This Month in Rochester: December Events - Broadway Plaza

**Stay in the loop with This Month in Rochester, your guide to events and activities in downtown Rochester, Minnesota!**

Rochester hosts a variety of live music, markets, and seasonal events throughout December. Whether you're a local or visiting for the weekend, here's your event calendar for Rochester, MN in December 2025.

Making Rochester Home This December

Staying with us for weeks or months? These recurring and seasonal events help you experience Rochester like a local, not a tourist. Broadway Plaza is in the heart of Rochester, and many of these events are around downtown – just steps away from our building. Whether you're in Rochester for medical care, a work assignment, or an extended visit, enjoy everything the city has to offer right outside your door.

Historic Mayowood Christmas Tours

Cost: $30 for adults and $15 for children (not recommended for children under 3)
Tours will take place Wednesday – Sunday, check the Mayowood website for more details about times and to purchase tickets.
Location: 3720 Mayowood Road SW

Take a step back in time and experience the holidays like Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo did at Historic Mayowood. The incredible mansion located on the southwest side of Rochester, lets visitors get an inside look at the life of one of the Mayo brothers.

The highly anticipated Historic Mayowood Christmas Tours provide the experience of "A Traditional Christmas at Historic Mayowood.” In addition to the spectacular holiday decorations, guests can enjoy a taste of Christmas at Mayowood with “Emma’s Cookies,” a recipe that was passed down through generations of the Mayo family.

Also catch “A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party” specialty tour on Sundays and Saturdays at 4 p.m. in December.

Find the tour schedule and get your tickets on the History Center of Olmsted County website.

Chateau Winter Market

Cost: Free
Saturday, Dec. 6
Location: Historic Chateau Theatre

Threshold Arts is hosting an indoor holiday market at the Historic Chateau Theatre. The market will showcase a range of local businesses and artists.

In addition to the market, there will be food, drinks and entertainment for guests to enjoy while browsing the offerings from more than forty local vendors.

Learn more about the event on the Historic Chateau Theatre website.

Downtown Dazzle

Cost: Free
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Rochester

For the second year, feel the magic of the season with the Annual Downtown Dazzle parade. Watch up to 70 sparkling parade units make their way through the heart of Rochester.

The parade route will head up First Avenue from Sixth Street to Central Park.

Learn more about the event on the Downtown Dazzle – Feel the Magic of the Season website.

Rochester Dance Company Presents “The Nutcracker”

Cost: Tickets range in prices from $23-$30
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Location: Mayo Civic Center

Watch as 75 local ballet dancers bring the classic Christmas ballet to life. Tickets for this local highlight of the holiday season are on sale now.

To purchase tickets and see show times, visit the Mayo Civic Center website.

Rochester Symphony: Sounds of the Season

Cost: $40
Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mayo Civic Center

Listen to carols, classics and popular holiday favorites at this Rochester Symphony concert featuring the Rochester Symphony Chorale. Soprano soloist Erin Haefner will be making her debut with the Rochester Symphony.

The program will include classics like “Joy to the World”, “Ave Maria”, “White Christmas”, and “O Holy Night.”

Learn more about the performances on the Rochester Symphony website.

For even more events downtown, check out the Downtown Rochester, MN’s event calendar.

Planning an extended stay in December? Broadway Plaza offers the comfort of home with the convenience of downtown location. Learn about our weekly and monthly rates.

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Sara Dingmann