Good morning, Rochester.

Gamehaven Scout Camp and Quarry Hill Nature Center are preparing for winter by getting sledding slopes and ski trails ready with help from local sports clubs.

Gamehaven will start weekly winter camp activities on Jan. 2 and host a community cardboard sled race on Jan. 24 while Quarry Hill will offer ski and snowshoe rentals from Dec. 7 if conditions allow.

Collider Foundation in Rochester received a $15,000 grant from the CLA Foundation to support startup assistance, business education, and coworking programs for local entrepreneurs—funding initiatives that aim to reduce barriers to new business development.

Downtown Next Door has opened a pop-up shop for local entrepreneurs, with Sal Terrae Boutique now operating at 324 South Broadway—offering a trial run for small business growth.

The initiative by Rochester Downtown Alliance and Destination Medical Center will add more storefronts soon.

Rochester native Yung Gravy made his voice acting debut in January with his role as Mr. Whiskers in Dog Man and has since voiced Golem in the NSFW video game Dispatch—showing his expanding talent.

The City of Rochester and the Rochester Public Library are asking residents to share online feedback on redesigned websites (launching in late March) to create a simpler and more accessible online experience.

Input provided by December 14 will guide improvements to site menus, language, and mobile design.

The City of Rochester will launch Minnesota’s first geothermal energy network this week—linking City Hall, the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Civic Theater and the Public Library to provide renewable heating and cooling while saving nearly $900,000 in annual energy costs and allowing for future expansion.

The Minnesota Christmas Tree Association shared five expert tips to keep real trees fresh for the holidays by urging homeowners to make a fresh cut at the trunk, place the tree away from heat, water it immediately with warm tap water in a stand that holds about a gallon, and check the water daily — a key strategy this year since the season is shorter than usual.

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.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5:30-7:30 p.m. & 8:00-10:00 p.m. — Bleu Duck Kitchen & Oyster Bar — $125 per person — Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an elegant four-course dining experience.