Downtown events help spread holiday cheer this December

ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester is making spirits bright with a number of holiday events to complement the city’s popular Big, Bright Light Show.

Rochester has become one of metro Detroit’s Christmas destinations over the years, according to Rochester Downtown Development Authority Director Kristi Trevarrow, who said this year is no exception.

Arguably the city’s most popular holiday event is the Big, Bright Light Show — which lights up downtown storefronts with more than 1 million multicolored Christmas lights and brings over 1 million people into town. 

This year’s light show made its debut during Lagniappe Nov. 25, but it continues to sparkle nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight through Jan. 19.

Along with the light show, downtown visitors and guests can check out the fourth annual Snowman Stroll, which is on display along Main Street, from Second Street to University, Dec.1-31. 

“We are always trying to infuse art into our programs. As it is right now, we seem to have some type of art project going on every quarter, which I think is amazing, and we are able to attract more artists to participate in those events,” Trevarrow said. “The Snowman Stroll has artists as young as high school that are doing those for us.”

The public art event features 12 5-foot fiberglass snowmen designed by local artists and sponsored by local businesses. 

“My personal favorite is ‘Santapool,’ who is from the (‘Deadpool & Wolverine’) movie,” Trevarrow added. “He’s Deadpool but in Santa garb.”

While checking out the lights and the snowmen, festive friends and family can visit an expanded Kris Kringle Market Dec. 6-7. Inspired by the 700-year-old tradition of the European Christmas market, the Kris Kringle Market will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 6 and from noon to 10 p.m. Dec. 7 on West Fourth Street and Walnut Boulevard.

“After many years of the public requesting a larger holiday market, we are offering just that,” said Taylor Knuth, marketing coordinator for the Rochester DDA.

The open-air holiday market will double in size this year with more vendors, more musical entertainment, Santa’s Village and more room. Over 60 handpicked vendors will offer an array of holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal foods. 

New this year is Santa’s Village, where children can enjoy a visit and photo opportunity with Santa Claus, as well as a magical story time. Santa will be available from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday — with a story time at 7 p.m. — and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday — with a story time at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will also be a chance to play in the child-sized gingerbread houses and warm up by the s’more station.

Visitors can also purchase a commemorative mug filled with hot-spiced wine or enjoy handcrafted beer inside the warming tent. Proceeds from the warming tent will benefit the Rochester Area Youth Assistance on Friday evening and the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority on Saturday.

“With the holidays coming, I think people are looking for good food, good decor and good gifts, and the market offers all of that,” Knuth said.

The city’s fifth annual Neighborhood Light Fight also extends the Big, Bright Light Show into the neighborhoods, allowing the public to vote for their favorite street Dec. 1-15. The community is invited to check out the displays and text a code to the number on their favorite street’s yard signs to cast a vote in their favor. The winning street receives $500 in food for a summer block party. 

The third annual Pancakes and PJs event will be held at the Rochester Fire Department 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12. Attendees, many dressed in pajamas, will enjoy a holiday-themed pancake dinner cooked and provided by Rochester firefighters, a kids craft, a holiday-themed photo spot and visit with Santa. 

Tickets cost $15 each, and advance reservations are required online at the Rochester DDA website. Each one-hour reservation block has limited seating, and proceeds from the event benefit The Big, Bright Light Show. 

For more information, visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or call the Rochester DDA at (248) 656-0060.