Skip to Main Content
Downtown Rochester MN
Downtown Rochester MN

View All Stories

Don't Miss Here Comes Santa Claus on November 28

The holiday season begins in style on Friday, November 28, 2025, in the heart of Downtown Rochester, Minnesota. The annual event (the 51st this year!) Here Comes Santa Claus invites families and friends to celebrate the festive spirit. Here’s everything you need to know — and why you won’t want to miss it.

Time & Place

  • When: Friday, November 28, 2025 from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
  • Where: A few key Downtown Rochester locations
    • Historic Chateau Theatre — for an early afternoon of fun. 
    • Residences of Old City Hall — the scene of Santa’s “rescue”. 
    • Peace Plaza — tree-lighting central. 
    • Galleria at University Square (second level) — for photos with the big guy. 

Event Schedule & Highlights

  • 2:30–4:45 p.m. — Mrs. Claus’ Workshop at Historic Chateau Theatre Kids (and grown-ups with playful hearts) will enjoy musical merriment, nutcracker performances by Rochester Dance Company, games, crafts, letter-writing to Santa, and a story-time with Mrs. Claus — including ASL interpretation during story time. 
  • 5:00 p.m. — Santa’s Rescue atop Old City Hall Santa finds himself in need of a little festive saving — come witness the heroic rescue at the Residences of Old City Hall. 
  • 5:15 p.m. — Tree Lighting Ceremony at Peace Plaza The moment we’ve all been waiting for: join the crowd to flip the switch and watch the holiday tree glow bright in Downtown. (And we'll let you in on a little secret - the tree lighting is going to be bigger than ever this year!)    
  • 5:30–7:00 p.m. — Photos with Santa at Galleria at University Square (2nd Level) Bring your camera (or phone) and capture those magical moments with Santa — perfect for family keepsakes or a fun holiday card. 

Why It’s a Must-Do

  • It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Rochester — right after Thanksgiving.
  • The variety of activities means there’s something for everyone: from kids’ crafts and story time to spectacle and photo ops.
  • It brings the community together — families, friends, Downtown businesses — creating festive energy across multiple Downtown locations.
  • Parking and “Downtown wandering” can turn into an adventure: use the different venues to explore Downtown Rochester and its holiday decorations, shops and eateries while you’re there.

Tips for Attending

  • Arrive early (~2:30 p.m.) if you want your kids to catch Mrs. Claus’ Workshop — seats and space may fill.
  • Bundle up — while much of the activity happens indoors or semi-indoors, you’ll spend time outside between venues, at Santa Claus' rescue and waiting for the tree lighting.
  • Bring a camera or phone with good lighting — the tree lighting & photo with Santa moments are special.
  • Plan your parking: Find where to park here
  • After the festivities, pop into a nearby Downtown restaurant or dessert spot to keep the glow going — ideal for families or groups wanting to celebrate further. 
  • Encourage friends, family or colleagues to join — an event like this works best when shared.

Thank You to our Partners!

  • Mayo Clinic
  • Altra Federal Credit Union
  • Olmsted Medical Center
  • T-Fiber
  • MPR
  • Black Swan Living
  • Hosted by: Historic Chateau Theatre