Roc Holiday Village presented by Five Star Bank is back for its 2nd year to transform MLK Jr. Memorial Park into a winter wonderland! If you missed it last year, don’t make that mistake again this year.
Whether you’re 2 or 102, this village is for YOU and it’s not just a one-time pop-up – it’s EVERY weekend in December. There will be different restaurants every weekend, live music, Santa, local vendors, and so much more.

With so many different activities happening, we wanted to highlight all of the FREE things and more that you won’t want to miss.
Opening Ceremonies:
Every year, the City of Rochester kicks off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Liberty Pole festivities with Santa and his helpers. Following the lighting this year on Saturday, December 7th, everyone is invited to join Santa in a parade to Holiday Village for the Grand Opening of the Village and tree lighting (opening night details).
Santa’s Workshop:
Come meet Santa and have your picture taken and even have that picture emailed to you for free. For a nominal fee photos can be printed on the spot as well and all proceeds go to IACKids. There will even be free cookies courtesy of Wegmans. Head to the website to see Santa’s Workshop hours and find out what else is happening in the Workshop.
Ice Skating:

During all of the Holiday Village hours, ice skating and skate rentals are free! Skates are limited though, so if you have your own, it’d be a good idea to bring them. Even if you don’t want to ice skate check out the Ice Rink Schedule for opportunities to see figure skating performances and information on all other rink activities.
Live Music:
Enjoy different musicians every Friday and Saturday evening from 8-11pm in The Lodge. See the schedule of who’s playing here.
Curling Demonstrations:
Whether you’re a fan of curling during the Olympics, have always wanted to learn, or are just curious about the sport, don’t miss the free curling demonstration and instruction on December 7th & 14th. Learn the lingo, watch a demonstration, and get to try it for free.
SHOP!

Get your holiday shopping done this year in the Village! Peruse the retail vendors, food vendors, the Holiday Village merchandise tent and the Mini Maker Markets on December 14th & 19th. See the list and schedule: Holiday Village Shopping.
Parking:
Yes, we know there’s gonna be at least one person out there who is concerned about parking. But as the co-producers of the annual Movies with a Downtown View events in the same location, we know there’s quite a bit of on-street parking surrounding this park. Better yet, street parking is free after 6pm on weekdays and ENTIRELY FREE on weekends.
We also know that some of the area’s parking garages are free on the weekends IF there aren’t Special Events that are happening (i.e., Washington Square Garage). It makes sense to call ahead to see if a particular garage is open and free so you can plan ahead.
- Washington Square Garage, 111 Woodbury Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14607
- Allpro Parking Garage, 100 Chestnut St. at Five Star Bank
- Court Street Garage, 194 Court St., Rochester, NY 14604
- Midtown Garage, entrance is on Clinton Ave or Broad Street
- Fairway Parking, 186 East Ave., Rochester, NY 1460
- Surface lots, fees vary, all are operated by private owners, the festival does not operate any parking
- Metered Street Parking, free after 6 PM Fridays and all day Saturday and Sunday, please read signs and only park in legal spots
- Washington Square Garage, 111 Woodbury Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14607

For ALL of the details, events, schedules, craft activities, restaurants, and other celebration, head to the Official Website.
Holiday Village Hours:
Friday: 4pm – 10pm
Saturday: 10am – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Above are general hours, head to the website for all hours, dates & details for The Lodge, Shopping, Crafts, Ice Skating and more!
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