White Christmas Live: A one-day, stress-free holiday escape to Chanhassen Dinner Theaters

STEWARTVILLE EVENTS FIELD GUIDE

White Christmas Live: A one-day, stress-free holiday escape to Chanhassen Dinner Theaters

A coach day-trip from Rochester with lunch and a 1 PM performance of the musical White Christmas — this guide tells you what to expect and how to prepare.

White Christmas Live: A one-day, stress-free holiday escape to Chanhassen Dinner Theaters.

Duration
6 Hours
Location
Stewartville
Operator
Rochester Trolley & Tour Company
Category
Events
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Rochester Trolley & Tour Company runs a polished, full-day coach excursion from Rochester and nearby towns to the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters for White Christmas — a tidy holiday outing that pairs a scenic ride, restaurant-style lunch, and a 1:00 PM stage performance so you can leave the driving and logistics behind.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIDE

Comfortable coach travel from Rochester and surrounding towns

Departing Rochester at 8:00 AM, the coach picks up in nearby towns on a set schedule, letting you trade winter roads and parking for a relaxed, scenic trip to the theater and back.

THE MEAL

Lunch timed to prime you for the matinee

You’ll arrive by 11:00 AM and enjoy a theater-prepared lunch before the show; the meal is positioned as part of the experience, intended to fuel the afternoon performance.

THE SHOW

A classic holiday musical onstage at 1:00 PM

White Christmas delivers Irving Berlin standards, song-and-dance choreography, and a heartwarming plot about two WWII veterans and a sister act working to save a Vermont inn — the production is family-friendly and built for festive appeal.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day unfolds like a simple, well-timed holiday ritual: board the coach in Rochester (with scheduled pickups in Stewartville, Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna), settle in for the drive, arrive for an 11:00 AM lunch, and watch the 1:00 PM matinee of White Christmas before a relaxed return to your pickup city.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should consider alternatives.

1
FamiliesA family-friendly show and a coach trip that removes driving make this a straightforward holiday outing for multi-generation groups.
2
Groups and friendsThe itinerary and included lunch simplify logistics for groups; Rochester Trolley and Tour accepts group bookings through the operator.
3
Mobility-limited travelersAccessible participation is possible, but be explicit about seating: some tickets are in the balcony and require stair navigation, so book floor seats if you cannot use stairs.
4
Day-trippers and those avoiding winter drivingIf you want to avoid winter roads and parking hassles, the coach pick-ups and return service make this a convenient single-day option.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

The trip duration is approximately 6 hours. The coach departs Rochester at 8:00 AM with scheduled stops in Stewartville (8:20 AM), Austin (8:45 AM), Albert Lea (9:15 AM), and Owatonna (9:45 AM); arrive by 11:00 AM for lunch and the 1:00 PM show. Return times vary but occur in the late afternoon after the performance.

What to bring

Bring your ticket or confirmation, a warm coat or jacket, personal items (wallet, phone, ID), a camera or phone for photos, and any personal medications or necessities.

Meeting & logistics

Meet at Rochester Trolley & Tour Co for the 8:00 AM departure; coach transportation from Rochester is included so you do not need to arrange parking.

Seating & accessibility

Some tickets are in the balcony and require use of stairs; if you cannot do the steps to the balcony, request or book floor-level seating.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What time does the tour depart and return?

The coach departs Rochester at 8:00 AM and returns in the late afternoon following the show; exact return times may vary slightly.

Where is lunch served?

Lunch is included and served at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater before the 1:00 PM show.

Is the White Christmas show appropriate for children?

Yes — the show is family-friendly and designed to be suitable for all ages.

Are drinks or gratuities included?

No — drinks during lunch and gratuities for staff are not included in the ticket price.

Can I bring personal items or gifts on the bus?

Yes — small personal items and gifts are allowed on the coach, but large luggage is not permitted.

Is parking provided?

Coach transportation from Rochester is included, so you do not need to provide your own parking for the trip departure.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your ticket or confirmation, personal items, camera or phone, seasonal clothing, and any medications or necessities.

Can I book tickets for a group?

Yes — group bookings are welcome; contact Rochester Trolley and Tour Company for group arrangements.