This Magical Upstate New York ‘Christmas Village’ Has Free Ice Skating, Cozy Igloos, Bars, And One Of The Best Holiday Markets In The U.S.

There’s a special kind of [holiday sparkle](https://secretnyc.co/things-to-do-holidays-nyc-2025/) that arrives in Upstate New York each December — the kind that settles into the cold air, glows across small-town streets, and makes even the simplest moments feel like they’re lifted straight from a storybook. It’s the same feeling New Yorkers chase each year when exploring the best Christmas markets in NYC or planning weekend escapes to the best Christmas towns near NYC. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Rochester quietly transforms its downtown into something that feels impossibly charming: an all-out Christmas village complete with igloos, ice skating, fire pits, a cozy ski-lodge bar, and one of the top-ranked holiday markets in the entire country . That place is Roc Holiday Village — and it might be the most delightful, all-in-one December escape you can take from NYC this year. A Christmas village that takes over Downtown Rochester ------------------------------------------------------ From December 5–28, 2025 , Roc Holiday Village turns the city’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park into a glowing pop-up winter resort! Picture a European-style holiday village — wooden huts, twinkling lights, mulled wine — but with a distinctly upstate New York coziness that makes it feel like a Hallmark town brought to life. It’s completely free to enter , with 16 days of programming running Wednesdays through Sundays . The park becomes its own winter district: an outdoor rink, après-ski lodge, heated tents, craft markets, private igloos, bars, live music, fire pits, and daily events stacked on top of each other. The effect? A compact, walkable winter wonderland that feels magical without feeling overwhelming — ideal for New Yorkers craving the holiday village experience, minus the Midtown crowds. Free ice skating under festive lights ------------------------------------- One of Roc Holiday Village’s biggest draws is its free outdoor ice rink , presented by Wegmans. Skating, rentals, and even skate helpers are all included at no cost — a rarity when compared to the pricey rinks back home. The rink stays open even after the festival ends, with extended free skating through January 4 , making this a perfect late-December or New Year’s weekend getaway. For a true “I can’t believe this is free” moment, certain nights even feature Silent Disco on Ice , where the entire rink glows with neon headphones and holiday beats. Cozy igloos for date nights & groups ------------------------------------ Scattered around the rink is one of Roc Holiday Village’s most Instagrammable features: its Winter Igloo Village . The smaller Cozy Winter Igloos are heated dome lounges with cushy seating and transparent views of the village — perfect for six-person hangouts, holiday dates, or a private après moment. And although these have already sold out for 2025, the larger Igloo Inns (for 30–40 people) are still available for groups looking to turn the trip into a full holiday outing. Guests can even pre-order charcuterie boards from local favorite Cheese & Charcuterie or pair the night with pastries from Duke’s Donuts — a Rochester staple. The Triple-O Lodge: Rochester’s après-ski hub --------------------------------------------- When you’re ready to warm up, the Triple-O Lodge becomes the heart of the village — a rustic pop-up ski lodge complete with: * Seasonal cocktails and mulled wine * The “Giving Cup” cocoa bar run by rotating local nonprofits * An indoor mini arcade * Trivia nights * Storytime with Santa * Band karaoke on Wednesdays * Live music on the Simcona Stage Thursday through Saturday Locals rave about the atmosphere — part cozy cabin, part festive bar, part community hangout — all wrapped in twinkle lights. And yes, they sell collectible mugs for cocoa or mulled wine, a must-grab souvenir. A nationally ranked Christmas market ------------------------------------ Roc Holiday Village isn’t just a vibe — it’s also home to one of the top holiday markets in the U.S. [by USA Today](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-holiday-market/) , recently ranked 7th out of 20 nationwide . More than 25 local makers set up shop in outdoor huts, selling everything from artisan jewelry to handmade glass, woodcrafts, small-batch soaps, baked goods, vintage-style ornaments, and clothing from local designers . And on December 17th, the Mini Makers Market brings even more artists and confectioners indoors for a cozy curated pop-up that feels uniquely Rochester — a great place for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts you won’t find downstate. Santa’s workshop, gingerbread crafts & post-Christmas arcade nights ------------------------------------------------------------------- Families flock to Roc Holiday Village for its Santa’s Workshop , featuring free photos, free printed portraits, and special Black Santa appearances . Kids can drop letters in Santa’s Mailbox, receive a return letter if submitted by December 14, and grab a free sugar cookie from Mrs. Claus. Inside the heated Gingerbread House tent , you’ll find: * Free crafts and creative activities * Paint-and-sip nights * Trivia * The new Holiday Floral Class (Dec 18) Bars, tastings & cheers to the festive season --------------------------------------------- Beyond the lodge, the village spills outdoors with fire pits, heaters, and plenty of open-air seating under strings of warm white lights. Adults can enjoy: * Free bar tastings from brands like Brotherhood Winery, Cutwater, and Southern Tier * Seasonal cocktails * Local brews like Village Lager from Rochester’s own Rohrbach Brewing Co. * An outdoor bar serving mulled wine, hot toddies, hard cider, and more The perfect December escape from NYC ------------------------------------ Just over five hours from NYC by car (or a quick 60-minute flight), Roc Holiday Village is the kind of upstate winter getaway that actually feels like an escape — without requiring a passport, a rental cabin, or a week off work. Once you arrive in Rochester’s walkable downtown, the entire festival unfolds in one easy-to-navigate park, packed with free ice skating, cozy igloos, après-ski bars, story times, tastings, scavenger hunts, local shopping, and nightly entertainment. It’s big enough to feel special, small enough to feel intimate, and festive enough to rival any holiday village closer to home — minus the long lines, Midtown crowds, and holiday surge pricing. 🎄 For even more information about this year’s Roc Holiday Village, head here! Source: https://secretnyc.co/roc-holiday-village-upstate-ny-rochester/