On Friday, November 28th, one of the best-loved holiday traditions is back in downtown Rochester: Here Comes Santa Claus! This holiday family favorite is a unique experience that many Rochester families enjoy year after year! The tree lighting will be bigger and better than ever before, so be sure to follow Santa down to the Peace Plaza after he is rescued from the top of Old City Hall.
This year, Here Comes Santa Claus the FRIDAY after Thanksgiving – November 28th! All events are FREE! Have a wonderful time!
Schedule of Festivities:
2:30 – 4:45 pm | Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Festival at Chateau Theatre
Before Santa’s grand arrival, visit the Historic Chateau Theatre for Mrs. Claus’s Holiday Festival. Enjoy merry music, family-friendly games and activities, and storytime with Mrs. Claus. Admission is free and all are welcome.
5:00 pm | The Main Event! Santa’s Rescue from atop Old City Hall
- Help! Santa is stuck on the roof! The Rochester Fire Department saves the day and helps Santa Claus get safely down from the roof of Old City Hall
- A very relieved Mrs. Claus and Rochester Mayor Kim Norton will be there to greet Santa when he gets down and share their holiday cheer.
5:15 pm | Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Peace Plaza
5:30 – 7 pm | Photos with Santa | Galleria at University Square (Second Level)
Parking
Parking is plentiful — there are over 5000 public parking spaces downtown. Remember there is no fee for street parking on weekends and weeknights after 5 pm. Reference the map below to see where to park (blue blocks) in relation to where Santa will be rescued (Santa icon) and where the tree will be lit in Peace Plaza (tree icon).
