Rochester
Morning News
Monday, December 1st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 1st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday afternoon, Rochester’s Office of Violence Prevention held a coat drive at the Willie Lightfoot R-Center—distributing 400 coats, extra winter gear, healthcare resources, and free food to help residents brace for winter. News 10
- ➤ The Rochester Public Market kicked off the holiday season Sunday with Santa visits, carriage rides, and a cookie contest that brought festive cheer to visitors—vendors say the event boosted local shopping and the Holiday Market will return on Dec. 7, 14, and 18. News 10
- ➤ A special Christmas tree sale held on Nov. 30th at Zoey Tree Farm in Mendon raised proceeds for Golisano Children’s Hospital as customers made custom stockings. Owner Patrick Flint said the event honors his twin daughters from the NICU and noted that the sale will return on Dec. 6th—7th. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Small Business Saturday, the Community Justice Initiative organized a Black Power Marketplace along Thurston Road to showcase local Black-owned businesses offering food and fashion. Businesses paid a $22 fee to register—admission was free. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The nearly 60th Gorham Pageant of the Bands will return in May 2026 with two events — a Jazz Festival on May 29 at the renovated Marcus Whitman High School auditorium and a Parade of Bands on May 30 along Gorham’s Main Street. Marcus Whitman Band and Guard Boosters announced the revival after the last pageant in 2018, emphasizing the event's long-standing local musical tradition. Democrat & Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ AAA said the DMV will change its point system to help keep dangerous drivers off the road by raising points for offenses like passing a stopped school bus from 5—8 and extending the period for accumulating points to 2 years. The new rules are set to take effect in February. ABC 13
- ➤ The Division of Consumer Protection cautioned New Yorkers about rising online scams during the holiday shopping season — the new state laws require stores to disclose refund policies and any algorithmic pricing used. ABC 13
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Bull’s Head, a 12-acre vacant land near West Main Street where Chili and West avenues split, is set for street realignments by fall 2027 and a workforce center to begin construction next year as developers plan 16 new single-family houses and more than 100 affordable apartment units. City Council will soon vote on extra cleanup funding for nearby properties — a final push to revitalize this long-neglected neighborhood. WXXI News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Monroe High won 48-7 over Owego Free Academy on Saturday which clinched a spot in the state championship — Messiah Hampton’s 77-yard run helped build the early lead — and the team will play in the Class B final next weekend as they try to become the first Rochester City School District team to win a state title. ABC 13
- ➤ Brighton football defeated Union-Endicott in the state semifinals as the team rushed for 360 yards and improved its record to 11-2. Democrat & Chronicle
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NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
2-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical ballet with dazzling costumes and sets for the whole family.
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Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Stream on FloHockey — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Americans and Comets in this live hockey broadcast.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Kodak Center — Tickets start at $72 — Experience the heartwarming tale of Charlie Brown and friends this holiday season.
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Winter Faire
10 AM – 4 PM — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — Free entry — Experience a whimsical holiday celebration with local artisans and festive activities across two distinct markets.
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& Juliet
& Juliet — 7:30-9:00 p.m. — West Herr Performing Arts Center — Tickets starting at $78 — Experience a unique twist on the classic story of Romeo and Juliet with this vibrant musical.
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Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Rochester Americans
5:05-6:35 PM — Blue Cross Arena — Stream online for FloHockey subscribers — Don't miss out on this exciting AHL showdown between two competitive teams.
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Samantha Fish Live
7-10 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of blues and rock 'n' roll with Grammy-nominated artists blending tradition and innovation.
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Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check local listings for pricing — Catch the Utica Comets face off against the Rochester Americans live on FloHockey.
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Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
7:30 p.m. — OFC Creations Theatre Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a whimsical musical adaptation of the classic holiday tale of the Grinch who stole Christmas.
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Belleville Senators vs. Rochester Americans
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket info available online — Catch the exciting showdown on the ice between the Senators and Americans.
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