ROC HOLIDAY VILLAGE - A Winter Wonderland Returns with Fresh Experiences and Community Spirit
Every December, Rochester’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park transforms into a festive haven thanks to Kelli Marsh, Jenna Knauf, and Sean McCarthy. Roc Holiday Village, now in its sixth year, returns with a blend of cherished traditions and exciting new additions for 2024, promising a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
“We’re focused on creating a vibrant, immersive experience that fosters community engagement and holiday spirit."
A Community-Centered Celebration
At its heart, Roc Holiday Village celebrates community, and this year’s event is no different. The Giving Cup is back, featuring 21 different local non-profits throughout the festival, with each day spotlighting a new organization selling hot cocoa to raise funds for their cause. This initiative supports local charities and fosters a deeper connection between visitors and organizations making a difference in the Rochester area.
Local businesses are also featured, with a rotation of 50 regional retailers in the Village’s shopping area. The curated marketplace supports small businesses and local artisans, encouraging visitors to shop local during the holiday season. By promoting community pride and economic growth, Roc Holiday Village uplifts Rochester’s small business scene.
A Vision Rooted in Tradition and Inclusivity
For co-founder Kelli Marsh, Roc Holiday Village is deeply personal. Born and raised in Rochester, Marsh’s childhood visits with Santa inspired her vision of bringing that sense of wonder back to her hometown. Her goal, along with Knauf and McCarthy, was to create an event that filled the void left by the closure of Midtown Plaza and revitalized downtown Rochester during the winter.
Inclusivity is at the core of the event. Roc Holiday Village celebrates a wide array of cultural traditions—Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, and Christmas—ensuring that everyone feels represented. Marsh explains, “One of the best things about the winter holidays is the multitude of cultural traditions we can explore and appreciate. Community partners help us create memorable and educational experiences for our guests.”
Bringing the Holiday Magic to Life
Putting together Roc Holiday Village is no small feat. From scheduling events and booking experiences to coordinating with vendors and volunteers, the festival requires year-round planning and dedication from the entire team.
“Our mission has remained the same since we started,” says Marsh. “We’re focused on creating a vibrant, immersive experience that fosters community engagement and holiday spirit.” This goal drives every decision, from adding exciting new activities to supporting local non-profits and businesses.
Returning Favorites
While the new offerings are exciting, the festival’s traditional activities continue to be a major draw. Visitors can look forward to free ice skating and skate rentals, cozy igloos, fire pits, and a bustling outdoor seating area. Live music performances, a diverse selection of food and drinks, and free crafts for kids make the event magical.
A favorite of both children and adults, Santa’s Workshop remains one of the most inclusive spaces at the festival, offering free visits with Santa in a joyful environment that celebrates the spirit of the season.
Looking Ahead
As Roc Holiday Village continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of community, inclusivity, and holiday joy. With its mix of tradition, innovation, and heart, the event is poised to make 2024 another unforgettable year for Rochester residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re there to skate under the stars, sip hot cocoa for a cause, or soak in the festive atmosphere, Roc Holiday Village offers something for everyone.
What’s New for 2024?
Movies & Paint-and-Sip Events
This year’s Roc Holiday Village is packed with fresh features and activities to keep guests entertained. Among the new offerings are movie screenings and paint-and-sip events, appealing to those looking for entertainment beyond signature ice skating, cocoa, Santa visits, and crafts. The free movie screenings will create a cozy atmosphere for families, while the ticketed paint-and-sip events offer a fun outlet for adults.
Gingerbread House Bar
Another exciting development is the debut of a bar inside the Gingerbread House, transforming this cozy space into a festive retreat. Visitors can enjoy beverages from this new addition alongside their usual stop at the Lodge Bar and outdoor bar.
Post-Christmas Fun
Additionally, Roc Holiday Village is extending its holiday magic beyond Ch
ristmas for the first time since 2019. After Santa heads back to the North Pole, Santa’s Workshop will become The Rec Room, an arcade filled with free-play games for all ages, keeping the post-Christmas energy alive.
Sip & Savor
Other new features include canned cocktails on the bar menus and a unique “build-your-board” bar, allowing visitors to craft their own cheese and charcuterie boards. These new elements ensure that whether you’re seeking drinks and games or festive activities, there’s something to enjoy.
The Tradition of Roc Holiday
with @the_hickey_crew
Visiting Roc Holiday Village has become a cherished family tradition for us. Each year, we enjoy the company of friends who have become like family. One of our favorite traditions is visiting Santa; the kids adore meeting him and mailing their wish lists in the big red mailbox, creating magical moments we look forward to.
One particularly memorable experience stands out. We were sitting around the fire, enjoying the warmth, when the kids started dancing to the music. They were having the best time! One of our daughters turned to us and said it was the best day of her life. The amazing atmosphere and holiday cheer truly get us into the holiday spirit.
We also look forward to the delicious treats like hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and the always-popular grilled cheese. The activities bring joy to our kids, especially learning to skate at the ice rink.
Attending Roc Holiday Village brings so much holiday cheer to our community. It’s wonderful to see people we haven’t seen since high school, along with their children, creating a fun atmosphere that strengthens our sense of community.
For families visiting for the first time, our best advice is to soak in the little moments. During our first visit, we tried to do everything, and it felt overwhelming to ensure the kids experienced it all. But we realized that just being there allowed them to have the best time dancing around the fire, and that’s what it’s all about.
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