Holiday Spirit-Lifting Happenings in Downtown Rochester
If you're in need of a little holiday cheer, check out these holiday spirit-lifting happenings in downtown Rochester. Then, perhaps the holidays will mean a little bit more for you in 2020.
Holiday Feasts
Who needs Who Pudding and rare Who Roast Beast when you have these downtown Rochester restaurant to-go orders to provide a great holiday feast!
Bleu Duck Kitchen
- Menu:
- Christmas bourbon and brown sugar glazed ham, Dijonnaise, oyster stew, poached pear salad, loaded mashed potatoes, wild rice-roasted fennel, creamed kale gratin, whole roasted cauliflower, dinner rolss, and cookie platter ($180)
- Garlic and herb crusted prime rib, au jus and creamy horseradish sauce, oyster stew, poached pear salad, loaded mashed potatoes, wild rice-roasted fennel, creamed kale gratin, whole roasted cauliflower, dinner rolss, and cookie platter ($300)
- Serves: 4 guests
- Pick up times are from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 23
- More information here.
Cameo Restaurant
- Menu: Herb roasted turkey with cranberry mostarda, citrus-molasses Nuekse's ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted root vegetables, green beans with hazelnut gremolata, smoked gouda mac n cheese, Kung Pao cauliflower, creamy leek and kale gratin, creme brulee cheesecake, and gingerbread cookies
- Serves: 4 to 6 guests
- Price: $150
- Order by December 21 (or until 100 orders are claimed) by emailing cameoatthecastle@gmail.com; pick up between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday, December 24
- More information here.
Chester's Kitchen & Bar
- Menu: Rotisserie turkey breast, cobb smoked ham, oven baked smoked gouda hash browns, roasted cauliflower and broccoli, fire roasted creamed corn, cranberry candied walnut greens with balsamic vinaigrette, and herbed Ciabatta bread, with a choice of dessert: brandied Fuji apple streusel or flourless chocolate cake
- Serves: 4 to 6 guests
- Price: $179
- Order by December 18 by calling 507-424-1211; pick up Wednesday, December 23 or 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, December 24
- More information here.
Pescara
- Menu: Herb-crusted roast tenderloin of beef, home-roasted whole side of salmon, wild mushroom risotto, duck fat fingerling potatoes, toasted Gruyere creamed spinach, mache & frisse salad, French petit pan rolls, and choice of "Gingerbread" bread pudding or flourless cake. Add cold water lobster tail for $40 each.
- Serves: 4 guests
- Price: $225
- Order by 5 p.m. December 18 by calling 507-280-6900; pick up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. December 24 and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. December 25
- More information here.
Terza
- Menu: House-made lasagna or vegetarian lasagna, potato and artichoke gratin, roasted cauliflower and broccolini, chopped salad, Ciabatta bread, panettone bread pudding, and chocolate truffles
- Serves: 4 to 6 guests
- Price: $149
- Order by December 18 by calling 507-216-959 ; pick up between 3 and 8 p.m. December 23
- More information here.
Supporting Local with Shopping
While there might not be Snoozlephones to be found in downtown Rochester, you'll be sure to find other unique gifts for those on your holiday list.
Small Business Saturdays
- Whether online or in-person, pledge to shop small this holiday season. Small businesses are counting on all of us; let's show them how much they mean to our communities.
- Date: every Saturday until December 19, 2020
- Where: downtown Rochester businesses
- More information here.
Grab N' Go Brunch and Holiday Market
- Support some of your favorite local businesses, do your holiday shopping and enjoy a delicious meal!
- Date: from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020
- Where: Bleu Duck Kitchen
- More information here.
Shop Rochester Look Book
- The Shop Rochester Digital Look Book is a beautifully designed 40-page guide that focuses on shopping downtown and stores’ featured gift ideas for the holidays.
- Where: Digitally here
- More information here.
Holiday Spirit-Lifting Activities
Let not the term "Grinchy" (meaning Christmas spirit is in short supply) apply to your holidays when there are these activities to get you in a merry mood!
Downtown portion of Hiawatha Homes Festival of Trees
- Experience the magic of the holiday season! This year, the Festival of Trees' uniquely designed holiday trees created by volunteer tree designers will be displayed in unused and occupied downtown storefronts. All trees will be viewable from the outdoors.
- Date: daily through December 31, 2020
- Where: downtown Rochester
- More information here.
Jolly Trolley Holiday Light Tours
- Hop aboard the Jolly Trolley and let Rochester Trolley and Tour Company show you the wonderful sights of the holidays around Rochester.
- Date: Tuesdays through Saturdays through December 31, 2020
- Where: downtown Rochester and beyond
- More information here.
I'll Be Home for Christmas: A Virtual Event featuring Tonic Sol-fa
- The stunning a cappella group Tonic Sol-fa takes to the virtual stage for an "I'll Be Home for Christmas: A Virtual Experience" concert.
- Date: December 18, 2020
- Where: Virtually through Mayo Civic Center
- More information here.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
- You are probably familiar with the story of George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. But have you heard it in a live virtual performance format? Tune in December 18-20 to the Rochester Civic Theatre for a live radio adaptation of this holiday classic.
- Date: December 18-20, 2020
- Where: Virtually through Rochester Civic Theatre
- More information here.
Victoria's Ristorante Season of Giving
- Details: Order carry-out from Victoria's on Sundays in December, mention the weekly chosen non-profit, and Victoria's will donate 25 percent back to that organization.
- More information here.
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