Illustration of Santa reading a storybook to children sitting on cushions beside a decorated tree (Here Comes Santa Claus)
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Here Comes Santa Claus

Families can kick off the holiday season with letter writing to Santa, games, crafts, and story time at Mrs. Claus' Workshop. The festivities include merry music and nutcracker dancing by the Rochester Dance Company. Attendees gather to watch the rescue of Santa atop Old City Hall, witness the tree lighting ceremony on Peace Plaza, and visit Santa for photos.

Fri, Nov 27, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

Overall: 2:30–7 p.m.; Mrs. Claus' Workshop: 2:30–4:45 p.m.; Santa’s Rescue: 5 p.m.; Tree Lighting: 5:15 p.m.; Photos with Santa: 5:30–7 p.m.

Neighborhood

Downtown Rochester

Parking

Park on the street or in city ramps linked by the indoor skyway; ramps and meters are free on weekday evenings.

Accessibility

ASL interpretation is provided during story time with Mrs. Claus.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Chateau Theatre, Residences of Old City Hall, Peace Plaza, & Galleria at University Square · Rochester, MN Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Get to the Chateau Theatre early for Mrs. Claus' Workshop, since the games, crafts, letter writing and story time all wrap up before Santa's rescue.
  • Head over to Old City Hall in time for Santa's rescue, then stay outside because the Peace Plaza tree lighting follows right after.
  • Go up to the second level of the Galleria at University Square for photos with Santa, which start after the tree lighting.
  • Park in a city ramp, because the ramps connect through the indoor skyway and parking there is free on weekday evenings.
  • Leave your drone at home, because the Rochester Downtown Alliance does not permit drones at any of its events.

Links & Contact

Run by Rochester Downtown Alliance

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there for kids at Mrs. Claus' Workshop?

At the Historic Chateau Theatre you'll find merry music, nutcracker dancing by Rochester Dance Company, family games and crafts, letter writing to Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus.

Is story time accessible for Deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors?

Yes, story time with Mrs. Claus has ASL interpretation.

What happens after the workshop?

Santa is rescued from atop the Residences of Old City Hall. The tree lighting ceremony on Peace Plaza follows, and then families can get photos with Santa.

Where do we get photos with Santa?

Photos with Santa are on the second level of the Galleria at University Square.

Where should we park downtown?

You can park on the street or in the city ramps, which all connect through an indoor pedestrian skyway. Ramps and meters are free on weekday evenings.

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