Rochester
Morning News
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Multiple family-friendly winter break events are on offer in the region. Seneca Park Zoo hosts Holiday Magic Tours on Dec. 23 at 8:30 a.m. or 3 p.m., Canandaigua Civic Center offers open skating and Roc Holiday Village provides festive activities so families can plan their outings. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Today a downtown Rochester courthouse hosted the final naturalization ceremony of the year as 38 people from 18 countries completed a seven-month process to become citizens — an event marked by civic speeches and the Pledge of Allegiance amid tightened USCIS guidelines. WXXI News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Business owners are coping with a water main break that closed 10 stores at South Town Plaza in Henrietta just days before Christmas. The break stopped essential services + may disrupt holiday sales as repair updates are expected from the Monroe County Water Authority. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The original McCurdy's holiday wreath from Midtown Plaza was returned to Rochester and is now on display at Tower280 downtown alongside the restored Clock of Nations — a nod to the city’s long-held festive traditions. Buckingham Properties said the exhibit connects past memories with future celebrations. ABC 13
- ➤ A new Best in Beer 2025 list by local reporter Will Cleveland shows how Rochester and Finger Lakes breweries keep innovating amid challenges, serving standout brews like Rohrbach Space Kitty DIPA + Swiftwater Schwarzbier while highlighting the region’s resilient craft spirit. Rochester Beacon
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester-area stores have updated holiday hours for Christmas and New Year’s. Wegmans will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, remain closed Christmas Day and reopen Dec. 26 while Walmart, Tops, Aldi, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, BJ’s, CVS and Walgreens follow different schedules. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Local expert Shashi Sinha warned that proposed H-1B reforms—including a new $100,000 fee and ties between visas and employers—could slow local innovation by burdening universities and hospitals in Rochester. He urged changes to untie visas and adopt a point-based system to support future growth. Rochester Beacon
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews finished demolishing the former Vacuum Oil Refinery along the Genesee River and are moving petroleum-contaminated soil to a DEC‑permitted landfill near Avon — a process overseen by the state. The nearby Genesee Riverway Trail has reopened after being closed during demolition. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Bills are dealing with injuries ahead of their game (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) against the Eagles as linebacker Shaq Thompson suffered a neck injury and safety Jordan Poyer hurt his hamstring, while the Eagles have key players sidelined, including Nakobe Dean with a hamstring issue and Lane Johnson with a foot injury. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ At Bristol Mountain, skiers competed Monday night for four spots on Team USA to join the Domestic World Cup in Utah this January, and officials will announce team selections today. News 10
- ➤ Voting is open until 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Faber Builders Girls Sports Athlete of the Week contest that recognizes Section V performers from Dec. 15 to 21. The winner will be announced on Instagram Friday morning (nominations were made by local sports reporters). Democrat & Chronicle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.
~ Anais Nin
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