Good morning, Rochester.

Friends of the Rochester Public Library received a $10,000 Community Choice Award chosen by online vote and courtesy of Altra Federal Credit Union.

They will use the grant to refresh early literacy play spaces and the Art Room for nearly 5,000 visitors (checks were presented at a luncheon in Onalaska on Thursday).

Families in Rochester can take photos with Santa at Apache Mall from November 21 until December 24 — walk-in sessions are available every 15 minutes — and today's session runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at JCPenney Court with online reservations also offered.

Rochester Downtown Alliance will host Here Comes Santa Claus on November 28 at Old City Hall—where Santa will perform a dramatic rooftop rescue with the Fire Department—and kick off the holiday season.

Family events include Mrs. Claus’ Workshop at Historic Chateau Theatre at 2:30 p.m.—offering crafts—and a Tree Lighting Ceremony at Peace Plaza at 5:15 p.m.

Families can enjoy S'mores With Santa at Sargent's on 2nd in Rochester from November 28th to 30th, with the free event offering a bonfire, live music, and food available for purchase from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Minnesota Kwik Trip stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day—shoppers are advised to call ahead as hours may vary before they grab any last-minute groceries for the holiday.

The store hours decision comes as travel is expected to surge with record numbers of people on the road during Thanksgiving.

Prairie Island Indian Community approved the bison logo for Dakota Middle School in Rochester after the district submitted its exemption request.

The school, which opened in 2022, now uses the logo under a 2023 law that requires tribal consent—officials expressed gratitude for the decision.

Rochester residents can enjoy backyard bonfires as long as they follow city fire safety rules - call Fire Dispatch at 507-328-2830 before lighting, keep fires under 3 feet in diameter, and stay at least 25 feet away from buildings.

Burning leaves, branches and yard waste is not allowed and people must keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Rochester city guidelines state that no resident may keep nine or more multiple animals or six or more dogs over six months old—these rules clarify that 'multiple animals' means two or more cats, dogs, or ferrets—so pet owners must adjust their families accordingly.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Friday that the new bridge at 4th Street NW in Austin reopened for I-90 traffic with three ramps operational + the westbound off-ramp stayed closed as construction on the Cedar River bridge continues with a completion set for 2026.

Here Comes Santa Claus

2:30-7 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities, Santa's rescue, and tree lighting.

Work of eARTh Teen Art Club

1-4 p.m. — Rochester Art Center — Free entry — A collective of teen artists focused on sustainability and community action through creativity.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration II Training

Mon, Dec 8 – Thu, Dec 11 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $1890 — Enhance your Linux skills with hands-on training in Rochester, MN.

Mozart After Hours

5:30-9 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Experience a delightful evening of chamber music featuring masterpieces and a world premiere in a charming setting.

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

3:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday adventure in a heartwarming ballet filled with enchanting moments and delightful characters.

Travis Anderson Trio - Christmas Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy classic holiday tunes with a modern jazz twist from the acclaimed Travis Anderson Trio.

Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas

7:30-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience the timeless music of John Denver performed live this holiday season.

Wee Wednesday - My Wee Christmas Tree

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Sargent's on 2nd — $15 class fee — Decorate a “wee” Christmas tree while enjoying a festive reading and treats.

WFPB Holiday Potluck

6-8 p.m. — 1800 High Pointe Ln NW, Rochester, MN — Cost info not listed — Celebrate the holidays with delicious whole food plant-based dishes and community connections.

World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament Series

7-10 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Cost info not provided — Witness young hockey talents battle it out in exhibition games featuring Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden.