December 2018

The Weather is Frightful!

Whether you’ve got kids to keep warm or not, you have to admit that winter in Rochester is cold! The annual Festival of Lights outside the ROC Dome arena is the rare festive holiday event that doesn’t require you to get out of your car. Pile everyone into the family ride and take a sing-along drive through more than a mile of displays adorned with thousands of string lights and decorations. You can wind your way through at a leisurely pace any night December 19th through 31st (except December 24th. Even Santa needs a holiday day off!) You can tune the radio to 90.9 FM to hear a curated accompaniment of tunes, or play DJ and choose your own adventure! Take whatever snacks you want — it’s your car!

For the Weather Warrior (er, sort of)

Should you need to stretch your legs, there’s more fun in store. You’ll just have to go outside — long enough to walk into the arena (and leave your BYO snacks in the car). There you’ll find a North Pole Village packed with holiday-themed activities and experiences for all ages. Little ones can meet Santa (or just write him a letter), let loose in bounce houses, decorate stockings or cookies, and more. Parents will find the North Pole Village to be the perfect setting for capturing family holiday photos and grabbing a bite to eat.

Vital Info
The Festival of Lights and North Pole Village is open 6-10 pm for 23 nights in November and December (Nov 23, 24, 30 & Dec 1, 2, 7-9, 14-16, 19-23, 25-31). Please note that it will be closed on Christmas Eve. Ticket prices vary depending on where you buy them and when you want to attend, so check the ticketing page for specifics. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army.