Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester’s Hy-Vee on 37th Street is now selling a unique holiday centerpiece—a salted butter sculpture shaped like a Christmas tree—for $4.99, positioned near the coffee creamer section to add a festive twist to your table.

RPU will charge solar users a new grid access fee of $2.40 per kilowatt for residential systems starting January 1 to help cover grid maintenance costs amid rising inflation, and it will meet today to finalize its 2026 budget plan.

Some local solar customers have raised equity concerns over the fee—officials explain that all customers must contribute to grid upkeep.

Destination Medical Center leaders showed a 178-page plan to city council on Monday as part of a $5.6 billion, 20-year effort that has created 17,500 jobs and brought in $1.8 billion in private money—boosting downtown—and the plan sets three goals—improve health innovation, make spaces for well-being and guide smart growth—while also seeking fixes for rising housing needs with further review set on Dec. 10 and in January.

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.