Trading Wrapping Paper for Snow Shovels ❄️

Good Morning, Rochester!

I hope you had a warm and wonderful Christmas weekend. As we stand on the doorstep of 2026, this week is all about smart preparation—we’re trading wrapping paper for snow shovels as a serious winter system rolls in today. Whether you’re heading out for New Year's Eve or hunkering down with a good book, we’ve got everything you need to navigate the wind, the cold, and the celebrations safely.

Kwanzaa Celebrations Light Up the City

The spirit of community is alive and well this week as Rochester’s Kwanzaa celebrations continue across the city. Having kicked off on Friday at City Hall with the lighting of the Kinara, the festivities have moved daily to different neighborhood hubs, from the Central Library to the Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center. It’s a beautiful reminder of unity and resilience that perfectly complements the holiday season.

Shedding Light on Night Driving Dangers

If you’ve felt anxious driving at night lately, you aren’t alone—and science backs you up. A new study from our own University of Rochester Medical Center highlights how modern LED headlights and aging eyes create a dangerous mix for seniors. The research advocates for better safety standards, validating the "glare" struggle many of us face on I-490 after dark. Read more about the URMC research here.

Roc Holiday Village Wraps a Magical Season

The igloos are closing up shop! The Roc Holiday Village at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park officially concluded its 2025 season yesterday. With its "Rec Room" finale and weeks of skating, crafts, and community joy, it once again proved that Rochesterians can embrace winter with style. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but we’re already looking forward to next year. Visit the Village website.

The "Slide" Schedule Continues for Trash Pickup

Because New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, refuse and recycling collection will be delayed for the second half of the week. If your pickup is usually Thursday, it will be Friday; Friday pickups move to Saturday. Pro Tip: With high winds forecast for today and tonight, please wait until the morning of your pickup to put bins out so they don't blow into the neighbor's yard! Check the City’s schedule here.

TUESDAY (12/30)

Christ Church | Tuesday Pipes Organ Concert | Take a transcendent 30-minute break with world-class organ music in a stunning sanctuary. | 12:10 PM

WEDNESDAY (12/31)

Blackfriars Theatre | BT's New Year's Eve Musical Mayhem | A hilarious "musical roulette" where performers draw songs from a hat—spontaneous and full of local talent. | 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Lovin' Cup | Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters | "Round Up the New Year" with high-energy swing and boogie-woogie that channels the Andrews Sisters. | 9:00 PM

Comedy at the Carlson | Vinnie & Tommy in the Rickles Room | A throwback roast-style comedy show for those who appreciate sharp wit and an old-school edge. | 7:00 PM

The Avon Inn | Fire & Ice Gala | A full gala experience south of the city with a sit-down dinner, open bar, and live music in a historic ballroom. | 7:30 PM

The Little Theatre Café | Bob Sneider Trio | Ring in the New Year with sophisticated, conversation-friendly jazz and excellent wine—no cover charge! | 7:00 PM

THURSDAY (1/1)

Rochester Museum & Science Center | RMSC New Year's Day | Shake off the holiday fatigue and get the kids engaged with hands-on science exhibits—RMSC is officially open to start the year! | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Dave & Buster's | Game Day Specials | Skip the cooking and catch all the bowl games with wing specials and half-price games for the family. | Open All Day

Highland Park | First Day Hike | Join the Rochester Ecology Partners for a free, guided "leisurely meander" through the park's winter scenery, followed by hot cocoa. | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

High Earner

Radiologist - Division Head @ University of Rochester Medical Center | Pay: $445,000 - $495,000 / year | Lead a critical clinical team at one of the nation's top medical hubs while shaping the future of women's health in our region. | Learn More

Community Backbone

Project Services Manager @ Colliers Engineering & Design | Pay: $64,000 - $116,000 / year | Be the backbone of local infrastructure projects by coordinating teams and ensuring buildings go up safely and on code. | Learn More

Wild Card

Zoo Naturalist @ Seneca Park Zoo Society | Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 / hour | Trade the office for the outdoors and inspire conservation while handling ambassador animals and leading nature hikes. | Learn More

Rochester Americans (AHL) 12/27 vs. Cleveland Monsters | Loss 3-4 (OT) Recap: The Amerks started hot with a 2-0 lead but suffered a heartbreaker in overtime. They look for revenge in a rematch tonight at Blue Cross Arena!

MONDAY

Little Theatre Café | Watkins & The Rapiers | 7:00 PM

Abilene Bar & Lounge | Brody Schenk | 7:00 PM

TUESDAY

Abilene Bar & Lounge | Ploughshares "Pot-Luck Jam" | 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY

Lovin' Cup | Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters | 9:00 PM

Abilene Bar & Lounge | Public Water Supply | 9:00 PM

Monday

45° 🌡️ 18° | 🌧️/❄️ | 80% | 💨 SW 27-32 mph (23-28 knots) Warning: Flash freeze potential this afternoon as temps crash.

Tuesday

25° 🌡️ 25° | ❄️ | 94% | 💨 W 21-23 mph (18-20 knots) Lake effect snow likely for the northern suburbs.

Have a safe, warm, and wonderful week, Rochester!

Forward this to someone who needs to know what's happening in Rochester this week.