Happy New Year’s Eve, Rochester!
We made it to the last Wednesday of 2025. It’s frigid out there, but the city is buzzing with plans to ring in 2026 tonight. Whether you’re heading to a gala or just counting down from the couch (we won't judge!), we’ve got the scoop on everything happening to close out the year.
Big Business: Amazon drops $7.2M on a new facility for same-day delivery.
Healthcare Shift: UR Medicine launches a program to bring hospital care into your living room.
New Year’s Week Fun: First Day Hikes, wonderful galas, and plenty of live music.
THE BIG SCOOP
Amazon Buys Shepard Road Facility for Same-Day Delivery
In a major logistics move, Amazon has purchased a facility on Shepard Road for approximately $7.25 million. The new site is set to become a hub for the tech giant’s "Same-Day Delivery" service, significantly speeding up shipping times for customers across Monroe County. This investment signals Amazon's continued deepening of its footprint in our region's industrial market.
Finger Lakes Region Wins $42.6 Million in State Funding
The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council has secured $42.6 million in state funding to support 48 distinct projects across the area. The award will fuel everything from infrastructure expansions in Henrietta (supporting new housing) to a new headquarters for Headwater Foods, promising a strong start to 2026 for local development.
UR Medicine Launches "Home Hospital" Program
Changing the landscape of local healthcare, UR Medicine has officially launched its new "Home Hospital" initiative. The program allows eligible patients to receive acute-level medical care—including monitoring and treatment—right in their own bedrooms instead of a hospital ward. It’s the first program of its kind in Monroe County, designed to improve patient comfort and free up hospital capacity.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
WEDNESDAY (Dec 31 - New Year's Eve)
Seneca Park Zoo | Noon Year’s Eve | Family-friendly countdowns at the elephant and snow leopard habitats. | 10:00 AM
Tony D’s | NYE All-Inclusive Bash | Open bar, food buffet, and DJs at this Corn Hill staple. | 8:00 PM
Comedy at the Carlson | NYE with Todd Youngman | Laugh your way into 2026 with local favorite Todd Youngman. | 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM
The Strathallan Hotel & Spa | Afterglow: Neon Noir NYE Party | Ring in 2026 with a neon-themed bash featuring two floors of DJs, an open bar, and a champagne toast. | 8:30 PM
ARTISANworks | New Year's Eve Gala | Explore the eclectic art factory while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and dancing with DJ Rob Linton. | 8:00 PM
THURSDAY (Jan 1 - New Year's Day)
Cumming Nature Center | First Day Hike | Start the year fresh with a guided 5-mile hike (or ski) on the Wilderness Trail. | 10:00 AM
Cinemark Tinseltown | Stranger Things 5: The Finale | Catch the massive series finale on the big screen. | Various Times
Letchworth State Park | First Day Waterfalls Hike | Kick off the year with a guided 2-mile trek to Inspiration Point and Middle Falls. | 10:00 AM
FRIDAY (Jan 2)
Seneca Park Zoo | Holiday Magic Tours | Evening cart tours with warm beverages and animal encounters. | Various Times
Abilene Bar & Lounge | Big Lake | Cozy up with acoustic Americana and Bluegrass music. | 5:30 PM
SATURDAY (Jan 3)
Water Street Music Hall | V. ciannii | Live concert performance at the historic St. Paul Quarter venue. | 7:00 PM
Photo City Music Hall | The Strictly Hip | A night of Tragically Hip tributes to keep the holiday spirit going. | 7:00 PM
HOME OF THE WEEK
The East Avenue Showcase
$3,200,000 | 9 Beds / 7 Baths | 9,318 Sq Ft | This historic East Avenue estate is a true architectural masterpiece, featuring a grand staircase, multiple fireplaces, and nearly 10,000 square feet of "Showcase" level luxury. Check out listing here.
LIVE MUSIC LOW DOWN
Wednesday (Dec 31 - NYE)
Anthology | Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (Reggae/Jam) | 8:00 PM
Three Heads Brewing | Dial Up (90s/2000s Party Rock) | 6:30 PM
The Little Theatre Café | Bob Sneider Trio (Jazz) | 7:00 PM
Flour City Station | 86 White St | 8:00 PM
Friday (Jan 2)
The Little Theatre Café | Steve Grills & The Roadmasters (Blues) | 7:00 PM
Record Archive | Bone Machine (Experimental Rock Happy Hour) | 4:00 PM
Saturday (Jan 3)
Iron Smoke Distillery | Songbirds (Fleetwood Mac Tribute) | 8:30 PM
Water Street Music Hall | V. ciannii & Friends (Hip Hop/R&B) | 7:00 PM
The Little Theatre Café | Laura Dubin & Antonio Guerrero (Jazz Piano/Drums) | 7:00 PM
ROCHESTER SPORTS
The Rochester Americans ended 2025 on a high note this Monday, edging out the Cleveland Monsters with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory. The game marked a special milestone for rookie goaltender Scott Ratzlaff, who secured the win in his AHL debut, helping the Amerks grab critical points in the North Division standings.
WEATHER
Wednesday (NYE)
30° 🌡️ 17° | 🌨️ Snow Showers | 90% | 💨 W 13 mph (11 knots)
Thursday (New Year's Day)
23° 🌡️ 12° | 🌥️ AM Snow / Cloudy | 50% | 💨 W 12 mph (10 knots)
Friday (Jan 2)
27° 🌡️ 15° | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 20% | 💨 SW 10 mph (9 knots)
THANK YOU!
Stay warm, drive safe, and we'll see you in 2026!
Did you spot a 'Coming Soon' sign in your neighborhood? Reply and let us know!