Good morning, Rochester.

Jennifer Litteer and her daughter Madeline Lawton have marked 20 years volunteering as Salvation Army bell ringers outside the new Boscov’s store at the Mall at Greece Ridge, sharing holiday cheer and raising funds during the season.

Students from Rochester Academy Charter School, Genesee Community Charter School & Roberto Clemente School No. 8 visited Rochester Presbyterian Home during the holiday season to sing for seniors and ease loneliness.

The three-year tradition connected generations and lifted spirits in the community.

The Senior Adult Community Engagement Coalition is preparing holiday gift bags filled with donated blankets, stuffed animals, clothing, and hygiene products for over 200 seniors in seven local nursing homes today.

The project aims to ease isolation and bring hope to residents.

Immanuel Baptist Church held a community meal Sunday afternoon as part of the National Union of the Homeless Winter Offensive to honor those lost to homelessness and the late Sister Grace.

Her nonprofit will host a turkey giveaway on Christmas Eve to continue her legacy.

Shoppers visited Eastview Mall Sunday to score last-minute holiday deals as rising prices and a 2.7% inflation rate affected buying power.

Buyers still preferred in-person shopping to online purchases (Ontario County reports two million seasonal shoppers) as they gathered for family outings.

The Strong National Museum of Play recorded a dip in visitor numbers from 693,000 last year to a projected 665,000 this year, mainly due to fewer Canadian visitors.

Museum officials are shifting focus toward older audiences and planning to highlight nostalgia-themed exhibits for 2026 — aiming to boost long-term attendance.

State Sen. Jeremy Cooney secured a $1 million donation for renovations to Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music during a Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra holiday performance.

The funds will be used for new audio, visual, and lighting systems in the theater’s first major capital project since 2009.

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity finished its first two-story modular home last week on Cedarwood Terrace in Beechwood; the project showcases a faster, lower-cost building method & will be an option alongside traditional homes for future affordable housing.

3HB's Ugly Sweater Party

7-10:30 p.m. — Three Heads Brewing — $10 entry — Groove to funky tunes at a jam-filled ugly sweater extravaganza with local band Calabash.

Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans

5:05-6:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check for ticket prices — Watch the exciting matchup as the Monsters take on the Americans on the ice.

The Turbulents Concert

5:00-6:30 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience live performances by The Turbulents and other featured artists in Rochester.

Live Music with Brody Schenk

7 PM - 1 AM — Abilene Bar and Lounge — $10 at the Door — Experience the heartfelt melodies and storytelling of rising singer-songwriter Brody Schenk.

Afterglow - Neon Noir New Year’s Eve Party 2026

8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — $115+ — Ring in 2026 with a Neon Glow at this festive New Year’s Eve celebration featuring an open bar and live DJs.

The Dinner Detective: True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6 PM — RIT Inn & Conference Center — Ticket prices vary — Participate in solving a hilarious true crime murder mystery while enjoying dinner.

Coming Down, Jordan Moss, The Rogues Concert

9 PM - 11:55 PM — Bug Jar — Tickets starting at $6.65 — Experience an eclectic mix of punk and indie rock performances in a local favorite venue.

In the Zone Card Show

Mall hours — In The Zone — Free entry — Explore a wide variety of cards at this exciting two-day event perfect for collectors.

G. Love and Special Sauce Live

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rose Marie and John Beston Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of alternative hip-hop vibes from this Philadelphia band inspired by the Beastie Boys.