Nov28Sat
Christmas parades 2026Rochester · The Flower City
Christmas parades and tree lightings in Rochester, 2026.
We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Rochester with 2026 dates: two parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, two free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Illuminate Light Parade: Nov 28 · 6–8 p.m. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Park Avenue Holiday Open House: Dec 3 · 5–8 p.m. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?2 of 4 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 4 in the evening. Each card is marked.4 evening
By date
Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
28NovSatIlluminate Light Parade
Parade · 6–8 p.m.3DecThuPark Avenue Holiday Open House
Tree lighting · 5–8 p.m.5DecSatLiberty Pole Lighting & Family Parade to Roc Holiday VillageParade · 5 p.m. lighting8DecTueWebster Arboretum Tree Lighting and CarolingTree lighting · 7–8:30 p.m.
Parade · 6–8 p.m.3DecThuPark Avenue Holiday Open HouseTree lighting · 5–8 p.m.5DecSatLiberty Pole Lighting & Family Parade to Roc Holiday VillageParade · 5 p.m. lighting8DecTueWebster Arboretum Tree Lighting and CarolingTree lighting · 7–8:30 p.m.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Christmas parades in and around Rochester
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Dec5Sat
Liberty Pole Lighting & Family Parade to Roc Holiday Village
Liberty Pole to Dr. MLK Jr. Park · Downtown Rochester
- Time
- 5 p.m. lighting; family parade 5:15 p.m.; arrives at Roc Holiday Village about 5:40 p.m.
- Price
- Free to watch
For kids: Free parking at the Mortimer Street Garage; free street parking on weekends.
Good to know: Free visits with Santa until 8 p.m., free kid crafts, and free skating with free skate rentals (limited).
Tree lightings
Tree lightings and lighting nights near Rochester
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Dec3Thu
Park Avenue Holiday Open House
Park Avenue Green, Park Ave. and Barrington St. · Park Avenue
- Time
- 5–8 p.m.
- Price
- Free
Good to know: Mayor Evans kicks off the tree and menorah lighting on Park Avenue. Santa and live reindeer wait in the tent on Park Avenue Green.
Dec8Tue
Webster Arboretum Tree Lighting and Caroling
Webster Arboretum (Curry Building) · Webster
- Time
- 7–8:30 p.m.
- Price
- Not listed
Good to know: RSVP on the arboretum page.
Before you go
Three things that make parade night easier
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Every year
Parades and tree lightings that come back every year
Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Rochester
Illuminate Light ParadeKeep planning
More for little kids in Rochester
November: things to do in RochesterEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in RochesterEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in RochesterFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in RochesterIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in RochesterBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in RochesterHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in RochesterParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in RochesterKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
Christmas trains in RochesterPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in RochesterBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in RochesterChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in RochesterWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
This week in RochesterDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Christmas parades in Rochester: the FAQ
Illuminate Light Parade: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 6–8 p.m. (Canandaigua). Liberty Pole Lighting & Family Parade to Roc Holiday Village: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5 p.m. lighting; family parade 5:15 p.m.; arrives at Roc Holiday Village about 5:40 p.m. (Downtown Rochester).
Park Avenue Holiday Open House at Park Avenue Green, Park Ave. and Barrington St.: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 5–8 p.m. Webster Arboretum Tree Lighting and Caroling at Webster Arboretum (Curry Building): Tue, Dec 8, 2026, 7–8:30 p.m.
Two of the four we list are free to watch: Park Avenue Holiday Open House and Liberty Pole Lighting & Family Parade to Roc Holiday Village. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
Holiday plans every Thursday.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Rochester that weekend, parades included.
