BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
Note from your publisher Because tomorrow is Christmas, we’re slipping into your inbox a day early to wish you peace, warmth, and joy—whether today is a day of celebration for you, a day of quiet, or something in between. We hope this season brings you moments that feel grounding and restorative, and that the days ahead offer time to connect in ways that matter most to you and the people you love. And then… hello, weekend. If you’re suddenly hosting out-of-town family, entertaining energetic kids (or adults!), or simply looking for reasons to get out of the house once the wrapping paper is gone, we’ve got you covered. From dazzling lights
and cozy traditions to performances, exhibits, skating, sports, and meaningful ways to give back, there are more choices than ever for making the days between Christmas and New Year’s feel special. Scroll on and take your pick—whether you’re planning a full day out or just looking for one bright idea to share with the people around your table. Plus we have planning options for you as you look ahead to New Year's Eve. —Debra Ross, publisher P.S. GO
BILLS! We're in the playoffs! If you're a fan, head out and about on our Holiday Lights Driving Tour to check out the Bills-themed house in Greece! It has music, too.
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150 spectacularly-lit houses around Rochester The BILLS are in the Playoffs! Did you know our annual Holiday Lights Tour features an amazing Buffalo-Bills-themed house in Greece (complete with music), among so many other creative ways of sharing the
sparkling magic of the holidays with others? Our annual list of 150 houses turned into holiday fairyland are organized by town, with a driving map at the top of each town... just click on it, drive the route, and enjoy! Most houses are lit through January 1. We've been maintaining this list since 2005, and it's so much fun to be in touch with the homeowners who go all out. It's the best free holiday entertainment to be had! |
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Celebrate New Year’s Eve without the late bedtime at New Year’s Eve Musical Mayhem at Blackfriars Theatre. Back for its third year by popular demand, this one-night concert takes place Wednesday, December 31, with performances at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Six Blackfriars artists perform showstopping musical numbers backed by a live band, then shake things up in Act Two with musical roulette—this year’s twist: surprise duets. Tickets ($40–45) include a dessert and wine reception between shows from 5:30–6:50 p.m., with concessions available throughout the evening. With only 126 intimate seats, audiences are never far from the action—advance reservations are strongly recommended.
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New Year's Eve at Naz's Callahan Theatre, 2:00pm & 6:00pm: A Rochester New Year’s Eve tradition at Nazareth! Former cast members and a co-writer of the Capitol Steps return as the new Capitol Fools to perform their musical parody where no politician is safe, and every absurdity gets its moment in the spotlight.
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The seventh annual Roc Holiday Village presents 17 days of enchanting festivities from December 5 to December 28, every Wednesday to Sunday. The downtown Rochester festival features free ice skating and skate rentals, a unique Shopping Village, free visits & pictures with Santa, fire pits with outdoor seating, indoor and outdoor bars, hand-crafted goods, Cozy Winter Igloos, free crafts for kids, food trucks, a variety of holiday celebrations, live music, private events, nightlife and more.
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The Pirate Toy Fund's continues throughout December! Drop off a new, unwrapped toy so that a needy child in our area can benefit at the holidays and through the year. Go shopping with your kids and ask them to pick out a toy that another Rochester child would love. Then drop off the NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS at any area Wegmans locations, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Eastview Mall, Marketplace Mall, the Mall at Greece Ridge, Howard Hanna Real Estate, or Mark's Pizzeria. ...and feel great that you're helping other kids in our area at the time they most need comfort and joy.
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Saturday, December 27, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Join us for a night of live jazz featuring Thomas Chamberlain and Aaron Hunt at Flight Wine Bar! Your favorite musicians, with your favorite wine at your favorite wine bar. Reservations are strongly encouraged at 585-360-4180. https://facebook.com/events/795411720033988
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November 8 - January 4: The George Eastman Museum's annual Sweet Creations Gingerbread display is a beloved Rochester family tradition! Check out the dozens of cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses that fill the mansion... it's a visual and aromatic treat for visitors of all ages, and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! All of the gingerbread creations are available in an online silent auction. Free to members; included with museum admission.
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Impressionist art is anything but tame and stagnant. Frontiers of Impressionism explores the evolution of the radical artistic movement that changed the course of art history. The audience will see fifty-three stellar paintings from the Worcester Art Museum’s collection through the lens of more than thirty artists—American and European—including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and John Singer Sargent.
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The kinara, Swahili for candleholder, holds seven candles—three red on the left, three green on the right, and a single black candle in the middle—that represent the seven principles that are the foundation of the African American celebration Kwanzaa. As a new candle is lit each day, families discuss one principle’s importance and how it fosters community amongst African Americans. The glass kinara represents a bridge spanning generations of African American people, and a waterfall cascades behind it to symbolize how they flow together. In this setting is a Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity…
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The RMSC’s newest exciting temporary exhibit explores the tasks and challenges required of a space explorer, requires teamwork to solve problems, and illuminates the science + tools needed to monitor damage to a spacecraft. Experience a rocket launch, explore how a lack of gravity can affect the body & mind, and discover how scientific observations and measurements can both differ in space. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sleep, eat, shower, and use the toilet in space, Astronaut allows you the opportunity to explore your curiosities. Exhibit interactives relay the physical…
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Public skating (often called public skate or open skate) is a relaxed, all-ages session where anyone can enjoy time on the ice—no experience required. It’s a great way to try indoor ice skating for the first time, practice your stride, or enjoy a family skate together in a comfortable, climate-controlled arena. Sessions are recreational and non-instructional, making them ideal for beginners and casual skaters.
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November 22 - December 27, 2025: A Tale of Hope, Humor, and Heart. Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns with an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story that begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. But will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
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Featuring a dazzling display of artificial evergreen trees, adorned with energy efficient lights. Trees are decorated for the season by area non-profit groups and will be on display all month. In addition to tree viewing, guests are invited to enjoy the state-of-the-art exhibits at the Niagara Power Vista. Free admission and parking. For more information, contact (716) 286-6661.
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Dec 26 - 28: What does it mean to dream in a world that tells you not to? A mother's past. A daughter's future. A family's secrets. Trials of Beulah tells the extraordinary life of one woman, unfolding in a powerful trio of stories. This play is a haunting and poetic exploration of the legacies we inherit and the truths we must finally face.
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Looking for a great way to spend a Saturday evening? Head to the Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the Rochester Americans as they hit the ice for another thrilling hockey matchup! With fast-paced action, fan giveaways, and an electric atmosphere, an Amerks game is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories. Don your red, white, and blue, grab some popcorn, and get ready to shout “Go Amerks!” Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets at https://amerks.com.
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Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays! |
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