Thanksgiving Weekend in Downtown New Rochelle: Holiday Market, Breakfast with Santa & More Reasons to Visit
Downtown is bursting with energy and tradition as Thanksgiving weekend arrives, offering a fresh reason to get out, connect, and try something new. Whether you’re making memories with family, meeting up with friends, or planning a festive outing, there’s something exciting for everyone. Catch a 4DX or IMAX movie at New Roc City and pair it with a stroll through the annual Holiday Market — all in one visit.
From Downtown highlights like Breakfast with Santa and outdoor escape-room adventures to citywide traditions such as the Burn Off the Bird Hike at Ward Acres, New Rochelle’s calendar is packed with holiday experiences. And with the launch of our new Downtown Business Directory, it’s easier than ever to discover local gems, plan your stops, and find your next downtown adventure.
Keep reading to see what’s happening downtown this weekend and beyond. Thank you for supporting small businesses and helping us kick off the holiday season.
With gratitude,
Anne J. Gold
Executive Director
New Rochelle Business Improvement District (NRBID)
New! New Rochelle Downtown Business Directory Launch
Discover the new Downtown Business Directory—a comprehensive resource for restaurants, cafés, shops, services, and community spaces within the Downtown BID, along with a small number of nearby locations that play an active role in downtown life.
As new storefronts open and the district evolves, the directory will continue to grow. Suggestions are welcome to help keep it accurate, complete, and reflective of our vibrant community.
What’s New at New Roc City:
Your Downtown Hub for Holiday Fun
There’s an unmistakable energy around New Roc City this season — the kind that reminds you why this 450,000-square-foot destination continues to be a downtown anchor. With movies, dining, college sports, entertainment, and family fun all under one roof, it’s a hub for connection and celebration.
Inside its colorful mix of tenants — including Regal Cinemas, Applebee’s, Audi New Rochelle, Bananas Axe Cabana, Buffalo Wild Wings, The Monroe Athletic Complex, Burger King, Planet Fitness, Residence Inn by Marriott, Downtown Recreation Center, Soccer Roof, Sky Zone Trampoline Park — there’s always something happening and always something new to discover. And with Hour To Exit returning to New Roc City in 2026, even more adventure is on the way.
This holiday season, New Roc City adds another reason to visit: the 5th Annual New Rochelle Holiday Market, a festive indoor celebration on the 2nd floor!
Discover New Roc City’s tenants, dining, entertainment, and more in the Downtown Business Directory.
5th Annual New Rochelle Holiday Market
November 28 – December 14, 2025
New Roc City – 29 LeCount Place (2nd Floor)
New Rochelle’s signature seasonal celebration returns! The City of New Rochelle presents its annual Holiday Market from November 28 through December 14 — a festive tradition featuring dozens of local artisans and small businesses, strong participation from MWBE-owned vendors, rotating specialty shops, live music, family-friendly activities, seasonal food and beverages, and a free indoor mini ice-skating rink.
Hours:
Weekdays: 4:00–8:00 PM
Weekends: Noon–8:00 PM
With direct access from I-95 and the large New Roc parking deck on-site, Downtown New Rochelle continues to welcome more visitors and is growing as a regional hub for fun, food, and festive experiences.
Vintage for the Holidays: Thrift and Consignment Treasures in Downtown New Rochelle
There’s something magical about finding the perfect gift where you least expect it — tucked between vintage scarves at a consignment boutique, gleaming from a jewelry case filled with designer treasures, or waiting quietly on a shelf in a century-old storefront.
This holiday season, give your shopping a dose of charm, character, and discovery. Downtown New Rochelle’s vintage boutiques and consignment gems aren’t just stores — they’re treasure hunts where every piece has a story, and every find feels like it was meant for you.
From classic fashion to distinctive home décor, these shops make holiday shopping sustainable, stylish, and full of joy.
Give sustainably. Shop creatively. Wrap something unforgettable.
- Our Closet | 13 S Division St
Feel-good fashion with a mission. - Consign It on Main | 543 Main St
Curated home décor + statement pieces you won’t find anywhere else. - Sweet Preserves (inside Consign It) | 543 Main St
Luxury vintage jewelry and designer accessories. - Cohen’s Consignment | 525 Main St
A New Rochelle classic since 1890. The former I.B. Cohen menswear shop is now a consignment store offering vintage clothing, housewares, jewelry, and unique finds. - Furniture Care | 527 Main St
Restored, repurposed, and ready for a new life in your home.
Happy Hikers: Burn Off the Bird Hike
Ward Acres Park
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Two sessions: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM & 12:30–1:30 PM
Free • All skill levels • Advance sign-up required
New Rochelle is a big, beautifully diverse city — and one of the best parts of living here is how many different neighborhoods, parks, and experiences you can explore right beyond Downtown.
The City’s Parks & Recreation Department works year-round to host events and outdoor programs across our community, and this post-Thanksgiving hike is one of their seasonal favorites.
Led by an experienced L.L.Bean outdoor instructor, the Burn Off the Bird Hike is a fun, healthy outing for families looking to enjoy the weekend, get some fresh air, and connect with nature after the holiday.
A perfect way to round out Thanksgiving weekend — and just one more reason to love New Rochelle.
Breakfast with Santa
Modern Restaurant
Sunday, November 30 • 11:00 AM–3:30 PM
Two seatings: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM & 1:30–3:30 PM
Santa Claus is coming to Modern — holiday smiles guaranteed! Enjoy a festive family brunch with Santa and his elves. Every child receives a photo with Santa and a goody bag filled with holiday treats.
The Great Art Heist – A Downtown Outdoor Escape Adventure
While Hour To Exit prepares for its 2026 reopening inside New Roc City, their newest outdoor game — The Great Art Heist — is live and ready to play right now.
A beloved downtown mural has vanished, and clues point to a clever thief hiding in plain sight. Your team will explore downtown, uncover hidden symbols, decode clues, and race against the clock to solve the mystery. Perfect for date night, friend groups, or families with older kids.
Holiday Favorites Are Back – Mark Your Calendars
Downtown Holiday Cheer: Rudolph Rocs & Holiday Lighting
Two events, one festive afternoon downtown.
Rudolph Kids’ Parade
Saturday, December 6 • 4:00 PM
Downtown Recreation Center (2nd Floor, New Roc City)
Rudolph Rocs gets a fresh twist this year!
Meet at the Downtown Parks & Recreation Center to grab free antlers, red noses, and light-up toys before joining this fun, kid-friendly holiday stroll through downtown to Memorial Plaza — arriving just in time for the city’s annual lighting celebration.
Fun Fact: Rudolph’s creator, Robert L. May, lived in New Rochelle and wrote the original story here — giving our Rudolph Rocs celebration a special hometown connection.
Holiday Tree, Menorah & Kinara Lighting
Saturday, December 6 • 4:30–5:00 PM
Memorial Plaza (Main St & Memorial Hwy)
This annual holiday lighting brings together the vibrant traditions and joy celebrated by many faiths. Hosted by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the City, the December gathering features the season’s first lighting of the Holiday Tree, Menorah, and Kinara, joined by city leaders and community partners, including the NRBID. Music, meaningful dedications, and festive moments fill Memorial Plaza with holiday spirit, making it an ideal time to stroll, shop, dine, and experience the energy of Downtown New Rochelle.
Drive-Thru Selfie with Santa
Wednesday, December 10 • 5:00–8:00 PM
New Rochelle City Hall
Bring your phone — the Santa selfie magic awaits!
For more information on these Holiday Favorites, visit the City’s calendar.