Can’t-Miss Holiday Events to Attend in Downtown Rochester, MI
There’s nothing better than hometown holiday activities! Between scheduling sledding playdates for your kiddos and gift shopping for everyone on your list, there are plenty of downtown Rochester events to add to your calendar. Lucky for us, Novel is right in the thick of it all!
Don’t Miss These Favorite Downtown Rochester Holiday Events
We know how tempting staying indoors with a good cozy fantasy book can be, but if you want to make long-lasting holiday memories, you have to leave the house! In between captivating thrillers, sci-fi reads, and memoirs, fill your snowy days with a little bit of small-town magic and stop by these festive downtown Rochester events:
November 10th: Experience Downtown Rochester This Christmas with the Holiday Expo
Every year, over 60 local businesses showcase their best products at the Holiday Expo. This gives everyone an opportunity to familiarize themselves with both new and established stores, sample some tasty treats, and get a sneak peek at one of the most anticipated downtown Rochester holiday events, the Festival of Trees. Stop by the Royal Park Hotel on Monday, Nov. 10th, between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, to get your Christmas shopping started early and check out Novel’s booth!
November 21st-23rd: Stop by the Festival of Trees, a Local-Favorite Downtown Rochester Holiday Event
The Festival of Trees is a longstanding downtown Rochester event where elaborately decorated trees, hand-made wreaths, and beautiful centerpieces are displayed at the Rochester Community House from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The Cocktail Preview on Nov. 21st includes a strolling dinner and silent auction. If you come Saturday, the 22nd, or Sunday, the 23rd, you may get to meet Santa!
November 24th: Celebrate Christmas in Downtown Rochester with Lagniappe and the Big, Bright Light Show
On Monday, Nov. 24th, downtown Rochester Christmas comes to life with everyone’s favorite day of the season, Lagniappe! Named with the Creole word for “a little something extra,” Lagniappe is a way for the business owners in Rochester to express their gratitude to supportive members of the community.
From 6:00 to 9:00 PM, anyone can stop by Novel and our neighboring businesses to shop, grab a sandwich, and gather with loved ones! Main Street itself will be closed, so make sure to arrive early to secure parking.
That same night, the Big, Bright Light Show will illuminate the storefronts of downtown Rochester! Sponsored by Fox Automotive, the Mayor, Channel 7, and Santa Claus himself, the festivities will kick off at 6:00 PM. At 7:00 PM, the lights go up and fireworks go off! The display will shine bright from 5:00 PM to midnight every night until Jan. 18th to make downtown Rochester’s holiday magic last.
November 25th to December 4th: Participate in Downtown Rochester Christmas Fun with the Holiday Window Contest
Starting Tuesday, Nov. 25th, peep the decked-out window displays around Main Street! Each participating business (including your favorite Rochester, MI, bookstore, Novel!) will have text codes on its storefront with voting information. Winners are announced at the Kris Kringle Market on Friday, Dec. 6th.
November 28th: Fight Against Black Friday with Plaid Friday
We know Black Friday sales can be tempting, but why shop name brands when you can support local businesses? On Friday, Nov. 28th, dress up in your best plaid and enjoy fun freebies and great discounts as you shop in downtown Rochester for Christmas gifts and more. At Novel, we’re offering 10% off $30 and 20% off $50 on all books, no matter the genre.
November 29th: Shop Locally on Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is a nationally recognized holiday that occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Add this downtown Rochester event to your to-do list on Nov. 29th to shop small for everyone on your list. Check out these businesses (and many more) when you shop to get in the downtown Rochester Christmas spirit:
- Novel
- Arizona Saddlery
- Plain & Fancy Gift Shop
- Essbe
- Holy Cannoli’s
- Downtown Tarot Company
- Psychic of Rochester
- Crowning Glory Bridal Accessories
- Dance on Main Ballroom Studio
December 5th and 6th: Lean Into Festive Fun with the Kris Kringle Market
Inspired by traditional European open-air Christmas markets, the Kris Kringle market is a family-favorite downtown Rochester holiday event year after year. Open 4:00 to 10:00 PM Friday and 12:00 to 10:00 PM Saturday, the market holds more than 60 vendors, a warming tent with beer, wine, and musical entertainment, and more fun for all ages! Make sure to swing by Novel after for a hand-crafted sandwich or a book recommendation for breaking a reading slump.
3 Other Downtown Rochester Events to Look Out For:
- Snowman Stroll: check out the charming display of 12 snowmen created by local artists on Main Street, Monday, December 1st to Wednesday, December 31st
- Neighborhood Light Fight: team up with your neighbors and compete as a street in this holiday display competition, Monday, December 1st to Sunday, December 14th
- Pancakes and PJs: don your best holiday pajamas, dine on a pancake feast cooked by the local firefighters, and visit with Santa at the Rochester Fire Department (277 E. Second Street), Thursday, December 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Support Your Local Indie Bookstore This Holiday Season
Celebrating Christmas in downtown Rochester wouldn’t be the same without all the amazing local shops in the area. When you buy from small stores, you can rest assured that your money is recirculated back into your community, helping the businesses in Rochester thrive! This year, consider skipping chain brands and buying all your literary presents at the newest independently owned bookstore on Main Street: Novel.
When You Stop By Novel, You Can Experience:
- The carefully curated selection of titles
- A cozy, welcoming “third space” atmosphere
- Personalized recommendations from staff
- Fun-for-all-ages events each month
- A menu of delicious sandwiches, desserts, and drinks
Where is Novel Located in Downtown Rochester?
Novel is located at 307 South Main Street, in between Third and Fourth Streets. When you’re walking around during or after a downtown Rochester holiday event, keep an eye out for our big windows and porch goose mascot!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a loyal attendee, a citizen of the Metro Detroit area, or are just stopping by on your winter vacation—anyone is welcome to experience the magic of Christmas in downtown Rochester! From holiday parades to the annual lighting ceremony on Main Street and everything in between, there’s sure to be something for every festive visitor on the downtown Rochester holiday events calendar.