Thanksgiving and the long weekend that follows are always filled with food, family, fun, and much more in Rochester, MN! From shopping local to welcoming in the holiday season, here are six fantastic ways to savor every precious moment of your holiday weekend.

Burn off those calories. The 8th annual Rochester Turkey Trot 5k Run and Walk at Soldiers Field Park on Thanksgiving morning promises donuts at the finish line. Plus, this race benefits the local nonprofit Red Drop Resources.

Welcome Santa to town. A beloved Rochester holiday tradition, Here Comes Santa Claus includes the daring rescue of Santa atop Old City Hall and the magical holiday tree lighting ceremony on Peace Plaza. This year’s event is Friday, November 29, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Here Comes Santa Claus event | Photo credit Alpha Digital courtesy Rochester Downtown Alliance

Support Small Businesses. Small Business Saturday on November 30 creates jobs, boosts the economy and preserves neighborhoods in downtown Rochester and across the country. Take some time to support your favorite small business or try a new one you haven’t shopped at before!

On Track Boutique | Experience Rochester

Cheer on the Grizzlies. The Rochester Grizzlies, a local junior ice hockey team, take on the West Bend Power at the Rochester Recreation Center on Saturday, November 30 at 7:05 p.m.

Take a walk back in time at Mayowood Mansion. While the History Center of Olmsted County provides tours of the historic Mayowood Historic Home for most of the year, tours in the holiday season are extra special, as the mansion is completely decked out in amazing Christmas decorations. Christmas tours run select days through December 15, 2024 (no tour on Thanksgiving Day). Find the complete schedule here. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.”

Attend a tea party. Join Rochester Dance Company for their annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party at the Historic Chateau Theatre in downtown Rochester, MN. You will enjoy snacks, treats and hot chocolate while meeting and dancing with the characters of The Nutcracker.

The next big event is always just around the corner. Browse our Events Calendar for things to do in Rochester, MN.