ROC Holiday Village to return with cozy igloos, food, music and more
Original story by: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Last updated: Oct 22, 2025
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- Context: The ROC Holiday Village, a popular annual event, will return for its seventh year in 2025. Presented by ESL Federal Credit Union, the festival aims to bring holiday cheer to attendees with various activities, food, and entertainment. It is scheduled to run for 16 days at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
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- Detailed Summary:
- Dates and Location: ROC Holiday Village will be open from December 5 to December 23, 2025, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St.
- Attendance: The event drew over 185,000 people in 2024 and has been recognized by USA TODAY for its holiday market and ice skating.
- Operational Hours: Different areas of the village, including Santa's Workshop, The Triple-O Lodge & Frosty's Food Court, Ice Rink, Shopping Village, and Gingerbread House, have specific operating hours that vary by day of the week.
- Igloo Rentals: Igloo Inn group reservations and Cozy Winter Igloo bookings for groups of six will be available starting in October and November, with pricing details provided.
- Activities: The village features a range of ticketed and free activities, including Story Time with Santa and Anna & Elsa, trivia nights, paint and sip events, holiday floral classes, free crafts for kids, and free visits and photos with Santa.
- Special Appearances: An African American Santa will be available on select dates.
- Entertainment: Live music will be performed at the Simcona Stage, and band karaoke will be offered on specific dates.
- Community Events: The Winter Wonderland Run (5K race) is scheduled for December 20. The Rec Room will offer free arcade games from December 26-28. A Red Kettle bell-ringing competition between the Rochester Police and Fire Departments will support the Salvation Army.
- Holiday Celebrations: Dedicated celebrations for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Three Kings Day will take place in the Gingerbread House on specific Sundays in December.
- Ice Rink Schedule: The ice rink will host special events such as sled hockey demonstrations, Silent Disco, figure skating performances, and curling demonstrations throughout December.
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