Revive Your Rochester Holiday Traditions Downtown on Dec. 1
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On Saturday, Dec. 1, join Santa Claus, Rudolph, and Mayor Richards as they kick off the holiday season with this annual downtown family celebration. It begins with one of Rochester's favorite traditions: the lighting of the Liberty Pole. Afterwards, the crowd becomes a moving parade as Prime Time Brass leads the way with holiday music to Manhattan Square Park. The official start of Rochester's outdoor ice-skating season at the park's rink and club house. Fireworks will be launched at Manhattan Square!
Order of Events
Liberty Pole Lighting (map).
From 4:30 to 5:10 p.m. Join us for the Flower City School No. 54 Chorus and Prime Time Brass for another time-tested tradition unique to Rochester as Mayor Richards switches on the lights of the Liberty Pole just outside the Sibley Building. Holiday costumed characters and Santa will be available for photo ops! Parking available in the East End Garage and on area streets.
Join a Holiday Parade
From 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. children, parents and well-wishers will follow Mayor Richards, Santa, Rudolph and the Rochester Fire Department’s hook and ladder fire truck to the music of Prime Time Brass in a procession from the Liberty Pole to Manhattan Square Park Ice Rink. Participants may choose to catch a ride on an ole’ time trolley to the rink or to area parking garages.
Season Opening of Manhattan Square Park Ice Rink
At approximately 5:30 p.m., the parade-goers will be greeted with ground fireworks at the ice rink. The evening will also feature FREE open skate to holiday DJ music provided by Beal’s Rock and Roll Review 5:30-8:30 p.m. (It is suggested that individuals bring their own skates, if at all possible, as there is very limited skate rental for $3 per person.) Other attractions include free horse-drawn wagon rides, ribbon cutting of the Manhattan Square Park Lodge followed by an open house with craft activities (5:30-6:30 p.m.), a 30-foot, fully-decorated holiday tree, along with figure and speed skating exhibitions. Fee for refreshment and food purchases. (planning the ribbon cutting of the Manhattan Square Park Lodge immediately after the fireworks, followed by an open house at the Lodge 5:30-6:30pm, while skating demonstrations prelude the free skate).
Parking
FREE trolley rides may be taken back to nearby parking garages from the rink until 8:30 p.m.
Parking is available at the Washington Square Parking Garage, 111 Woodbury Blvd. and the East End Garage, 475 E. Main St., for $2.
Questions?
Call the Office of Special Events at (585) 428-7992 or email us.
