As a mid-sized city, Rochester, New York, has a flurry of December activities, hosted by Rochester museums, schools and "small town" neighborhoods. Rochester is the Northwestern gate to the state's Finger Lakes, a region distinguished by Money Magazine as one of the ten best vacation-spots. "Famous sites blend with charming neighborhoods and historic canal towns to create a mosaic of attractions," according to the Greater Rochester Visitors Association.
The Holiday Laser Planetarium Show at the Strasenburg Planetarium provides indoor star-gazers with a chance to learn about space while listening to "corny space jokes," well-loved holiday music, and the significance of winter holidays. All the while, watching a laser light show. The primary focus of the 45-minute shows, suitable for children of all ages, are to "observe and classify the bright stars of winter," while also teaching about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, the Chinese New Year and Ramadan, according to the planetarium.
Holiday Laser Planetarium Show
Rochester Museum and Science Center
657 East Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
585-271-4320
rmsc.org
The Seneca Park Zoo hosts an annual "Breakfast with Santa" prepared by the zoo's Eagle's Landing Cafe. It's not rude to eat hot scrambled eggs and toast in front of the zoo's polar bears and sea lions, because they'd rather have fish. Santa arrives during the meal as a surprise "guest of honor," delighting young children with goodie bags, and a listening ear for gift wish-lists, according to the zoo.As of summer 2010, the zoo offers several breakfasts throughout December, with the proceeds from admissions going to benefit the zoo. The zoo starts taking reservations for the event in October. The Seneca Park Zoo is open year-round, and is one of Rochester's leading attractions.
Seneca Park Zoo
2222 St. Paul St.
Rochester NY 14621
585-336-7200
senecaparkzoo.org
Each year in early December, Park Avenue in historic Rochester switches on its bright lights, and "rolls out the red-and-green carpet" to shoppers and strollers. It's an evening of decorations, free entertainment, and "open house hospitality" at more than 50 Park Avenue businesses, according to the area's merchant association. The festivities include holiday music, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn carriages, holiday characters passing out candy canes and more.
The evening traditionally begins with a concert from a local school, followed by the arrival of "Santa Claus" on a horse-drawn carriage to light the Christmas tree. Santa is available afterwards for photos at the Candy Cane Chalet, where children can also make a Christmas ornament.
Park Avenue Merchants Association
Angela Cerame, CMP
Event Consultant
315-524-4542
park-avenue.org
