Every year, Rochester’s Manhattan Square Park transforms into a winter wonderland. Starting in late November, the ROC Holiday Village, which features various opportunities for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind during the cold holiday season, takes over the downtown space.
The Village this year will once again feature its signature ice skating rink, selection of local vendors, and a series of special events for which patrons can purchase tickets.
The festival has frequently been named a top holiday destination in the country, according to a press release. This year, the event has secured a nomination for the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Holiday Market and Best Ice Skating Rink.
The idea for this holiday tradition came from Rochesterians Kelli Marsh and Jenna Knauf. “It started when I went to B[r]yrant Park at the end of 2017. I saw the ice skating, big Christmas tree, shopping section and thought, ‘we could do this in Rochester,’” Knauf told Visit Rochester in 2024.
Since the beginning, general admission and ice skating rentals have remained free, the latter thanks to a donation by the Wegman family, Amanda Antinore, a spokesperson for the event, explained in an email to the Campus Times.
While general admission is free for all, some of the special events require tickets. This year, patrons can experience a range of activities from wreath decorating to the adult-oriented “Paint and Sip.”
Additionally, patrons looking to escape the cold while still taking in all the Village has to offer can rent a “Winter Igloo.” “Each igloo features comfortable furnishings, warm blankets, a Bluetooth speaker and clear views of Roc Holiday Village,” according to a press release. “Each reservation includes a dedicated server to assist with food and beverage service, including drinks available from the Triple-O Lodge Bar.”
Tickets for these winter igloos start at $222 for 90-minutes.
The igloos are not the only experience some patrons found expensive. “It was very festive with a lot of options for all ages, but high prices and cramped indoor spaces made it difficult,” junior Lucy Rivers said regarding her experience last year. “Depspite the cold, I really liked the local vendors and the various things they were selling.”
The village also offers free fire pit warming stations scattered through the space.
“The random fire posts were my favorite part because we met a few friends who were also freezing,” Justin Umanzor Mejia (‘28) said.
Some new additions are coming to the Holiday Village this season. Expanded food and beverage options will be available, along with a new “Snowball Smash” competition. The Shopping Village has also been expanded to 27 vendors, and is now sponsored by URochester Medicine, according to a press release.
“[URochester Medicine’s] support helps make this popular holiday shopping experience possible while celebrating Rochester’s small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs,” Antinore said. “Partnerships like this are essential to bringing Roc Holiday Village to life.”
