Good morning, Rochester!
The holiday frenzy is over, the wrapping paper is (mostly) in the bin, and we’ve officially entered that weird, wonderful time warp between Christmas and New Year’s. But don’t get too cozy on the couch—Rochester is keeping the energy high with the final weekend of the ROC Holiday Village and a massive Amerks showdown on Saturday! Whether you’re looking to skate, sip, or cheer, this weekend is all about keeping the momentum going.
Last Chance: Catch the final 48 hours of magic at the ROC Holiday Village.
Puck Drop: Cheer on the Amerks as they defend home ice this Saturday.
New Eats: Treat yourself to the "Shrimp Ragu" at the stunning new Shell on Pleasant St.
THE BIG SCOOP
Record-Breaking Generosity Shown as $820k Raised for Foodlink
Rochester showed up in a big way this season! The annual "Check Out Hunger" campaign between Foodlink and Wegmans shattered records, raising a massive $820,515 to fight local food insecurity. Every cent was donated at the register by shoppers like you, marking a $115,000 increase over last year and proving that even in tough times, this community takes care of its own.
Mission Accomplished: Pirate Toy Fund Delivers Joy
The Pirate Toy Fund has officially wrapped its 2025 Holiday Toy Drive, successfully navigating a critical week of "emergency distribution" to ensure no child went without a gift. While the mall drives finished earlier, the team worked through Christmas Eve to help families facing last-minute crises, continuing a 30-year legacy of delivering smiles when they’re needed most.
ROC Holiday Village Hosts its Season Finale
This is it, folks—the ROC Holiday Village at MLK Park enters its final weekend of the season! After weeks of free ice skating, cozy igloos, and local shopping, the village will close its gates for the year this Sunday, Dec 28. Don’t miss the "Three Kings' Day Celebration" programming or your last shot to grab a hot cocoa in the heart of the city.
EAT & DRINK
The Shrimp Ragu at Shell
If you're done with Christmas leftovers and craving something sophisticated, head to Shell on Pleasant Street. Chef Cruz Nieves (formerly of Rella) has created a "New American" masterpiece with his Shrimp Ragu. It’s not your typical pasta sauce—think rich, briny sea urchin (uni) depth paired with sweet shrimp and a kick of espelette pepper. It’s the perfect "adult recovery" meal for a chaotic holiday week. Check out the menu.
Hidden Gem: Kung Pao Cucumbers at Easy Sailor
Need a tropical escape from the gray? Slip into this "travel agency" turned Tiki bar on Park Ave. Their Kung Pao Cucumbers are the crispy, spicy snack you didn’t know you needed—perfect for cleansing the palate between rounds of their signature Rum Barrel cocktails.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
FRIDAY, DEC 26
Fairport | Alyssa Trahan Live | A high-energy homecoming show for this Nashville-based country artist at Iron Smoke | 8:30 PM
Rochester | Rafeeki Live | Catch this staple of the local jam/alternative scene at Photo City Music Hall | 7:00 PM
Downtown | ROC Holiday Village | The final weekend kicks off with free skating and artisan shopping | 4:00 PM
Downtown | Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! | Extend the holiday magic one last night with this professional production at OFC Creations | 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, DEC 27
Downtown | Amerks vs. Cleveland Monsters | The Amerks defend home ice in a crucial division matchup—great for families! | 5:05 PM
Rochester | Fistful of Rage (Tribute) | Blow off some steam with this high-octane Rage Against The Machine tribute | 7:00 PM
Highland Park | Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show | Walk among poinsettias and tropical greens under the glass dome | 10:00 AM
East Ave | Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display | Tour dozens of architectural gingerbread masterpieces at the George Eastman Museum | 10:00 AM
SUNDAY, DEC 28
Downtown | ROC Holiday Village Season Finale | Your absolute last chance to skate and shop before it closes for 2025! | 10:00 AM
Brighton | "How to Return Home" Concert | A cabaret showcase featuring collegiate musical theatre stars returning to Rochester | 3:00 PM
Rochester | The Turbulents Live | Wrap up the weekend with a live rock session at Photo City Music Hall | 5:00 PM
LIVE MUSIC LOW DOWN
Friday, Dec 26
Iron Smoke Distillery | Alyssa Trahan | 8:30 PM
Photo City Music Hall | Rafeeki | 7:00 PM
Three Heads Brewing | Calabash | 7:30 PM
Saturday, Dec 27
Photo City Music Hall | Fistful of Rage | 7:00 PM
Iron Smoke Distillery | Claudia Hoyser & Candy | 8:30 PM
The Bug Jar | Sulaco / The Grinders (Matinee) | 3:00 PM
Sunday, Dec 28
The Old Farm Café | How to Return Home Concert | 3:00 PM
Photo City Music Hall | The Turbulents | 5:00 PM
Memorial Art Gallery | Going for Baroque (Organ) | 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM
ROCHESTER SPORTS
Rochester Americans (AHL Hockey) Sat, Dec 27 vs. Cleveland Monsters | Home (Blue Cross Arena) | 5:05 PM It's a North Division rivalry night! The 5:05 PM start is perfect for getting the kids to a game without a late bedtime.
WEATHER
Friday (Dec 26)
28°F 🌡️ 17°F | 🌧️ Snow | 75% | 💨 East 14 mph (12.2 knots)
Saturday (Dec 27)
37°F 🌡️ 27°F | ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | 30% | 💨 14 mph (12.2 knots)
Sunday (Dec 28)
36°F 🌡️ 25°F | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 20% | 💨 12 mph (10.4 knots)
THANK YOU!
Have a safe and fun weekend exploring the best our city has to offer!
Planning to hit the ice for the final weekend of the Holiday Village? Forward this email to the friend who still needs to return your Christmas gift—and meet them for a drink at Shell afterwards!