Rochester Area Holiday Guide

It’s that time of year again—when the joy of Christmas trees meets an important reminder about our local ecology. A little thought can go a long way.

My dad played a fun role in the childhoods of countless kids in Minnesota and Wisconsin, perhaps you even paid him a visit.

Quite a few stores are closed on Christmas Day this year. Here's the latest list.

Tuba Christmas has become a holiday tradition for many Rochester families, offering a fun and unexpected twist on classic Christmas music. And...it is FREE!

In Minnesota, liquor stores and grocery stores cannot sell alcohol on Christmas Day. Plan ahead to make sure your holiday cocktails aren’t forgotten.

From charming rom-coms to moving family dramedies, get in the cozy Christmastime spirit with these brand new Christmas movies you can watch at home this holiday season.

Looking for Santa photos? A magical Breakfast with Santa is happening Saturday in Byron, MN. Fun for the whole family—see details and register here.

Based on Google search trends, Minnesota's favorite Christmas cookie is the peanut butter kiss or peanut butter blossom. That's not America's favorite, though.

Minnesota goes all-in on holiday lights, and these are the displays everyone’s talking about. From massive walk-through festivals to mile-long drive-thru routes, here are the biggest and brightest shows worth bundling up for this season.

Minnesota families searching for a new tradition will find pure holiday joy at this Wisconsin light display. Open through New Year’s Day, it’s a perfect pre- or post-Christmas outing.

A quiet Minnesota cul-de-sac just pulled off something absolutely wild for the holidays.

It's great to show your mail carrier appreciation during the holidays, but there are federal laws in place regarding what you can give them.

The MOA attraction features interactive stations and gadgets that supposedly track the naughty and nice lists.

Want to make a HUGE difference for local pets? This is how!

The holidays are here… and so is your chance to win BIG!

Looking for a top holiday event in Minnesota? Explore 80+ trees at Rochester’s Festival of Trees 2025 and browse the gorgeous photos our team took the other night.

Kwik Trip just revealed its festive 2025 holiday cup design, calling it “wrapping paper for coffee.” The new cups roll into stores the first week of December.

Rochester’s holiday season just got brighter as a Grammy Award–winning artist, Michael Bublé helped turn on 24/7 Christmas music at a favorite local station.

Rochester's heart is shining bright this winter as a grassroots organization steps up to combat food insecurity and spread a little warmth in our community.

Looking for a holiday tradition that feels straight out of a Christmas movie? S’mores With Santa at Sargent’s on 2nd delivers all the warm, wintery vibes.

Capture the holiday magic! The Apache Mall has revealed when Santa will be on-site for photos with Rochester kids (and adults!).

The Grinch Meal is arriving at Minnesota McDonald’s for the holidays. Each purchase includes pickle seasoning for fries and a pair of themed socks.

Pure holiday magic. A perfect holiday outing for young families.

The Mayo Clinic Craft Fair draws huge crowds every season—here are three tips to help you get the most out of your visit this weekend. (One of the tips is because of a huge #momfail that I had last year. #TakeMyAdvice)

It even made a list for best Christmas towns in America!

This might be the best edible centerpiece I've seen. Ok...I haven't seen many...but this caught my eye at Hy-Vee.

Admission to Bentleyville is completely free, adding to its family-friendly appeal. Every visitor receives complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies at the entrance.

Your ultimate guide to finding a real Christmas tree near Rochester, MN! Explore 12 farms and lots with the best selections and holiday cheer.

The Downtown Dazzle Parade is one of Rochester’s biggest seasonal events—here’s your easy, all-in-one guide with the schedule and map.

The Downtown Dazzle Parade is one of Rochester’s biggest seasonal events—here’s your easy, all-in-one guide with the schedule and map.