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ROC Holiday Village to return with cozy igloos, food, music and more

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/22 .. return-with-cozy-igloos-food-music-and-more.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 11:37 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle
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Rochester Holiday Village 2025: A Full‑Calendar of Festive Fun, Igloos, Food, and Music

The Rochester Holiday Village is back for its 2025 edition, promising a winter wonderland experience that will delight families, food lovers, and music fans alike. The event, which takes place in downtown Rochester, runs from Friday, October 25th through Sunday, December 29th, 2025. With a carefully curated lineup of attractions—including a sprawling Igloo Village, a wide array of holiday-themed food stalls, and a schedule of live music—this season’s Holiday Village is shaping up to be the region’s most anticipated holiday event.

Dates and Hours

• Opening Day: Friday, October 25th, 10:00 am
• Final Day: Sunday, December 29th, 8:00 pm
• Daily Hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (the last admission is at 8:00 pm, with a closing at 9:00 pm)

These hours remain consistent across the three weeks of the event, providing ample opportunity for visitors to stop by in the morning, grab lunch, or catch a concert in the evening. Tickets are sold online in advance and at the gates, and a single ticket grants access to all days of the Village.

Igloo Village: The Polar-Glazed Playground

One of the most talked‑about features of the Holiday Village is the Igloo Village, a sprawling collection of translucent igloo structures set against the city’s winter skyline. The igloos are open to the public each day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and are designed to accommodate both families and solo visitors. Inside, guests can enjoy:

• Indoor ice skating rinks: Open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, with skate rentals available for a small fee.
• Frozen dessert kiosks: Offering a rotating menu of seasonal flavors such as peppermint bark, gingerbread, and salted caramel.
• Kids’ winter activities: A mini‑ski slope and a “Build Your Own Igloo” workshop for children aged 5–12.

Admission to the Igloo Village is included with the general ticket, though some specialty attractions—like the guided “Ice Carving” sessions—require an extra fee.

Food & Drink: A Culinary Journey

The Holiday Village is a haven for foodies, with more than 30 vendors showcasing both local and seasonal fare. Highlights include:

• Rochester Beer & Bites: A food truck featuring artisanal cheese curds, corned beef sliders, and a rotating selection of local brews.
• Holiday Hearth: A cozy hearth‑cooked station offering stews, roasts, and an assortment of holiday desserts.
• Nutmeg & Ginger: An ice‑cream shop with a wide range of flavors—think cinnamon spice, honey‑balsamic, and classic vanilla.

The food stalls operate from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and many vendors provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options. For a more upscale experience, the “Fine Dining Pavilion” offers pre‑set menus at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm, featuring dishes such as prime rib, pan‑seared scallops, and seasonal vegetables. Reservations for the Fine Dining Pavilion can be made via the Village’s official website.

Live Music & Entertainment

The Holiday Village’s musical lineup is designed to keep spirits high throughout the holiday season. Performances are scheduled on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, with a mix of local talent and traveling acts. Key highlights include:

• Friday Night: “Carols & Chill” – A relaxed acoustic set featuring local folk musicians.
• Saturday Night: “Rockin’ Holiday” – A high‑energy concert featuring a popular regional rock band.
• Sunday Night: “Winter Jazz & Blues” – A smooth, soulful evening with a celebrated jazz ensemble.

The concerts take place in the central plaza, and each performance runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Admission to the concerts is free; however, a small donation to the “Holiday Village Fund” is encouraged to support the Village’s charitable initiatives.

In addition to live music, the Village hosts a nightly “Santa’s Workshop” show—a puppet performance for children that runs from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This show is free and open to all ages.

Kid‑Friendly Attractions

Families with children will appreciate the Village’s dedicated “Kids’ Corner,” which offers a range of interactive activities:

• DIY Ornament Workshop – Kids can create their own Christmas ornaments, which they can take home.
• Storytime Sessions – Every morning, a professional storyteller reads classic holiday tales.
• Snowball Fight Arena – A simulated snowball fight area where children can engage in friendly “snowball battles.”

The Kids’ Corner is located at the far end of the Village, making it easy to find. It is open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Tickets & Pricing

• General Admission: $15 per day (includes access to the Igloo Village, all food stalls, and concerts).
• Family Pack: $35 for up to 4 family members, each under 18.
• Senior Discount: 10% off for residents aged 65 and older.
• Kids Under 5: Free admission.

Tickets can be purchased online via the official Holiday Village website or at the gate on the day of the event. Advanced tickets often come with a small discount, encouraging early planning.

Staying Safe

The Village has implemented comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a secure environment. These measures include:

• Mask‑free policy for all events, with optional mask stations available in the main plaza.
• Temperature checks at the entrance during peak times.
• Hand‑sanitizing stations throughout the Village, especially near the Igloo Village and food stalls.

Additionally, a first‑aid station is staffed by certified medical personnel in case of any emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Rochester’s Holiday Village 2025 offers a unique blend of festive atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment—all set against the backdrop of a charming igloo‑laden winter wonderland. With its carefully scheduled events, accessible ticket pricing, and family‑friendly atmosphere, the Village is poised to become a holiday staple for both Rochester residents and visitors from the surrounding region.

For more details on schedules, vendor lists, and ticket pricing, visit the official Holiday Village website at https://www.rochesterholidayvillage.com or follow the link to the event’s Facebook page for real‑time updates. Whether you’re looking to savor seasonal treats, enjoy live music, or simply soak in the holiday spirit, the 2025 Rochester Holiday Village promises an unforgettable experience.