Holidays at the Market
2024 Schedule
- Sunday, December 1, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday, December 8, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Special: Thursday, December 19, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A Rochester holiday tradition for over 25 years, Holidays at the Market features dozens of holiday-focused vendors selling fresh-cut trees and wreaths, decorations, specialty foods and beverage products, hand-crafted items, seasonal treats, and much more!
During the Holidays, the Market is decked out in holiday lights, with festive music, and offers limitless local shopping and unique gift items. Kids can visit Santa from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the Sunday events, and everyone can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Special Thursday Evening Event, Dec. 19
Holidays at the Market will again this year host a special evening market on Thursday, December 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. In collaboration with the Market District Business Association, this evening will feature specials at Market District businesses in addition to shopping with Market holiday vendors. Entertainment throughout the Market District, Santa and carriage rides will add to the shopping delights and make for a memorable Holidays at the Market bonus!
Market Gift Tokens Make Great Holiday Gifts
Consider giving the gift of the Market during the holiday season--get some Public Market Gift Tokens (and/or Market-branded merchandise) for your family and friends at the Token Center behind the Market Office, during regular Market days and hours!
Vendors
Interested in joining the festivities as a vendor?
Download the 2024 Holidays at the Market Vendor Application
Holidays at the Market Cookie Contest 2024
Each year, the City of Rochester Public Market hosts an open Holiday Cookie Contest in conjunction with the annual Holidays at the Market special events! first, second and third place winners awarded $150, $75, and $55 in Market Gift Tokens! Judges include local food experts, critics, and writers, who rank the entries on taste, texture, originality, and presentation.
Thirty-seven local bakers submitted cookies for this year's contest, and as usual, there were plenty of quality creations! Ultimately, the judges bestowed these three winners for 2024:
FIRST PLACE: S'MORE CHIP COOKIES by Roseann Durgin
SECOND PLACE: VEGAN GINGERBREAD-OATMEAL-EGGNOG CREAM PIE by Ashley Martin
THIRD PLACE: ALMOND SUGAR COOKIES by Margaret Horn
Big thanks to Tracy Schuhmacher of the Democrat & Chronicle for these excellent images of this year's winning cookies! Check out Tracy's article for more on the winning cookies, including the recipes!
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Public Market free-admission special events
Community Garage Sales
The City of Rochester Public Market offers dozens of garage sales with bargains on everything from furniture to clothing; collectibles to jewelry; artwork to trinkets... all in one location! From spring through the Fall, stop by the Market every other Sunday to join us for the largest community garage sales and superfleas!
Learn more: Community Garage Sales & Superfleas
Flower City Days
The Flower City earns bragging rights when the Rochester Public Market comes alive in May and June with its legendary horticultural sales--row upon row of annuals, perennials, shrubs and garden ornamentation. All available just in time for spring planting!
Come with your garden questions and get answers from Cornell Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners. Bring plant containers, and take some home, through our give-take plant container exchange program! Cafes and coffee shops open on the Market and in the surrounding Market District too. Free admission.
Learn more: Flower City Days
Food Truck Rodeos
Food Truck Rodeos at the Market have quickly become a Rochester tradition. Rodeos brings our community's creative mobile cuisine to the Market. Local brew and bands add to the flavor and fun. Free admission--bring your own folding chairs and tables!
Last Wednesday evening of the month, April through September.
Gospel Jubilee
Organized by Elim Sanctuary Choir, this annual event features inspirational music groups from around the region. Food and vendors too. Free admission.
Artist Row
Produced by Friends of the Rochester Public Market, Artist Row is not just your average art show. With over 180 local artists this event truly showcases the creativity of our community. Food and live music too, free admission! For more information, contact Friends of the Public Market at 585-428-7292 or e-mail Marketfriends@marketfriends.org
Halloween at the Market
This relatively new addition to the Market special events series provides an extra, bonus dress-up and trick or treat opportunity for families--and a chance to connect with dozens of community organizations! Free admission.