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100+ Winter Events in Downtown Rochester, MN

Winter is here, and there's OVER 100 things to do in Downtown Rochester this holiday season. Chase those winter blues away and get out and experience all that Downtown has to offer with your family and friends! 

Nov 14-16
Nov 17-23
Nov 24-30
Dec 1-7
Dec 8-14
Dec 15-21
Dec 22-28
Dec 29-31

"Plaid Tidings" | Thursday, November 14 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is a brand new show that offers the best of Forever Plaid, tied up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top! 

Morning Movement | Thursday, November 14 | Mezza9 Cafe 

Start your day at 7am with intention, gentle movement, breathwork and meditation at Mezza9 Cafe & Desserts (20 3rd St. SW). This class will ease you gently into your day whether you’re going to work, appointments, errands, or enjoying a day off. Bring a mat if you have one, though we will have a few on hand.

Live Jazz | Thursday, November 14 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

Starting at 7pm, join us for live jazz - FREE entry! Each Thursday and Saturday, we have rotating talented musicians perform live in our historic venue.

The Creative Studio | Friday, November 15 | Rochester Art Center

Live Music - The Brianna Rae Band | Friday, November 15 | Kathy's Pub

Put your dancin' shoes on Rochester because we are back for our 2nd appearance at Kathy's pub starting at 10pm! It will be night full of nostalgic 90's hits to cut a rug and singalong to!

"Plaid Tidings" | Friday, November 15 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

The Creative Studio | Saturday, November 16 | Rochester Art Center

Art making activities for visitors of all ages, inviting them to engage their imaginations and turn ideas into artwork. Fridays & Saturdays, 11am - 3:30pm
Members: free | Non-members: $5 at the front desk

Drop-In Tour: Introduction to the Rochester Art Center | Saturday, November 16 | Rochester Art Center

$8 for Adults, $5 for Seniors & Military | Free for Ages 21 & Under, Free for Members
No reservations required. 

Live Jazz | Saturday, November 16 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

"Plaid Tidings" | Saturday, November 16 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Songwriters in the Round | Sunday, November 17 | Treedome 

For our Fifth Showcase of 2024, with KYN ( From the Band KYM), James Rechs ( Jealous Brother ) and Justin Jacobson ( Garden Tigers). $10 at the doo, all ages welcome, from 6-8pm.  

Pop Up Sunday Market: Local Bakers & Artists | Sunday, November 17 | Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery

Support local businesses at our pop-up market every Sunday from 11am-1pm through Dec 15th, with baked goods and handmade crafts.

Bleu Duck Kitchen Sunday School: Soups & Stews with Beer Tasting | Sunday, November 17 | Bleu Duck Kitchen 

From 2-4pm, learn all about cream, bisque and broth based soups, while sipping tasty beers!

"Plaid Tidings" | Sunday, November 17 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Craft & Chat | Tuesday, November 19 | Rochester Public Library

We invite you to get creative at the library! Stop by the Library 2nd Floor area every Tuesday between 4-7pm to work on a project you bring from home and meet new friends. 

Cover 2 Cover Book Club | Tuesday, November 19 | Rochester Public Library 

Join us each month from 7-8pm to discuss a popular book you’ll want to read cover to cover. To register please contact, Lynette Perry the groups host: lperry@rplmn.org or 507-328-2324

Figure Drawing | Wednesday, November 20 | Rochester Art Center

Reserve your spot for uninstructed Figure Drawing, a 2-hour session from 6-8pm for artists (ages 18+) to practice the timeless tradition of sketching the human form. 

REO Speedwagon | Wednesday. November 20 | Mayo Civic Center

Tickets start at $40.00 plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Morning Movement | Thursday, November 21 | Mezza9 Cafe 

"Plaid Tidings" | Thursday, November 21 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Art & Hors d'oeuvres | Thursday, November 21 | Kahler Grand Hotel

Starting at 6pm, SEMVA Art Gallery welcomes you! Join us for free appetizers, dessert, and art!
Located both in our lobby-level gallery space and on the mezzanine level of the Kahler hotel.

Live Jazz | Thursday, November 21 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

The Creative Studio | Friday, November 22 | Rochester Art Center

"Plaid Tidings" | Friday, November 22 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

The Creative Studio | Saturday, November 23 | Rochester Art Center

Drop-In Tour: Introduction to the Rochester Art Center | Saturday, November 23 | Rochester Art Center

"Plaid Tidings" | Saturday, November 23 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Live Jazz | Saturday, November 23 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

"Plaid Tidings" | Sunday, November 24 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Pop Up Sunday Market: Local Bakers & Artists | Sunday, November 24 | Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery

Craft & Chat | Tuesday, November 26 | Rochester Public Library

Lapsit Storytime | Wednesday, November 27 | Rochester Public Library

From 10:30-11am, enjoy gentle songs, simple stories and a lullaby at this 20-minute lapsit storytime. This event is designed for children birth through 5 years old and their families. 

Get Moving Storytime | Wednesday, November 27 | Rochester Public Library

From 11-11:30am, engage in active rhymes, songs and interactive stories. This 20-minute preschool storytime is designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old and their families.

Morning Movement | Thursday, November 28 | Mezza9 Cafe 

Live Jazz | Thursday, November 28 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

Here Comes Santa Claus | Friday, November 29 | Peace Plaza

This beloved holiday tradition will include, as always, Mrs. Claus' Workshop from 2-4pm in the Historic Chateau Theatre, the daring rescue of Santa atop Old City Hall at 4:30pm and the magical holiday tree lighting ceremony on Peace Plaza at 5pm. 

Festival of Trees | Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1 | The Kahler Grand Hotel

Step into the enchanting world of the Festival of Trees, Rochester's most cherished holiday tradition. For nearly four decades, we've welcomed the holiday season with beautifully decorated trees, each telling its own festive tale.

Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 30 | Downtown Rochester 

A day to support local business, Small Business Saturday creates jobs, boosts the economy and preserves neighborhoods in downtown Rochester and across the country. 

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party | Saturday, November 30 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Join Rochester Dance Company for their annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party at the Historic Chateau Theatre in downtown Rochester, MN. You will enjoy snacks, treats and hot chocolate while meeting and dancing with the characters of The Nutcracker. Kids will receive a nutcracker themed goody bag as well!

Live Jazz | Saturday, November 30 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

Pop Up Sunday Market: Local Bakers & Artists | Sunday, December 1| Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery

Dancing Downtown | Monday, December 2 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Rochester Downtown Alliance is proud to bring FREE dance lessons to Downtown on Monday evenings from 6-8pm in Historic Chateau Theatre! Whether you're an experienced dancer or have never put on your dancing shoes, come enjoy a fun evening of dancing, brought to you by professional instructors from our local USA Dance Chapter. 

Craft & Chat | Tuesday, December 3 | Rochester Public Library

Morning Movement | Thursday, December 5 | Mezza9 Cafe 

Live Jazz | Thursday, December 5 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites

The Creative Studio | Friday, December 6 | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center Storytime | Friday, December 6 | Rochester Art Center

Join us for storytime and an art activity at Rochester Art Center (30 Civic Center Drive, 55904) and stay for a walk through the gallery. Admission is free for this event.

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Friday, December 6 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

Downtown Dazzle Parade | Saturday, December 7 | Start: Edison School District parking lot, End: Central Park

Winter Market | Saturday, December 7 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Join Threshold Arts and friends at the Historic Chateau Theatre as we will celebrate artists, independent businesses, and local culture with an indoor market experience for all.

"The Nutcracker" presented by Rochester Dance Company | Saturday, December 7 | Mayo Civic Center

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Saturday, December 7 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

The Creative Studio | Saturday, December 7 | Rochester Art Center

Live Jazz | Saturday, December 7 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

"The Nutcracker" presented by Rochester Dance Company | Sunday, December 8 | Mayo Civic Center

The Nutcracker will feature over 80 dancers ages 5 to 18 from studios throughout Rochester and the surrounding area, as well as professional guest artists.

Pop Up Sunday Market: Local Bakers & Artists | Sunday, December 8 | Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery

Free Family Winter Workshop: "Elf" | Sunday, December 8 | Historic Chateau Theatre

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Sunday, December 8 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

Dancing Downtown | Monday, December 9 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Craft & Chat | Tuesday, December 10 | Rochester Public Library

Lapsit Storytime | Wednesday, December 11 | Rochester Public Library

Get Moving Storytime | Wednesday, December 11 | Rochester Public Library

Ugly Sweater Puzzle Night | Wednesday, December 11 | Historic Chateau Theatre 

Meet other jigsaw enthusiasts for non-competitive puzzling and puzzle swapping. Put together one of the puzzles provided or bring your own.

World Ballet Company THE NUTCRACKER | Wednesday, December 11 | Mayo Civic Center 

LIVE on stage, December 11, 2024, at Mayo Civic Center, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most beloved holiday tradition to life.

One Dish Wonder - December Spritz & Fantuan | Wednesday, December 11 | 1928 Cocktail Lounge

Join Tiffany of @choochoocachew and The Libation Project//Tyler for this unique Apertif & Spritz tasting and pairing experience! If you know, you know. Here's your chance to get tickets before everyone snatches them up!

Morning Movement | Thursday, December 12 | Mezza9 Cafe 

Queer Book Club | Thursday, December 12 | Rochester Public Library

Interested adults are invited to this book club to discuss queer books and media. We do not all read the same book. We will have art materials available.

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Thursday, December 12 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

Live Jazz | Thursday, December 12 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

The Creative Studio | Friday, December 13 | Rochester Art Center

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Friday, December 13 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

The Creative Studio | Saturday, December 14 | Rochester Art Center

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Saturday, December 14 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

The New Standards Holiday Show | Saturday, December 14 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Live Jazz | Saturday, December 14 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

Pop Up Sunday Market: Local Bakers & Artists | Sunday, December 15 | Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery

Free Family Winter Workshop: "The Polar Express" | Sunday, December 15 | Historic Chateau Theatre

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Sunday, December 15 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

Dancing Downtown | Monday, December 16 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Craft & Chat | Tuesday, December 17 | Rochester Public Library

Cover 2 Cover Book Club | Tuesday, December 17 | Rochester Public Library 

Judy Collins: Holidays & Hits Tour | Wednesday, December 18 | Mayo Civic Center 

In her 50-plus years in music, Judy Collins has always exhibited impeccable taste in songcraft.

Morning Movement | Thursday, December 19 | Mezza9 Cafe 

Live Jazz | Thursday, December 19 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

Diamond Rio | Thursday, December 19 | Mayo Civic Center 

Originating as The Tennessee River Boys in the 80’s, the band evolved into Diamond Rio in 1989. The following year, they signed with Arista Nashville, and in 1991, with the release of “Meet in The Middle,” became the first country music group in history to reach No. 1 with a debut single.

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Thursday, December 19 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

The Creative Studio | Friday, December 20 | Rochester Art Center

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Friday, December 20 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

The Creative Studio | Saturday, December 21 | Rochester Art Center

"Jeff on the Shelf: An R-Rated Christmas Comedy | Saturday, December 21 | Rochester Civic Theatre 

Live Jazz | Saturday, December 21 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

Yuletide at the Chateau | Sunday, December 22 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Jest, Madrigals & Mirth 

Dancing Downtown | Monday, December 23 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Morning Movement | Thursday, December 26 | Mezza9 Cafe 

Live Jazz | Thursday, December 26 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

The Creative Studio | Friday, December 27 | Rochester Art Center

The Creative Studio | Saturday, December 28 | Rochester Art Center 

Live Jazz | Saturday, December 28 | 1928 Cocktails & Bites 

Dancing Downtown | Monday, December 30 | Historic Chateau Theatre

Craft & Chat | Tuesday, December 31 | Rochester Public Library

Bleu Duck Kitchen New Year's Eve 2025 | Tuesday, December 31 | Bleu Duck Kitchen

Join us at Bleu Duck Kitchen for an evening of delicious food, great company, and the electrifying sounds of Wurk, playing live all night long. We're celebrating the last night of the year with an epic party, and we want you there - starting at 8pm!