter in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Free Crafts for Kids presented by the Boy Scouts of America Seneca Waterways Council in the Simcona Gingerbread House
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Explore the Village presented by Visit Rochester – Free I Spy Scavenger Hunt, Adventure Map, and Photo Quest
4 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Frosty’s Food Court food trucks on Court St. – Eat Greek Food Truck, KOBQ, Rob’s Kabobs, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Free bar tasting hosted by Rohrbach Brewing Co. in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Free live music – Oliver Gomez Trio – on the Buckingham Properties Stage in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
Saturday, December 2
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Free ice skating and skate rentals presented by Wegmans
11 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Visit Santa Claus in Santa’s Workshop (closed from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. during Parade)
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Shopping Village presented by the Democrat & Chronicle
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Drinks, seating and free arcade games in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – The Giving Cup hot cocoa for a cause hosted by CURE & IAC Kids in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Free Crafts for Kids presented by the Girl Scouts of Western NY in the Simcona Gingerbread House
11 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Explore the Village presented by Visit Rochester – Free I Spy Scavenger Hunt, Adventure Map, and Photo Quest
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. – Caroling outside by the School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble (weather dependent)
1:50 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Free live music on the Buckingham Properties Stage in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodgeby the School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble
5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. – Liberty Pole Lighting and Parade to Roc Holiday Village – Liberty Pole Way on the corner of Franklin and E. Main Streets
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Free Crafts for Kids presented by the City of Rochester in the Simcona Gingerbread House
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Free live music on the Buckingham Properties Stage in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge by Prime Time Brass Band
8 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Free live music on the Buckingham Properties Stage in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge by Oliver Gomez Trio
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Frosty’s Food Court food trucks on Court St. – The Meatball Truck, Rob’s Al Dente, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Wraps on Wheels
Sunday, December 3
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Visit Santa Claus in Santa’s Workshop
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Free ice skating and skate rentals presented by Wegmans
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Shopping Village presented by the Democrat & Chronicle
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Hanukkah Celebration presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester in the Simcona Gingerbread House (free)
11 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Explore the Village presented by Visit Rochester – Free I Spy Scavenger Hunt, Adventure Map, and Photo Quest (free)
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Drinks, seating and free arcade games in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – The Giving Cup hot cocoa for a cause hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free live music on the Buckingham Properties Stage in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge by Boom Chicks
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Frosty’s Food Court food trucks on Court St. – Cookie Coma, Melt Truck ROC, Red Osier, Steve & Al’s Steak Out, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Free bar tasting hosted by Rohrbach Brewing Co. in The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
2023 Roc Holiday Village Dates and Hours
Friday, December 1
Saturday, December 2
Sunday, December 3
Wednesday, December 6
Thursday, December 7
Friday, December 8
Saturday, December 9
Sunday, December 10
Wednesday, December 13
Thursday, December 14
Friday, December 15
Saturday, December 16
Sunday, December 17
Wednesday, December 20
Thursday, December 21
Friday, December 22
Saturday, December 23
Santa's Workshop
Wednesday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge & Frosty's Food Court
Wednesday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ice Rink (weather permitting)
Wednesday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shopping Village
Wednesday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Simcona Gingerbread House
Wednesday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
17 Local Nonprofit Charities Participating in First-ever Giving Cup – Hot Cocoa for a Cause
The Giving Cup at The Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge is a hot cocoa counter for a cause, hosted by a different nonprofit daily.
Visitors can enjoy a warm cup of cocoa or coffee with fun toppings where each day a different local charitable organization will be running the show. Proceeds and gratuity from The Giving Cup will go directly to that day's charity.
When & Who
Friday, December 1 – Verona Street Animal Society
Saturday, December 2 – C.U.R.E./IACKids
Sunday, December 3 – Ronald McDonald House Charities
Wednesday, December 6 – Hillside Children's Center
Thursday, December 7 – Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts
Friday, December 8 – Hickok Center for Brain Injury
Saturday, December 9 – Rochester Accessible Adventures
Sunday, December 10 – Dimitri House
Wednesday, December 13 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester
Thursday, December 14 – Dream Factory of Rochester
Friday, December 15 – Willow Domestic Violence Center
Saturday, December 16 – Make a Wish Foundation of Western NY
Sunday, December 17 – Jazz 90.1
Wednesday, December 20 – American Red Cross
Thursday, December 21 – GiGi's Playhouse Rochester
Friday, December 22 – Cameron Community Ministries
Saturday, December 23 – Best Buddies International
For hours and to learn more visit: rocholidayvillage.com/the-lodge-bar/#givingcup
New Photo Experience Design to Debut
The Roc Holiday Village Photo Experience Brought to You by Vitalize Medical & Aesthetics will feature a unique and festive backdrop and scene-setter that’s perfect for creating lasting memories. A fun activity for the whole family. To learn more visit rocholidayvillage.com/photo-experience.
Limited Number of Igloo Inns Available to Book
Three Igloo Inns – one for up to 40 people and two for up to 30 people – are available to book now. Email events@rocholidayvillage.com.
An additional Igloo Inn located adjacent to the ice rink is also available to reserve for private parties of up to 30 people. It features a private deck with Adirondack chairs, a fire pit and an optional s’mores package add-on.
Learn more by visiting rocholidayvillage.com/igloo-inns.
Sign Up for Free Ryan Callahan Foundation Hockey Skills Competition
A limited number of spots is available for the Ryan Callahan Foundation Hockey Skills Competition for the Ryan Callahan Foundation Hockey Skills Competition for kids in groups for ages 10 and under and 11 to 16 on Sunday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. Advance registration is required. Sign up online by visiting rocholidayvillage.com.
Highlights & More New Activities
Rohrbach Brewing Company will debut a new beer in partnership with Roc Holiday Village called “Village Lager” – A crisp classic German lager that sparkles like the magic of Roc Holiday Village. With a bready malt backbone and subtle hops, Village Lager is an ode to the nostalgia of the holiday season.
An expanded selection of free arcade games to enjoy inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge.
Two Mini Maker Markets – Wednesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 20 from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Simcona Gingerbread House.
Two free Silent Disco events will take place on the ice rink on Thursday, December 7, and Thursday, December 14 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bar Trivia will take place inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge on Thursday, December 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. hosted by Rochester Pub Trivia.
More Free Events & Activities This Year!
Free ice skating and free skate rentals presented by Wegmans throughout the 17 days of Roc Holiday Village's operating hours, plus 5 days between Christmas and New Year's. See the full schedule on rocholidayvillage.com.
Santa’s Workshop – The indoor heated tent features free visits and photos with Santa, free cookies courtesy of Wegmans, and Santa Text Express for guests when they arrive to provide their name and number and they will receive a text when it’s their turn with Santa. Plus, mail your letters for Santa and receive a reply if received by Sunday, December 10. There will be a Black Santa on Thursday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be a Santa who communicates in American Sign Language on Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 14.
Crafts for kids in the Simcona Gingerbread House – an indoor heated tent – presented by Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Boy Scouts of America Seneca Waterways Council, City of Rochester, Girl Scouts of Western New York, Home Depot, Rochester Pipeline Memorial Art Gallery and Rochester Pipeline.
Holiday celebrations presented by the Rochester Area Community Foundation in the Simcona Gingerbread House include Hanukkah on Sunday, December 3; Kwanzaa on Sunday, December 10; Three Kings' Day on Friday, December 15; and Christmas on Sunday, December 17.
Ryan Callahan Foundation Skill Competition for kids in groups for ages 10 and under and 11 to 16 Sunday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Sign up online by visiting rocholidayvillage.com.
Curling Demonstration and Instruction presented by Rochester Curling Club on Saturday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sled Hockey Demonstration presented by Rochester Sled Hawks on Saturday, December 9 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Genesee Figure Skating Club performance on Sunday, December 10 from 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club performance and Learn to Skateon Saturday, December 16 from noon to 1 p.m.
Live music on the Buckingham Properties Stage inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and select Sundays. The full schedule of live music is posted online at rocholidayvillage.com/live-music.
School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble Carolers in and around The Village on Saturday, December 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Band Karaoke on the Buckingham Properties Stage inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge every Wednesday evening along with a live band.
Arcade games inside the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge
Have fun Exploring the Village in three ways – Scavenger Hunt, Adventure Map, and Photo Quest. Exploring the Village is free and sponsored by Visit Rochester. Details will be posted on rocholidayvillage.com.
On closing night, Saturday, December 23 at approximately 8 p.m., Prime Time Brass will perform around the Village and parade with Santabefore he returns to The North Pole.
More Shopping, Eating and Drinking
The Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge – The indoor heated tent includes cozy lounge seating and communal tables plus a bar with wine, beer, hard cider, hard seltzer, mulled wine, sparkling wine and soft drinks. Each day to raise proceeds, a rotation of local charities will take over The Giving Cup hot cocoa bar.
Shop, eat and drink from 23 retail vendors each week for a total of 50 different regional businesses over the course of the 17-day event. The outdoor Shopping Village is sponsored by the Democrat and Chronicle. The complete list of retailers is posted online at rocholidayvillage.com.
Shop Roc Holiday Village official merchandise, one-of-a-kind keepsakes and collector items.
Outdoor seating sponsored by the YMCA and an outdoor bar are back. Guests can meet up with friends and warm up around the fire pits with their beverage of choice.
Mini Makers Markets features over 20 different local artists, crafters, designers, DIYers, and confectioneries who will sell their goods on Wednesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 20 from 4 to 9 p.m. inside the Simcona Gingerbread House. A complete list of Mini Makers is posted online at rocholidayvillage.com.
Frosty’s Food Court – A rotation of food trucks will be located outside on Court St. Outdoor picnic table seating will be available. The lineup of food offerings is posted online at rocholidayvillage.com/food.
Special tasting events in the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge bar – The full schedule of bar tastings is posted online at rocholidayvillage.com/the-lodge-bar
Private Events – Private events can be booked for large parties in the Rochester Area Community Foundation & Triple-O Lodge for 50 to 250 people or in the large igloos – Igloo Inns – that hold between 30 to 40 people. Both private settings offer additional catering options. To book a private event, contact Roc Holiday Village by email at jenna@rocholidayvillage.com for private events and events@rocholidayvillage.com for Igloo Inns.
Parking – Roc Holiday Village does not operate any parking but there are many surface lots and ramp parking garages conveniently located nearby. Metered parking will be available on area streets, plus at the Washington Square Garage, Allpro Parking Garage at the Five Star Bank Building, Court Street Garage, Midtown Garage, and Fairway Parking. Parking is also available for visitors of Roc Holiday Village in The Strong National Museum of Play Parking Garage for $10. Court St. between Chestnut St. and Manhattan Square Dr. will be closed to thru traffic during the hours when the Village is open.
About Roc Holiday Village
Roc Holiday Village is Rochester, New York’s favorite, magical winter festival! Delighting people of all ages, Roc Holiday Village 2023 is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and will present 17 days of enchanting festivities from December 1 to December 23. The downtown festival features outdoor seating and fire pits, free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique shopping village, indoor and outdoor bars with tasty food and drinks, free visits with Santa, hand-crafted goods, cozy winter igloos, free crafts for kids, holiday celebrations, live music, private events, nightlife and more. In 2022, Roc Holiday Village drew more than 140,000 people of all ages to the heart of downtown Rochester at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Park. Roc Holiday Village is produced by Rochester natives Jenna Manetta Knauf, owner of Bella Events Group; Kelli Marsh, owner of Kelli Marsh photography; and Sean McCarthy, owner of McCarthy Tents & Events.
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