Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester organizations — including Channel One, the Salvation Army, and Hy-Vee — are boosting food assistance for the holidays as demand grows.

Channel One is open today from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — The Salvation Army will host a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Hy-Vee offers Holiday Hope Bags through December to support local families.

KTTC announced it will host the annual Christmas Anonymous Toy Drive on December 6th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at KTTC Studios at 6301 Bandel Rd NW (Priority Construction is sponsoring the event) to collect new toys, games, sports equipment, shoes, boots and skates for children in need.

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce released its annual Shop Local — Holiday Gift Guide featuring over 50 gift ideas from local restaurants, retailers, and service providers.

The guide aims to help residents support small businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday on November 30.

Mayo Clinic reported $5.442 billion in revenue in its third quarter ended September 30, with net income rising 54% to $425 million—showing strong growth amid slower expense increases.

The report also noted that net assets grew by more than 20% compared to last year.

Planet Fitness will close for a full week in December because of building work—while a new building near Caribou Coffee will soon house a Valvoline Instant Oil Change shop in southeast Rochester.

This development adds to other local business updates in the area.

Today, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office in Rochester begins extra DWI patrols every weekend until December 31 to help prevent impaired driving during the holiday season — officers warn drivers that alcohol, cannabis, and other substances can affect their driving.

The department advises residents to plan ahead for sober rides when they feel impaired.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is launching an extra DWI enforcement campaign today—designed to reduce preventable crashes during the holiday season.

Nearly 2,000 serious injuries and 668 deaths from impaired driving were recorded from 2020 to 2024, and hundreds of law enforcement agencies will patrol roads every weekend through December 31.

Y-105FM in Rochester is broadcasting Christmas music 24/7 today after Grammy Award-winning Michael Bublé flipped the switch at Noon, initiating the season-long festive programming.

The station also offers free listening on radio, its app and the web and is hosting holiday giveaways—boosting the local spirit for the season.

PrairieCare mental health experts say Seasonal Affective Disorder is affecting many during the fall and winter months—linked to low serotonin and melatonin levels.

They advise spending time outside, exercising regularly, and keeping a consistent sleep routine to help manage the symptoms.

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.