
Winter Wonderland Destinations in Rochester, New York, United States
1. Highland Park Ice Rink
A winter wonderland destination offering an outdoor ice skating rink amidst picturesque snow-covered landscapes.
- Outdoor Skating Experience: Enjoy a unique, open-air ice skating experience during the winter season.
- Scenic Views: Skate amidst breathtaking views of Highland Park's snow-covered landscapes and beautiful trees.
- Holiday Events: Participate in holiday events, like Ice Magic at the Park, featuring ice sculptures, music, and food.
2. Genesee Valley Greenway
A winter wonderland destination offering a 14.7-mile snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trail system.
- Trail System: Explore miles of trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Natural Scenery: Enjoy the peaceful, serene natural scenery while enjoying winter activities.
- Accessibility: Trails are easily accessible from multiple locations along the Genesee Valley Greenway.
3. Rochester Museum & Science Center
A winter wonderland destination featuring interactive exhibits and a planetarium showcasing the wonders of the universe.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits.
- Planetarium Shows: Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring shows about the cosmos at the planetarium.
- Educational Programs: Learn from educational programs that cater to all ages and interests.
4. Rochester's Christmas Square
A winter wonderland destination featuring a vibrant square adorned with festive decorations, an ice rink, and entertainment.
- Ice Rink: Enjoy the festive atmosphere while skating on the Christmas Square's ice rink.
- Entertainment: Participate in holiday performances, events, and activities at Christmas Square.
- Festive Atmosphere: Experience the magic of a beautifully decorated square filled with holiday spirit.
5. Seneca Park Zoo
A winter wonderland destination offering animal encounters and a snowless trail for walking during the winter season.
- Animal Encounters: Get up close with various animals, including polar bears, seals, and penguins.
- Snowless Trail: Take a leisurely walk along the snow-free trail for an enjoyable winter experience.
- Holiday Lights: Stroll through the zoo's festive holiday lights display during the winter season.
6. Eastman Theatre
A winter wonderland destination offering a variety of performances, including holiday shows and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Holiday Shows: Experience classic holiday performances, like The Nutcracker ballet.
- Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Attend concerts by the renowned Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Variety of Performances: Choose from a variety of performances throughout the winter season.
7. Durand-Eastman Park
A winter wonderland destination offering cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding amidst beautiful landscapes.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Enjoy the serenity of cross-country skiing through Durand-Eastman Park's snow-covered trails.
- Snowshoeing: Experience winter hiking with snowshoes on the park's many scenic trails.
- Sledding Hill: Take advantage of the sledding hill for a fun-filled family activity during the winter season.
8. George Eastman Museum
A winter wonderland destination offering photography exhibitions and film screenings.
- Photography Exhibitions: Discover the art of photography with captivating exhibitions.
- Film Screenings: Watch classic films and documentaries in a historic setting.
- Historic Mansion Tour: Tour the beautiful, historic George Eastman House for an insight into his life and work.
9. Thurston Nature Center
A winter wonderland destination offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and birdwatching opportunities.
- Snowshoeing: Explore the park's nature trails on snowshoes during the winter season.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Take advantage of groomed cross-country ski trails for a peaceful winter activity.
- Birdwatching: Observe local bird species in their winter habitats.
10. Rochester Public Market
A vibrant winter wonderland destination offering unique holiday gifts, fresh produce, and local delicacies.
- Holiday Gifts: Find one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors for your loved ones.
- Fresh Produce: Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other farm goods during the winter season.
- Local Delicacies: Taste traditional Rochester treats and dishes at the market.
11. Parkside Lodge
A winter wonderland destination offering a cozy lodge, ice skating, and tubing during the winter season.
- Cozy Lodge: Relax by the fireplace at the beautiful Parkside Lodge.
- Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating on one of Rochester's outdoor rinks, weather permitting.
- Tubing Hill: Experience the thrill of tubing down the snowy tubing hill.
12. Rochester Ice Center
A winter wonderland destination offering public skating sessions and ice hockey games.
- Public Skating Sessions: Enjoy open skate sessions for all ages and skill levels.
- Ice Hockey Games: Watch local ice hockey teams compete in exciting games.
- Skating Lessons: Improve your skating skills with lessons from experienced coaches.
13. Rochester's Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
A winter wonderland destination offering a trolley tour of Rochester's best holiday light displays.
- Holiday Light Displays: See the city's most stunning holiday lights, all from the warmth of a trolley.
- Narrated Tour: Learn about Rochester's history and holiday traditions while on the tour.
- Warm Environment: Stay warm and cozy during the wintery trolley ride.
14. Rochester Red Wings Hockey Game
A winter wonderland destination offering an exciting hockey game experience at Blue Cross Arena.
- Exciting Hockey Action: Watch the Rochester Red Wings take on their opponents in a fast-paced game.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Create lasting memories with family and friends during the game.
- Blue Cross Arena: Experience the energy of a lively arena while enjoying the hockey game.
15. Ellwanger Garden's Winter Walk
A winter wonderland destination offering guided tours through beautiful snow-covered gardens.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the history and beauty of Ellwanger Garden during a guided tour.
- Snow-Covered Landscapes: Appreciate the gardens' winter wonderland with snow-covered trees and plants.
- Peaceful Environment: Relax in a tranquil, peaceful environment during your winter walk.