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ONGOING
ALL ABOARD THE WONDERLAND EXPRESS! Throughout November and December, the Arcade and Attica Railroad will once again host the Wonderland Express. Travel to the North Pole on the heated vintage train to see Santa, meet the reindeer, mail your wish lists, and much more. There are six train rides a day. See website for schedule. 278 Main St., Arcade; 492-3100; aarailroad.com
NOVEMBER
SWEET CREATIONS GINGERBREAD DISPLAY Nov 12–Jan 27 The George Eastman Museum is taken over by dozens of deliciously decorated gingerbread houses. These visual treats for the family will be auctioned off in a silent auction. See the website for admission information. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastman Museum, 900 East Ave, 327-4800; eastman.org
NUTCRACKER! MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS BALLET Nov 18 An annual treat for the whole family, Nutcracker! The Magic of Christmas Ballet features spectacular sets and magnificent costumes. The story is told with soaring birds, classical dance, giant puppets, and a grand stage design that makes this a show that is not to be missed. 7 p.m. RBTL, 885 E Main St., 222-5000; rbtl.org
THE NUTCRACKER Nov 23–27 The Nutcracker’s timeless tale of wonder and imagination has captivated audiences for more than a century. Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as dance from Rochester City Ballet pairs with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, performed in all its glory by the RPO. This beloved story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart and is the perfect start to the holiday season. 2 p.m. on Nov 25, 26, 27 7 p.m. on Nov 23, 25, 26 Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs St; rpo.org
VISIT SANTA AT EASTVIEW MALL Nov 26 Santa is back and is ready to hear from all the good boys and girls! Visit Santa at Eastview Mall and tell him what you want this season. Through Dec. 24 East View Mall 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd. eastviewmall.com
DISNEY PRINCESS–THE CONCERT Nov 27 Enjoy and evening of magic as an all-star Broadway quartet sings Disney classics from throughout the decades—out of costume. Become part of their world and dress up for the event. Family members of all ages are welcome. 2 p.m. 200 West Ridge Rd.; 254-0181; kodakcenter.com
HOLIDAYS AT THE MARKET Nov 27 For its twenty-sixth year, the Rochester Public Market will be decked out in holiday lights. There will also be dozens of fresh-cut trees and wreaths, specialty foods, artwork, and much more. Sundays Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Thursday Dec. 16, 6–9 p.m. 280 North Union St., 428-7282; cityofrochester.gov/holidaysatmarket
DECEMBER
ROC HOLIDAY VILLAGE Dec 2–4, 8–11, 14–18, 21–23 Rochester becomes a winter wonderland on weekends in December. Join the community for ice skating, visits with Santa in his workshop, live music, winter igloos and more fun for the whole family. For times check rocholidayvillage.com. Martin Luther King Park, 353 Court St.; rocholidayvillage.com
LANTERN PARADE Dec 3 The lighting of the Liberty Pole adds a new element to the Roc Holiday Village opening weekend with the Lantern Parade. Families and community members have the chance to visit businesses throughout Rochester to create their own festive lanterns. After creating your lantern, carry it throughout the holiday parade as the Roc Holiday Village season begins. 5–7:30 p.m. 230 E. Main St., 546-6920; rochesterdowntown.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Nov 29–Dec 30 A popular Rochester family holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, returns live! This family classic will awaken your heart and rekindle your spirit with magic, music and merriment! Shows are Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Times vary; see website. 75 Woodbury Blvd. gevatheatre.org
SLEEPING BEAUTY Dec 17 The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine presents the full-length ballet Sleeping Beauty, originally composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. 5 p.m. Rochester Broadway Theatre League 885, E. Main St. 222-5000 rbtl.org
HOLLY TROLLEY RIDES Dec 11 and 18 Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the holiday-decorated New York Museum of Transportation. Families are invited to ride the trolley, see the model railroad in action, as well as enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. 11 a.m–4 p.m. 6393 E. River Rd.; 533-1113; nymtmuseum.org
GALA HOLIDAY POPS Dec 16–18 The annual tradition continues with Jeff Tyzik as conductor and electric vocalist Shayna Steele. This spectacular holiday concert is a sing-along event, making it perfect for families to get in the holiday spirit with classic holiday songs. Dec 16, 8 p.m.; Dec 17, 2 p.m.; Dec 18, 2 p.m. Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs St; 274-1000; rpo.org
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICK Dec 18 Check out the Genesee Country Village & Museum in all of its holiday glory. Take a festive stroll through the historic homes and enjoy a pancake breakfast with St. Nick. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 1410 Flint Hill Rd, Mumford; 538-6822; gcv.org
ELF JR. Dec 30–31 If you like the movie, you’ll love the musical. Featuring elementary and middle school students, Elf Jr. follows the adventures of the enthusiastic Buddy as he goes in search of his biological father and helps to save Christmas with an extra-large dose of yuletide spirit. Dec. 30, 7 p.m.; Dec. 31, 2 p.m. 3450 Winton Pl., 667-0954; ofccreations.com