Christmas Events for Kids in Rochester, NY (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Rochester, NY area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford on November 20 to Winter Family Festival School Break Week in Rochester, which runs through January 3. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in New York, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Rochester, NY for 2026, in Rochester, Chili and Pittsford
  • First: Nutcracker Story Time, Pittsford, November 20. Runs latest: Winter Family Festival School Break Week, Rochester, through January 3
  • Free: Nutcracker Story Time, Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House, Gingerbread Houses, Build a Gingerbread House, Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook, Holiday Karaoke Dance Party, Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration, Christmas Carol Karaoke Party and Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our New York Christmas train rides page.

Rochester, NY Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Rochester, Chili and Pittsford
Season
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, holiday story time, Santa visit and holiday show
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Rochester, NY Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford on November 20; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Rochester, NY? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Rochester

11 confirmed events for kids in Rochester, soonest first.

Rochester: Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House

Santa visitFreeRoc Holiday Village · Rochester

Host
Roc Holiday Village (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gingerbread House at Roc Holiday Village, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14604
When
Fri November 27 (11 am to 8 pm), Sat November 28 (11 am to 8 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (11 am to 9 pm), Thu December 10 (4 to 8 pm), Fri December 11 (4 to 8 pm), Sat December 12 (11 am to 8 pm), Thu December 17 (4 to 8 pm), Fri December 18 (4 to 8 pm) and Sat December 19 (11 am to 8 pm), 2026
Cost
Free
Ages
Kids of all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Gingerbread House at Roc Holiday Village hosts free crafts and activities for kids on select days through the festival, which runs November 27 to December 20, 2026 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. Opening day, Friday, November 27, is hosted by the Rochester Public Library, and later sessions come from partners such as Brooklyn Robot Foundry, MAG Creative Workshop, WXXI, the City of Rochester and The Home Depot.

Craft days are November 27 and 28 and December 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, generally 4 to 8 pm on weekdays and from 11 am on Saturdays. General admission to the village is free, and Santa's Workshop, where kids can meet Santa, mail letters to the North Pole and get a cookie from Mrs. Claus' bakeshop, is open every day the village is open. Free skating and rentals round out a visit.

Parent tip: Village admission is free. Sundays feature cultural holiday celebrations instead of crafts.

See dates and details from Roc Holiday Village (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club: Holidays Around the World

Holiday story timeThe Strong National Museum of Play · Rochester

Host
The Strong National Museum of Play (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607
When
Mon December 7, Mon December 14 and Mon December 21, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
Cost
With museum admission
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Strong National Museum of Play's Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club reads children's stories aloud on select Mondays, and in December the theme is Holidays Around the World. Sessions are on December 7, 14 and 21, with readings at 10:30 and 11:30 am, and kids learn about the holidays celebrated in different parts of the world during the winter season.

Children receive a Storytime Club passport that is punched once each visit, and after five punches they receive a free children's book. The club is named for Carol D. Simmons, a former children's librarian in the Pittsford Central School District. Storytime happens inside the museum, so plan on regular admission and a longer visit to the exhibits afterward.

Parent tip: Bring your Storytime Club passport for a punch; five punches earn a free book.

See dates and details from The Strong National Museum of Play (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Build a Gingerbread House

Holiday craftsFreeRochester Public Library · Rochester

Host
Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sully Branch Library, 966 Joseph Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, children and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Sully Branch Library invites families to celebrate the season by building their own gingerbread house out of graham crackers on Thursday, December 10. There are four sessions, beginning at 3:30, 4:10, 4:50 and 5:30 pm, so families can choose the time that fits their afternoon.

This is a free family event, and the library provides all supplies. Gingerbread architects of all ages are welcome, which makes it easy to bring siblings of different ages. Sully Branch also hosts a Pre Three Kings Day celebration the following week, so families who enjoy this program may want to mark that date too. The branch is on Joseph Avenue on the north side of the city, and the program is listed on the Monroe County Library System calendar for children, families and all ages.

Parent tip: Pick one of the four start times; supplies are provided.

See dates and details from Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook

Holiday craftsFreeRochester Public Library · Rochester

Host
Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
When
Friday, December 11, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Run, run as fast as you can to the Frederick Douglass Community Library on Friday, December 11 from 3 to 4 pm for Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook. Children make their own gingerbread house out of graham crackers, frosting and other sweet treats.

The program is listed for children and fits neatly after school on a Friday. It is a free Rochester Public Library program, and the playful gingerbread man theme makes it a good match for younger kids who love that story. The Douglass library hosts several other holiday programs in December, including a holiday karaoke dance party, a Christmas carol karaoke party and a Victorian Yuletide program with the Genesee Country Village and Museum.

Parent tip: An after school program; check the event page for any sign up details.

See dates and details from Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Santa's Northwest Workshop

Santa visitYMCA of Greater Rochester · Rochester

Host
YMCA of Greater Rochester (opens in a new tab)
Where
Northwest Family YMCA, 730 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14612
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Cost
See registration page; YMCA membership types listed for registration
Ages
Families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Northwest Family YMCA in Rochester turns into Santa's workshop for a family event with visits with Santa, festive games and holiday crafts. Free refreshments are part of the day.

Registration runs through the YMCA of Greater Rochester's online system, linked from the event listing. The listing ties registration to YMCA membership types such as family, individual parent and military memberships, so it is best suited to member families. The listing does not show a start time or price, so check the registration page for those details before you go. The branch is at 730 Long Pond Road in Rochester, and registration opens through the YMCA of Greater Rochester's ACTIVE profile.

Parent tip: Register ahead through the YMCA system; the listing suggests a YMCA membership is needed to sign up.

See dates and details from YMCA of Greater Rochester (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Story Time With Santa

Story time with SantaRoc Holiday Village · Rochester

Host
Roc Holiday Village (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Triple-O Lodge at Roc Holiday Village, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St, Rochester, NY 14604
When
Sat December 12, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 9:30 am
Cost
$37 per person plus tax
Ages
Whole family
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Roc Holiday Village, the downtown Rochester holiday festival running November 27 to December 20, 2026, offers ticketed Story Time With Santa in its Triple-O Lodge. Sessions are on Saturday, December 12, Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, each at 9:30 am, before the village gets busy.

Each session features a story with Santa along with entertainment, refreshments and plenty of holiday fun for the whole family. Tickets are $37 per person plus tax and went on sale November 2, and space is limited, so book early. The village also offers a Holiday Magic Show on December 13 at the same time and price. Afterward, families can stay for free skating, Santa's Workshop and free kids' crafts in the Gingerbread House.

Parent tip: Space is limited; buy tickets ahead. Parking is in the Washington Square Garage and nearby streets.

See dates and details from Roc Holiday Village (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Holiday Karaoke Dance Party

Holiday showFreeRochester Public Library · Rochester

Host
Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 2:45 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, children, families and teens
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Frederick Douglass Community Library throws a Holiday Karaoke Dance Party on Thursday, December 17 from 2:45 to 4:30 pm. Kids are invited to sing their favorite holiday songs and dance like Santa's elves, and everyone is encouraged to wear a festive outfit.

The party celebrates all of the holidays and is listed for all ages, children, families and teens, so it works for a mixed age group. The timing lines up with school dismissal, making it an easy after school stop. It is a free program from the Rochester Public Library, and the branch follows it the next afternoon with a Christmas Carol Karaoke Party for families who want a second round. Both parties take place in the branch meeting room on South Avenue.

Parent tip: Festive outfits are encouraged.

See dates and details from Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration

Holiday story timeFreeRochester Public Library · Rochester

Host
Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sully Branch Library, 966 Joseph Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families and children ages 6 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Sully Branch Library teams up with Hipocampo Children's Books for a Pre Three Kings Day Celebration on Thursday, December 17 from 4 to 4:30 pm. Families and children ages 6 to 11 are invited to enjoy 30 minutes of stories and festivities as Three Kings Day draws near.

The program is made possible through a Special Project Grant from the Rochester Regional Library Council. It is free, short and story centered, a nice way for kids to learn about or celebrate a holiday tradition that many families mark in early January. Pair it with a stop in the children's area to borrow more holiday picture books for the weeks ahead. The celebration takes place in the branch meeting room.

Parent tip: Designed for ages 6 to 11; about 30 minutes long.

See dates and details from Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Christmas Carol Karaoke Party

Holiday showFreeRochester Public Library · Rochester

Host
Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
When
Friday, December 18, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, children and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Jingle all the way over to the Frederick Douglass Community Library on Friday, December 18 from 3 to 5 pm for a Christmas Carol Karaoke Party. Families are invited to get into the holiday spirit through song and dance, and Santa hats are encouraged.

The party is listed for all ages, children and families, so grandparents, parents and kids can all take a turn at the microphone or just enjoy the music. It is a free Rochester Public Library program and a fun way to start the last weekend before Christmas. With a two hour window, families can drop in after school and stay as long as they like. The Douglass branch hosts a holiday karaoke dance party the day before as well.

Parent tip: Santa hats encouraged; drop in during the two hour window.

See dates and details from Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Winter Family Festival School Break Week

Holiday craftsThe Strong National Museum of Play · Rochester

Host
The Strong National Museum of Play (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607
When
Monday, December 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; museum closed Dec 25), 11 am to 3 pm
Cost
With museum admission
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

During winter break, The Strong National Museum of Play runs its Winter Family Festival daily from December 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 11 am to 3 pm. The museum's calendar shows it closed on Christmas Day and closing early on Christmas Eve.

In the Adams Atrium, kids help host a holiday party by cooking a pretend feast, making snowflake decorations, wrapping and stacking presents and practicing their snowball aim. In the Play Lab they build structures for an ever growing Winter Village, and a museum wide Holiday Search sends families around with a passport to learn about celebrations around the world. Freeze dance parties in the atrium start at 3 pm. Activities come with regular museum admission.

Parent tip: Come back during break to watch the Winter Village grow. The museum is closed December 25.

See dates and details from The Strong National Museum of Play (opens in a new tab)

Rochester: Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide

Holiday craftsFreeRochester Public Library · Rochester

Host
Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rochester Central Library, Children's Center, 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 to 12
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Genesee Country Village and Museum brings the museum to the Rochester Central Library's Children's Center on Tuesday, December 22 from 4 to 5 pm for Victorian Yuletide. Kids learn how the many cultures that migrated to Upstate New York shaped the way people celebrated Yuletide in the 1800s.

Children compare 19th century celebrations with the holiday traditions families enjoy today, and everyone helps decorate a Yuletide tree together. The program is designed for ages 5 to 12, and it lands during winter break, which makes it an easy afternoon outing downtown. It is free, and the Children's Center has plenty of books on holiday history and traditions to borrow afterward. The same Victorian Yuletide program also visits the Frederick Douglass Community Library on December 21.

Parent tip: Recommended for ages 5 to 12; falls during school break.

See dates and details from Rochester Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Chili

1 confirmed event for kids in Chili, soonest first.

Chili: Gingerbread Houses

Holiday craftsFreeChili Public Library · Chili

Host
Chili Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chili Public Library, Makerspace Room, 3333 Chili Ave, Chili, NY 14624 (near Rochester)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 3:45 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages, families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Chili Public Library invites families to create a decorative gingerbread house together on Saturday, December 5. There are four 45 minute sessions starting at noon, 1, 2 and 3 pm in the library's Makerspace Room, and all materials are provided.

The library describes the finished houses as decorations that can be enjoyed for years to come, so this is more of a keepsake project than a snack. The program is for all ages, and the library asks families to register for one slot per family. Registration is required and begins November 21. Chili is a short drive west of Rochester on Chili Avenue. Each of the four sessions lasts 45 minutes, so arrive on time for your slot. The program is listed for all ages, children, families and tweens on the Monroe County Library System calendar.

Parent tip: Register one slot per family; registration opens November 21.

See dates and details from Chili Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Pittsford

1 confirmed event for kids in Pittsford, soonest first.

Pittsford: Nutcracker Story Time

Holiday story timeFreePittsford Community Library · Pittsford

Host
Pittsford Community Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Pittsford Community Library, Fisher Meeting Room, 24 State St, Pittsford, NY 14534 (near Rochester)
When
Friday, November 20, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Babies, toddlers, preschool, kids and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pittsford Community Library welcomes members of the Ballet of New York Arts Collective for Nutcracker Story Time on Friday, November 20 from 10 to 10:30 am in the Fisher Meeting Room. The dancers read from The Nutcracker and then show children some ballet steps, a sweet way to introduce little ones to a classic holiday story.

There will also be a photo opportunity, so bring a phone or camera. The program is listed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kids and families, and at 30 minutes it suits short attention spans. It is a free library program and a gentle start to the holiday season before Thanksgiving week. The Fisher Meeting Room is inside the library on State Street in the village of Pittsford, and the event is listed on the Monroe County Library System calendar along with other December programs.

Parent tip: Bring a camera for the photo opportunity.

See dates and details from Pittsford Community Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our New York Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for New York City, Buffalo, Albany, NY and Syracuse. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Rochester, NY Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Rochester, NY in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Rochester, NY for 2026 on each host’s own page: Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford (November 20), Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House in Rochester (November 27), Gingerbread Houses in Chili (December 5), Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club: Holidays Around the World in Rochester (December 7), Build a Gingerbread House in Rochester (December 10), Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook in Rochester (December 11), Santa's Northwest Workshop in Rochester (December 12), Story Time With Santa in Rochester (December 12), Holiday Karaoke Dance Party in Rochester (December 17), Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration in Rochester (December 17), Christmas Carol Karaoke Party in Rochester (December 18), Winter Family Festival School Break Week in Rochester (December 21) and Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide in Rochester (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Rochester, New York?

For families in and around Rochester, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House (Select days, Nov 27 to Dec 19; weekdays 4 to 8 pm, Saturdays from 11 am, free); Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club: Holidays Around the World (Mondays, Dec 7, 14 and 21, 10:30 and 11:30 am, with museum admission); Build a Gingerbread House (Thu, Dec 10, sessions at 3:30, 4:10, 4:50 and 5:30 pm, free); Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook (Fri, Dec 11, 3 to 4 pm, free); Santa's Northwest Workshop (Sat, Dec 12, see registration page; ymca membership types listed for registration); Story Time With Santa (Sat, Dec 12 and 19, Sun, Dec 20, 9:30 am, $37 per person plus tax); Holiday Karaoke Dance Party (Thu, Dec 17, 2:45 to 4:30 pm, free); Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration (Thu, Dec 17, 4 to 4:30 pm, free); Christmas Carol Karaoke Party (Fri, Dec 18, 3 to 5 pm, free); Winter Family Festival School Break Week (Daily, Dec 21 to Jan 3, 11 am to 3 pm (closed Dec 25), with museum admission); Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide (Tue, Dec 22, 4 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Rochester section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Chili, New York?

For families in and around Chili, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Gingerbread Houses (Sat, Dec 5, sessions at noon, 1, 2 and 3 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Chili section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Pittsford, New York?

For families in and around Pittsford, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Nutcracker Story Time (Fri, Nov 20, 10 to 10:30 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Pittsford section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Rochester, NY?

Yes. 9 of the 13 events here are free: Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford, Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House in Rochester, Gingerbread Houses in Chili, Build a Gingerbread House in Rochester, Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook in Rochester, Holiday Karaoke Dance Party in Rochester, Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration in Rochester, Christmas Carol Karaoke Party in Rochester and Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide in Rochester. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Rochester, NY this December?

Santa appears at Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House in Rochester (November 27), Santa's Northwest Workshop in Rochester (December 12) and Story Time With Santa in Rochester (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Rochester, NY?

Holiday story times on this page: Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford, Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club: Holidays Around the World in Rochester, Story Time With Santa in Rochester and Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration in Rochester. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Rochester, NY?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Story Time With Santa in Rochester (Sat, Dec 12 and 19, Sun, Dec 20, 9:30 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Rochester, NY Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford (Babies, toddlers, preschool, kids and families).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Rochester, NY on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Winter Family Festival School Break Week in Rochester (through January 3).

How much is Nutcracker Story Time in Pittsford?

Free. Nutcracker Story Time is on Friday, November 20, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am at Pittsford Community Library, Fisher Meeting Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House in Rochester?

Free. Free Crafts for Kids in the Gingerbread House is on Fri November 27 (11 am to 8 pm), Sat November 28 (11 am to 8 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (11 am to 9 pm), Thu December 10 (4 to 8 pm), Fri December 11 (4 to 8 pm), Sat December 12 (11 am to 8 pm), Thu December 17 (4 to 8 pm), Fri December 18 (4 to 8 pm) and Sat December 19 (11 am to 8 pm), 2026 at Gingerbread House at Roc Holiday Village, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Houses in Chili?

Free, registration required. Gingerbread Houses is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 3:45 pm at Chili Public Library, Makerspace Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club: Holidays Around the World in Rochester?

With museum admission. Carol D. Simmons Storytime Club: Holidays Around the World is on Mon December 7, Mon December 14 and Mon December 21, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at The Strong National Museum of Play. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Build a Gingerbread House in Rochester?

Free. Build a Gingerbread House is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 6 pm at Sully Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook in Rochester?

Free. Gingerbread Houses with the Story Book Cook is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Frederick Douglass Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's Northwest Workshop in Rochester?

See registration page; YMCA membership types listed for registration. Santa's Northwest Workshop is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Northwest Family YMCA. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Story Time With Santa in Rochester?

$37 per person plus tax. Story Time With Santa is on Sat December 12, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 9:30 am at The Triple-O Lodge at Roc Holiday Village, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Karaoke Dance Party in Rochester?

Free. Holiday Karaoke Dance Party is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 2:45 to 4:30 pm at Frederick Douglass Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration in Rochester?

Free. Pre-Three Kings Day Celebration is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4 to 4:30 pm at Sully Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Carol Karaoke Party in Rochester?

Free. Christmas Carol Karaoke Party is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Frederick Douglass Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Family Festival School Break Week in Rochester?

With museum admission. Winter Family Festival School Break Week is on Monday, December 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; museum closed Dec 25), 11 am to 3 pm at The Strong National Museum of Play. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide in Rochester?

Free. Genesee Country Village & Museum: Victorian Yuletide is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Rochester Central Library, Children's Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Rochester, NY?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Rochester, NY Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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