Liberty Pole lighting, Roc Holiday Village keep the holiday cheer rolling: Photos, video
This is perhaps the biggest weekend for holiday events in Rochester.
The keg tree lighting at Genesee Brewhouse kicked off the weekend, and that rollwd into the annual Lighting of the Liberty Pole, the Family Parade to the Roc Holiday Village, and all the activities the Roc Holiday Village.
We have updates, photos and video from all of the events.
Democrat and Chronicle Social Media Reporter Marili Vaca also posted live updates of this weekend’s festivities on Instagram, Threads, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook. She shared photos, videos, interviews and important “what to know” information regarding the events.
Let's grab a Genny and get things started:
Watch the Liberty Pole light up Downtown Rochester. Mayor Evans leads family parade to Roc Holiday Village
In downtown Rochester on Saturday evening, a sizable crowd convened to witness the Liberty Pole's lights come alive in the city's heart.
Mayor Evans, accompanied by City Councilmembers, Santa, the Prime Time Brass band, and various holiday-themed characters, encouraged attendees to generate as much excitement as possible while illuminating the Liberty Pole at the intersection of E. Main Street and Franklin Street.
Shortly after, Mayor Evans led a family parade down Main Street, culminating at the Roc Holiday Village in Martin Luther King Park.
Amidst the festive atmosphere, marked by holiday cheer, a notable presence of pro-Palestine supporters, holding signs and waving flags, was evident in the crowd. The demonstration proceeded peacefully to Roc Holiday Village, but security measures prevented the protest from entering the venue.
Take photos with Santa at the Roc Holiday Village
A highlight of the Roc Holiday Village is the chance to capture a magical moment with everyone's beloved figure of the season—Santa Claus.
Step into Santa's enchanting lair, adorned with twinkling lights, faux "snow," and festive candy canes. Sit beside St. Nick, share your holiday wishes, and save the experience with a photo at the dedicated booth.
Within moments, a printed copy of your photo is prepared for you to take home. Conclude the festive experience on a sweet note, courtesy of Wegmans generously providing delicious cookies.
Food trucks at the Roc Holiday Village
Despite Saturday's persistent rain, the atmosphere at Roc Holiday Village remained delightful, courtesy of an array of food trucks stationed outside Martin Luther King Park.
These food trucks provided diverse culinary delights but also served as a welcome respite for attendees, turning a dreary day into a delicious experience at the Roc Holiday Village.
Stop by Camp Good Days at the Roc Holiday Village
Inside the tent, where children can snap a photo with Santa, is a vendor selling small Kazzoo instruments with fundraising causes tied to them.
Camp Good Days and Special Times is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and adults affected by cancer or sickle cell anemia through year-round programming and summer camping experiences provided free of charge.
The Kazzoos are reasonably priced; some are only a dollar and serve as one of the many fundraising efforts by Camp Good Days throughout the year. To learn more, visit campgooddays.org.
4 must-dos at the Roc Holiday Village
As visitors flock to Roc Holiday Village at Martin Luther King Park this weekend, many engaging activities await, extending beyond the realm of shopping. You can immerse yourself in the warm lodge, where bites accompany the option to enjoy football or engage in lively conversations with friends and family.
Visitors can also seek refuge from the elements within one of the village's half-dozen inflatable igloos. Inside these cozy structures is the comfort of plush furniture as you sip on hot cocoa, all while partaking in the festive atmosphere. For those with a penchant for more excitement, Wegmans sponsors free ice skating for all ages, with skate trainers catering to those less experienced.
A highlight of the village's offerings is the Simcona Gingerbread house, an indoor workshop where kids and parents can unleash their creativity. Construct your gingerbread homes using various arts and crafts materials, making this activity a must-visit for families seeking delightful and hands-on holiday fun.
How many kegs does it take to build the Genesee Keg Tree?
This year, a total of 532 empty kegs were assembled to craft the Genesee Keg Tree. Rising to a height of 30 feet, this unique tree is adorned with 24,000 lights, featuring an LED light board, a revolving neon Genesee sign crowning it as the star, and a light spectacle synchronized to festive holiday music.
The construction of this tree is a collaborative effort, requiring the expertise of a dozen Genesee Brewery engineers and employees from various departments. The tree remains aglow throughout the entire holiday season. The theme chosen for this year's tree-lighting event was "Home for the Holidays."
"Nothing says the holiday season like the lighting of the Genesee Keg Tree," Tiffany Benning, brand manager for Genesee, said. "Where else in the world can you take in the sights of a giant Keg Tree right next to an urban waterfall in the heart of the city?"
Buy a beer for a veteran at the Genesee Keg Tree Lighting
Beers of Appreciation is a brand new Genesse Brewery program that allows anyone visiting the Brew House to pre-purchase a pint of beer for an active military member or veteran.
Military members or veterans can show their ID to a Brew House wait staff member to receive their complimentary pint. The program will run through December.
"The opportunity for us to give back to military members in our community is something we're incredibly humbled and eager to do," Tiffany Benning, Genesee brand manager, said in a statement. "We hope to see everyone raising a toast all season long."
Watch the countdown to the lighting of the Genesee Keg tree
Limited edition beer at the Genesee Keg Tree Lighting
Four beer trucks were scattered around the parking lot for this year's Keg Tree lighting. Featured beers included Citrus Pils, a specialty beer chosen by more than 10,000 fans. The pilsner-style ale offers vibrant notes of tangerine and lime, earning it the moniker of Ruby Red's winter counterpart. This year's event also saw the return of the limited edition "Keg Tree Ale," a cinnamon cream ale created just for the tree lighting by Dean Jones, head brewmaster for the Genesee Brew House. Other beers offered are Scotch Ale, Cran Orange, and Genesee Light.
Food vendors at the Genesee Keg Tree Lighting
The rain didn't stop the crowds or the lines at the Genesee Brewery as a row of food trucks and vendors kept people full of celebrating this year's Keg tree lighting. The trucks featured this year were Bay Vista Taqueria, Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza, Wraps On Wheels, Rob's Kabobs, Rob's Al Dente, Rochester Kettle Corn, Travelin' Toms Coffee Truck, Smoke Shake Snacks, and ROC City Sammich whose line stretched through the parking lot for most of the evening.
Genesee Brewery keg tree lighting 2023: Hours, parking, free shuttle
The most Rochester of all the holiday celebrations kicks off tonight with Genesee Brewery’s 2023 Keg Tree lighting ceremony at the Genesee Brew House, 25 Cataract St.
Festivities will run from 5 to 9 p.m., and the keg tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m.
Free parking starts at 6 p.m. at the High Falls Garage, 240 State St., with a complimentary shuttle running people from the garage to the Brew House from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Rochester weather for keg tree lighting: It's going to be a wet weekend
If you are planning to attend any of these events this weekend, you better bring an umbrella and gloves.
On Friday, temperatures will top out in low 40s during the day, and drop to high 30s at night, according to the National Weather Service. Rain is likely through 7 p.m.
Things warm up Saturday, with highs in the upper 40s during the day, followed by a low of 40 overnight. Showers are likely through 4 p.m.
On Sunday, the high will again be in the upper 40s, with a chance of showers. Once the sun goes down, the temperature will drop to mid-30s.
Roc Holiday Village 2023: Hours, where to park, what to do
The wildly popular Roc Holiday Village again transforms Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in downtown Rochester into a wintry wonderland.
The family friendly event, which drew over 140,000 visitors last year, will be held on 17 days through Dec. 23. It features, ice skating, igloo rentals, a lodge, Gingerbread House and Santa's Workshop.
Parking is available at metered spots on streets near the park; in adjacent garages, such as the Washington Square Garage, the Allpro Parking Garage at the Five Star Bank building, the Court Street Garage, the Midtown Garage or the parking garage at the Strong National Museum of Play. Parking is also available nearby at surface lots.
Rochester Liberty Pole Lighting: Time, free parking, what's happening
At 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, the annual Liberty Pole lighting will take place at the corner of East Main and Franklin streets downtown. It will be followed by a brief parade — with Santa — to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and Roc Holiday Village. The Prime Time Brass band will lead the parade.
Free on-street parking is available nearby. Free parking is also available at the Mortimer Street Garage, 25 N. Clinton Ave.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Genesee Brewery keg tree lighting, Roc Holiday Village 2023: Updates
