Roc Holiday VillageRochester, N.Y. (Nov. 3, 2025) —Roc Holiday Village has once again been recognized among the nation’s most festive destinations, earning nominations in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for both Best Ice Skating Rink and Best Holiday Market.

The public is invited to vote now through Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at 11:59 a.m. EST. The top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at noon EST.

Readers can cast one vote per day in each category at the following links:

This marks the second consecutive year that Roc Holiday Village has received national recognition from USA TODAY’s 10Best program. In 2024, Roc Holiday Village was honored as one of the top holiday markets and ice skating destinations in the country, ranking 3 out of 20 ice rinks and 6 out of 20 holiday markets nationwide.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best in attractions and businesses across the country, spotlighting destinations that readers trust and love. The program helps travelers discover noteworthy experiences and places, with all nominations carefully selected by a panel of experts and editors to ensure credibility and quality.

There is no cost to participate in the USA TODAY 10Best program, and nominations cannot be purchased, making it a truly people-powered competition. Voting is open to the public, allowing everyone to help celebrate Rochester’s most festive holiday destination.

For more details on the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and official voting rules, visit 10best.usatoday.com.

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.

Cozy Winter Igloos, the private heated geodesic domes that accommodate up to six people, are sold out for the 2025 season.

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.

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 Now, 30-person and Rink Side Igloo Inns Sold Out

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 40 people. Optional catering and beverage packages are available for an additional cost.

Tickets to reserve an Igloo Inn are open now exclusively at rocholidayvillage.com/igloo-inns. Igloo Inns sold out 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 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.

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.