Rochester hosts downtown Kris Kringle Market

The annual Downtown Rochester Kris Kringle Market will be held Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1, on W. Fourth Street, between Walnut and Main streets.

The market, presented by Lincoln of Troy, is inspired by the 700-year-old tradition of the European Christmas markets. Visitors can enjoy food, shopping, entertainment and the ambience of an open-air holiday market. Offerings include hand-crafted gifts, fresh greens, baked goods, specialty foods, glass blowing and more.

The market runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

"Shopping and strolling at the Kris Kringle Market has become a tradition for many local families," said Taylor Clayton, marketing coordinator for the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA). "It's a merry atmosphere, with the streets aglow for The Big, Bright Light Show. You can see visitors getting into the holiday spirit as they shop."

About two dozen vendors will be participating in the market, with a variety of other activities offered throughout each day.

Visits with Santa will run until 9 p.m. each day, with a chance to play in child-sized gingerbread houses and warm up by the s'mores station. Food and beverages will be available in the event's warming tent. Proceeds from the warming tent will benefit the Rochester Area Youth Assistance (RAYA) on Friday evening and the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority (RARA) on Saturday.