ESL Federal Credit Union is new presenting sponsor
Construction is underway
Igloo Inn tickets on sale Oct. 23, 10 AM
Cozy Igloo tickets on sale Nov. 1, 10 AM
Story Times, Paint & Sips, Holiday Floral Class
tickets on sale Nov. 8, 10 AM
Rochester, NY—Oct. 21, 2025—The magic of the holidays returns to downtown as the seventh annual City of Rochester Roc Holiday Village, presented by ESL Federal Credit Union, opens at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The popular winter festival runs through Dec. 28 with 16 days of free, family-friendly fun, festive experiences and seasonal cheer.
Recognized nationally in 2024 by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top holiday markets and ice skating destinations in the country, Roc Holiday Village continues to grow as a must-visit winter tradition in the Northeast.
Co-owners Jenna Manetta-Knauf, Kelli Marsh and Sean McCarthy announced details of this year’s expanded event at a news conference today.
Note to editors:
To download the updated Roc Holiday Village logo lockup with presenting sponsor ESL Federal Credit Union, visit rocholidayvillage.com/news.
Highlights and What’s New for 2025
Roc Holiday Village returns this season with expanded programming and new experiences for visitors of all ages.
ESL Federal Credit Union joins Roc Holiday Village as the new presenting sponsor.
Evening entertainment returns inside the Gingerbread House, with a lineup of free trivia nights, paint and sip events, and the introduction of a new ticketed Holiday Floral Class with Hill Holiday Decor. Tickets go on sale Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. exclusively at rocholidayvillage.com.
From Dec. 26 to 28, Santa’s Workshop will be transformed into the Rec Room, offering free-to-play arcade games during the final weekend of the festival.
The Winter Wonderland Run, a 5K race in partnership with Wolfpack Multisport, returns Friday, Dec. 20, with the start and finish line located on Court Street near the Village entrance. Registration is open at rocholidayvillage.com/winter-wonderland-run.
First responders from the Rochester Police and Fire Departments will volunteer as Red Kettle bell ringers this holiday season in a friendly “Battle of the Badges” to see which team can raise the most for The Salvation Army.
Since its debut in 2018, Roc Holiday Village has welcomed more than 185,000 visitors each season to celebrate the holidays in the heart of downtown Rochester.
“We’re excited to share what’s ahead for the seventh annual Roc Holiday Village,” said co-founders Manetta-Knauf, Marsh, and McCarthy. “This year feels like a new chapter as we welcome ESL Federal Credit Union as our presenting sponsor and continue to grow what has become a favorite holiday tradition in Rochester. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Your enthusiasm helps make the Village a magical place each season. We look forward to celebrating together in December.”
On Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m., the annual Liberty Pole Lighting will include a parade to Roc Holiday Village, held in partnership with the City of Rochester. More details will be announced at a later date.
“It is a true joy to see the Roc Holiday Village become a signature event here in Rochester, transforming Martin Luther King Jr. Park into a magical winter wonderland of fun activities, unique gifts, and the finest food and drink in Rochester,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The City is happy to support the work of Roc Holiday Village’s co-founders, and we thank ESL, Wegmans and the dozens of other sponsors who help make Roc Holiday Village a highlight of the year.”
“We’re excited to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Roc Holiday Village,” said Tom Rogers, executive vice president and chief operating officer at ESL Federal Credit Union. “We believe in the power of downtown to bring people together, especially during the holidays. This festival welcomes families, friends and visitors from across the region while showcasing many of the local businesses that make downtown thrive.”
“Roc Holiday Village has become the place where Monroe County families make lasting holiday memories,” said County Executive Bello. “The festival boosts our local economy, drawing in tourists and residents alike for holiday fun that supports local businesses, artisans, musicians, and more. Monroe County is proud to once again sponsor Roc Holiday Village with our Community Festival Funding Program and I encourage everyone to join in on the festivities this December.”
Village Dates and Hours
Roc Holiday Village will be open: Friday, Dec. 5; Saturday, Dec. 6; Sunday, Dec. 7; Wednesday, Dec. 10; Thursday, Dec. 11; Friday, Dec. 12; Saturday, Dec. 13; Sunday, Dec. 14; Wednesday, Dec. 17; Thursday, Dec. 18; Friday, Dec. 19; Saturday, Dec. 20; Sunday, Dec. 21; Friday, Dec. 26; Saturday, Dec. 27; and Sunday, Dec. 28. The Village will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Santa’s Workshop:
Wednesday through Friday: 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Triple-O Lodge & Frosty’s Food Court:
Wednesday and Thursday: 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday: 4 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 through Friday: 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shopping Village:
Wednesday and Thursday: 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday: 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gingerbread House:
Wednesday through Friday: 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Igloo Inn Group Reservations Available Thursday, Oct. 23, 10 AM
The Rochester Area Community Foundation Igloo Village, featuring three Igloo Inns, will return to Roc Holiday Village in 2025, offering cozy and private spaces for large group gatherings. The reservable heated structures, including the Rinkside Igloo Inn, can be reserved for celebrations, team outings or private holiday events.
Each Igloo Inn features festive lounge seating, seasonal decor and exclusive access to a private, enclosed space in the heart of the Village. Guests may choose between two, two-and-a-half-hour or three-hour blocks for groups of up to 30 or 40 people, depending on the selected igloo. Optional catering and beverage packages are available for an additional cost.
Tickets to reserve an Igloo Inn open Thursday, Oct. 23, exclusively at rocholidayvillage.com/igloo-inns. Igloo Inns sold out in 2024.
Cozy Winter Igloo tickets go on sale Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10 AM
The Rochester Area Community Foundation Igloo Village will feature 10 Cozy Winter Igloos available to book for groups of six. Each geodesic dome-covered lounge offers a view of the Village and is furnished with comfortable chairs, blankets and pillows, along with bar service.
Cozy Winter Igloo tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at rocholidayvillage.com. Reservations are available in 90-minute increments for $205 plus taxes and fees. Additional food and drink options can be purchased in advance during the checkout process.
Roc Holiday Village’s ticketing system allows customers to hold a ticket for 10 minutes during checkout. If a timeslot appears sold out, guests are encouraged to refresh the page, as the system takes time to reset following an incomplete sale. Cozy Igloos sold out in two hours in 2024.
Story Time With Santa and Story Time With Anna and Elsa tickets go on sale Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10 AM
Roc Holiday Village is bringing back its popular ticketed special events, including Story Time with Santa and Story Time with Anna and Elsa.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at rocholidayvillage.com. Story Time with Anna and Elsa is $45 per person, and Story Time with Santa is $35 per person, plus taxes and fees. An optional cookie decorating add-on is available for an additional $15 and includes four cookies.
Story Time with Santa will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 21, inside the Triple-O Lodge. The event includes storytelling, a sing-along led by Mr. Loops, photo ops, crafts and refreshments.
Story Time with Anna and Elsa will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 20, also inside the Lodge. Guests will enjoy an interactive story, sing-along, photo opportunities and refreshments.
Space is limited. Children age 2 and under are free if seated on a lap. All sales are final and tickets are nonrefundable.
All Story Time events sold out in 2024. Story Times are presented by the Democrat and Chronicle.
Gingerbread House Evening Events Return to Roc Holiday Village With Trivia, Paint and Sip, Holiday Floral Class, Tickets on Sale Nov. 8
Returning for 2025 after a successful debut last season, the Gingerbread House, an indoor heated tent, will again be transformed into a festive evening hub featuring free trivia nights along with ticketed paint and sip events and holiday floral class.
Trivia nights will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 20.
Paint and Sip events will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 27. Tickets are $45 per person.
Holiday Floral Class will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 for $65 per person.
A bar will be open during evening events, offering a selection of beverages including beer, wine, hard cider, canned cocktails, and nonalcoholic options.
Tickets for Gingerbread House evening events go on sale Friday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. only at rocholidayvillage.com.
Free Events and Activities in 2025
Roc Holiday Village will feature a full schedule of free programming for families and visitors of all ages throughout the season.
Free ice skating and skate rentals, presented by Wegmans, will be available every day the Village is open, as well as during an extended winter break from Dec. 29 through Jan. 4. Skating will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Santa’s Workshop, located in an indoor heated tent, offers free visits and photos with Santa, free cookies courtesy of Wegmans, and the Santa Text Express. Guests can check in with their name and phone number and will receive a text when it is their turn to visit. Black Santa will appear on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 from 3 to 8 p.m.
Free crafts for kids will be offered throughout December inside the Gingerbread House. Participating partners include the Boy Scouts, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, the City of Rochester, Goldfish Swim School, Home Depot, Medline, and the Memorial Art Gallery Creative Workshop.
Holiday celebrations will take place in the Gingerbread House on the following dates:
- Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Hanukkah, presented by PJ Library and the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
- Sunday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Kwanzaa, presented by the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition
- Sunday, Dec. 21 from 12 to 6 p.m. – Christmas, presented by First Bible Baptist Church
- Sunday, Dec. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Three Kings’ Day, presented by the Puerto Rican Festival
Special ice rink activity schedule:
- Friday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. – Sled hockey demonstration presented by the Rochester Sled Hawks
- Thursday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec. 18 from 8 to 10 p.m. – Silent Disco
- Saturday, Dec. 13 at 12 p.m. – Thomas Creek Figure Skating Club performance, followed by a free learn to skate clinic from 12:30 to 12:50 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Curling demonstration and instruction presented by the Rochester Curling Club
- Sunday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. – Genesee Figure Skating Club performance, with a learn to skate clinic scheduled to follow
More activities throughout the season include:
- Live music inside The Triple-O Lodge on the Simcona Stage every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and select Sundays
- Band karaoke on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. inside The Triple-O Lodge on the Simcona Stage
- Free-to-play arcade games inside the Lodge
- Explore the Village with the I Spy Scavenger Hunt, Adventure Map, and Photo Quest, presented by Visit Rochester.
- The IACKids Parade of Hope will serve as Santa’s farewell and will feature a glow parade on Sunday, Dec. 21, at approximately 5:45 p.m., with a roaming brass band leading Santa’s final sendoff before he returns to the North Pole.
Shopping, Eating and Drinking
The Triple-O Lodge is an indoor heated tent that features cozy lounge seating, communal tables, and a bar serving wine, beer, hard cider, hard seltzer, mulled wine, sparkling wine and soft drinks.
The Giving Cup, serving hot cocoa for a cause, supports a different nonprofit organization each of the 16 days Roc Holiday Village is open. A full list of participating organizations and their schedule is available at rocholidayvillage.com.
Retail shopping will be available throughout the Village, featuring 24 vendors each week for a total of 44 different regional businesses over the course of the event. The complete list of retailers is posted online. Visitors can also shop official Roc Holiday Village merchandise, keepsakes and collector items.
Food and drink vendors located in the Shopping Village throughout the festival include The Chai Guy, Duke’s Donuts, La Bola/Avvino, Tony Pepperoni and Wow Fudge, along with the Roc Holiday Village outdoor bar.
Outdoor seating and fire pits, sponsored by the YMCA, will return this season, along with an outdoor bar. Guests are invited to warm up with a drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Rohrbach Brewing Company’s Village Lager, a crisp German-style lager with a bready malt backbone and subtle hops, will return in 2025 after selling out in 2023 and 2024. The beer will also be available in select retail outlets.
Two Mini Maker Markets will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 inside the Gingerbread House, showcasing 32 different local artisans and handcrafted goods.
Frosty’s Food Court will feature a rotation of food trucks located on Court Street with outdoor picnic table seating available. The lineup of food offerings will be posted online at rocholidayvillage.com/food.
Tasting events will be held inside the Triple-O Lodge bar, offering guests the chance to sample seasonal drinks. The full tasting schedule will be posted at rocholidayvillage.com/the-lodge-bar.
Private events can be booked at the Triple-O Lodge for groups of 50 to 250 guests. Catering options are available. To inquire about availability, email events@rocholidayvillage.com.
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About Roc Holiday Village
Roc Holiday Village is Rochester, New York’s favorite winter festival, delighting people of all ages with festive experiences in the heart of downtown. Roc Holiday Village 2025 celebrates its seventh season from Dec. 5 to 28, offering 16 days of holiday festivities at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The free, family-friendly festival features outdoor seating and fire pits, ice skating and skate rentals, a unique shopping village, indoor and outdoor bars, local food and drinks, visits with Santa, hand-crafted goods, cozy winter igloos, free crafts for kids, cultural celebrations, live music, private events and more. Roc Holiday Village is owned and produced by Rochester natives Jenna Manetta-Knauf, owner of Bella Events Group; Kelli Marsh, owner of Kelli Marsh Photography; and Sean McCarthy. In 2024, the festival welcomed more than 185,000 visitors and was recognized by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top holiday markets and ice skating destinations in the country.