On Friday, November 29th, one of the best-loved holiday traditions is back in downtown Rochester: Here Comes Santa Claus! This holiday family favorite has something for everyone: crafts, music, cookies & hot cocoa, trolley rides, tree lighting, a fun scavenger hunt, and of course, the great Santa Rescue.
This year, Here Comes Santa Claus the FRIDAY after Thanksgiving – November 29th! All events are FREE! Â Have a wonderful time!
Schedule of Festivities:
2:00 – 4:00 pm | Mrs. Claus’s 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. Concessions will be available for purchase.
4:15 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.
5:00 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. In addition, this holiday season (2023), the City of Rochester is once again extending the free period in City parking ramps on weekdays to two hours. So if you arrive at 3:00 PM, you still won’t need to pay!  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).