Genesee Brewery Announces Holiday Keg Tree Lighting Date and Details

NEW for 2025: Lighting at 7 p.m. and Keg Tree Donuts from Donuts Delite

ROCHESTER, NY (November 18, 2025) - The Genesee Brewery’s beloved Keg Tree Lighting Party is back on Friday, December 5, from 5–9 p.m. at the Genesee Brew House, 25 Cataract St., Rochester, NY 14605. The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m.

Join thousands of fans as Genesee lights up the night with its three-story Keg Tree—built from more than 650 empty beer kegs and wrapped in over 25,000 twinkling lights. New this year: festive Keg Tree Donuts from Donuts Delite. Enjoy holiday music, food trucks, and plenty of ice-cold Genny beer as the brewery kicks off the season in true Rochester style. Admission is free and open to all. Please note: no pets allowed.

“We’re so excited to celebrate one of Rochester’s most iconic—and now nationally recognized—holiday traditions,” said Tiffany Bowman, Genesee Brand Manager. “Being named a Newsweek Readers’ Choice nominee for Best Christmas Tree and for Best Holiday Lights display by USA Today makes this year’s Keg Tree Lighting even sweeter for our fans and community.”

Dean Jones, Genesee Brew House brewmaster, will serve as master of ceremonies, leading the festivities and counting down to the lighting.

“For over a decade, the Genesee Keg Tree has united our community and celebrated the spirit, hard work, and generations of people who make Rochester such a special place,” said Bowman.

• Keg Tree Lighting: The countdown begins just before 7 p.m. and the epic Keg Tree Lighting follows, which includes the lights twinkling to popular holiday favorites, animated on a lighted board.
• Music, Food & Fun: The celebration features festive holiday music, five food trucks—Rob's Kabobs, Rob's Al Dente, Wraps on Wheels, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, and Rochester Kettle Korn—Keg Tree Donuts from Donuts Delite, four beer trucks, and the signature Keg Tree Ale, a cinnamon twist on the classic Genesee Cream Ale.
• Genesee Keg Tree Merchandise: Commemorative merchandise will be available throughout the event.
• Holiday Photography Opportunities: Guests can snap photos in an oversized sleigh, handcrafted by Genesee’s union carpenters; around festive holiday igloos; and, of course, beside the three-story Keg Tree. Plus, there will be plenty of other share-worthy moments throughout the event!
• Parking: Attendees are encouraged to use a ride share service. If parking, please use the High Falls Garage since there will be limited spots available around the brewery.

Situated next to the largest urban waterfall in the U.S., the Genesee Keg Tree will remain lit throughout the holiday season, making it a must-see attraction for locals and visitors alike. Attendees are encouraged to capture and share their experience by tagging @GeneseeBrewery on social media.

About Genesee Brewing Company

Established in 1878, the Genesee Brewery—New York state’s oldest brewery—makes the classic Genesee line of beers, Cream Ale and the Original Honey Brown Lager, as well as Seagram’s Escapes. The Genesee Brewing Company is owned by FIFCO USA. For more information, visit www.geneseebeer.com