2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

It's almost Christmas in the Stateline! There are a ton of fun events to get you in the holiday spirit happening in Rockford area. Check out our HUGE roundup of holiday festivals, performances, parades, tree lightings, train rides, arts and crafts, activities with Santa, and other special Christmas events. These events are happening in Rockford, Beloit, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Belvidere, Janesville, Byron, Rockton and Roscoe.

City Wide Holiday Festivals

Stroll on State

Read our post here for all of the details about Stroll on State .

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area Janesville's Jolly Jingle

When: November 30 – December 2, 2018
Friday, November 30 from 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday, December 2 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where: Downtown Janesville

Cost: Free

Event Info: Celebrate the season and create memories with friends and family at this festive 3-day holiday event! Featuring 35 fun events including a lighted parade, fireworks, Santa & reindeer, live music, holiday market, ice skating, live theater, kids activities and more. Many events are free or low cost. Check our website or Facebook page for specific event dates and times. Presented by SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital.

Event Schedule:

Handbell Choir Concert
Friday, November 30, 2018
Voight Music Center
34 S. Main St., Janesville, WI
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Please join us for a free concert on The Main Stage by the Rock County Community Handbell Choir. Hot drinks and treats will be available to purchase from Bodacious Brew.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 30, 2018
Marvin Roth Community Pavilion
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

The Janesville Jolly Jingle presented by SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony in Courthouse Park.

  • Voigt Music Revue (Singing & Dancing)
  • Opening Remarks
  • Comments from Ben Layman, President of SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital
  • Announcement of Window Decorating Contest Winners
  • JPAC Youth Choir Performance
  • Comments from Mark Freitag, City Manager
  • Official Tree lighting and singing of O Christmas Tree

Jolly Jingle Spice on Ice Skate Show
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Janesville Ice Arena
821 Beloit Ave., Janesville, WI
10:00 am – 11:30 am

This year's theme, Winter Wonderland, presented by the Janesville Figure Skating Club in cooperation with the Janesville Recreation Division.

Jolly Jingle Skate with Santa
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Janesville Ice Arena
821 Beloit Ave., Janesville, WI
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Fee: Non-perishable food donation for ECHO and $2 for skate rental.

Jolly Jingle Live Reindeer
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Lower Courthouse Park
Downtown Janesville
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

See live reindeer!

Jolly Jingle Animal Express
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Janesville Senior Center
69 S. Water St., Janesville, WI
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm

Get up close and hands on with "Tulip" the Skunk, learn all about "Daisy" the Pig, or get a photo next to "Rowdy" the Red Fox. These are just a few of the animals you get to meet in our hands in educational exotic animal show presented by The Animal Express. Learning about animals made fun!

Jolly Jingle Holiday Lighted Parade
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Downtown Janesville
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Marvel at the parade entries as they share holiday themes, tunes, and treats.

Jolly Jingle Holiday Fireworks
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Downtown Janesville
7:00 pm – 7:15 pm

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/739667866382889

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Rockton Christmas Walk

When: November 30 – December 2, 2018
Friday, November 30 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 7:00 am – 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 2 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Where: Downtown Rockton

Cost:Free

Event Info:

Friday, Nov. 30

  • Santa in the Branch at Advia Credit Union (769 N. Blackhawk Blvd.) from 3 – 5 pm.
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl at 7 pm

Saturday, Dec. 1

  • Rockton Lions Club Pancake Breakfast from 7-11 am at the American Center, 221 W. Main St.
  • Fair Trade, Book and Christmas Sale at United Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley (329 School St.) from 9 am – 3 pm
  • Talcott Free Library Book Sale from 9 am to 3 pm at 101 E. Main St.
  • Santa Haus at Dairyhäus from 12 – 4 pm. 113 E. Main St.
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides from 12 – 4 pm at Settlers Park across from Rockton Sanctuary Spa.
  • Lighting of the Park at 4 pm at Village Green Park (100 E. Chapel St.). Whitman Post Choir begins at 4:30 with official lighting at approximately 5 pm.
  • Macktown Lions Club Holiday House / Yard Decorating Contest awards presented at approximately 5 pm at the Lighting of the Park festivities at Village Green Park.
  • Lighted Parade at 6 pm along Main St. Parade begins at the far west end of Main St. and ends at Hononegah High School.
  • Wimpy's Fund Auction by the Rockton Lions Club at the American Center (221 W. Main St.). Starts 30 minutes after parade's end at approximately 7:30 pm.

Sunday, Dec. 2

  • NEW! Hot Chocolate Crawl from 1 – 4 pm. Begins at Village Hall at 110 E. Main St. where you pick up your commemorative mug to "crawl" to different downtown locations for a signature hot chocolate. Family-friendly. $5/person. Please see the separate Facebook event (coming soon) to find more information on registering.
  • Meet and greets with Mr. Mouse Claus and Mrs. Mouse Claus then the Snow Princess and Snow Queen from Once Upon a Dream Performances at the Gem Shop & Diamond Source, L.L.C. 110 W. Main St. from 1 – 4 pm.
  • Chocolate for the Talcott Soul from 1 – 3 pm at the Talcott Free Library at 101 E. Main St.
  • Talcott Free Library Book Sale from 1 – 3 pm.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2169170243318665/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area Belvidere Hometown Christmas

When: December 7, 2018 from 1 pm – 9 pm

Where: Throughout Belvidere

Cost: Free

Event Info:

Light Parade
S State St, Belvidere, IL
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The Belvidere Park District is sponsoring the annual Light Parade. Join us downtown Belvidere on the route from South State Street from Hurlbut Avenue to First Avenue. Check out the amazing lighted floats to kick off the Hometown Christmas festivities. The tree lighting at Hub Plaza will take place at the end of the parade!

Firehouse Holiday Activity Center
123 S. State St, Belvidere
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Visit the Belvidere Fire Department, Station 1 for a jolly good time. Chief Hyser and his crew open up the fire station for a fun night to enjoy the festivities. Be creative with a cute winter craft sponsored by BMO Harris Bank. Don't forget to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, presented by the City of Belvidere and sponsored by Culvers of Belvidere! Make sure to snap your picture at the photo spot stop next to the fire station! NEW THIS YEAR: Badges with Books! The Belvidere Police Department will be on hand to give out free books to youth participants.

Elf Workshop and More
Doty Park – 365 W. Locust St, Belvidere
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Belvidere Park District will be hosting a variety of events including an Elf Workshop, where you can purchase small gifts for friends and family members. Other exciting activities will take place in Doty Park! Don't forget to take a couple (or more!) laps around the ice skating rink. A nominal fee is associated with this activity.

Children's Christmas Carnival and Santa Pictures
Belvidere Family YMCA – 220 W. Locust St, Belvidere
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Make us a stop during the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Hometown Christmas celebration. The Annual Hometown Christmas Children's Carnival, sponsored by the Cosmopolitan Club of Belvidere, will feature plenty of winter crafts, Christmas bingo, the Boone County Shopper's coloring contest, guess how many contest, children's activity and letter writing activities to Santa! Supplies for the first 300 youth in attendance. FREE Santa pictures, sponsored by Blackhawk Bank and taken by Curt & Becky Newport (pictures begin following the parade, which may be later than 6:00pm). NEW THIS YEAR: Photo booth, hosted by Solrite Productions

Outdoor Movie – The Christmas Story
Midland States Bank – 600 S. State St, Belvidere
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Swing by and watch the outdoor movie on the corner of State and Logan in downtown. We will be showing Christmas Story. Don't worry we have a food truck with popcorn located next to the screen!

Centennial Celebration Fireworks
Doty Park – 365 W. Locust St, Belvidere
9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Come celebrate the kickoff of the Belvidere Park District's centennial anniversary. The fireworks display will wrap up the Hometown Christmas festivities.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/belviderehometownchristmas/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Downtown Beloit Holidazzle

When: December 7, 2018 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Downtown Beloit

Cost: Free

Event Info: "Shop and linger, where customers are friends!" A dazzling evening of celebration featuring artists, and specialty craftspeople in thirty-plus locations as they display one-of-a-kind gifts and unique pieces of art. Live music, Santa visits, children's events and holiday treats make this a truly special evening for the entire family. Featuring FREE Trolley rides.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/982806525206738/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Miracle on 2nd Street

When: December 7, 2018 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Downtown Byron

Cost: Free

Event Info: Visit with Santa, Frosty & Live Nativity Scene. Go for a horse-drawn carriage ride or hayride and do some shopping. The excitement around each corner!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/521758731568459/

Christmas events in Rockford IL

Roscoe Hometown Holiday

When: December 8, 2018 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Downtown Roscoe

Cost: Free

Event Info:Bring the kiddos and experience a Hometown Holiday as you follow your passport from business to business. There will be games, treats, community tree lighting, visits with Santa and other special surprises.

Facebook event:https://www.facebook.com/events/458152724711890/


Holiday Celebrations

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Christmas Carnival

When: December 1, 2018 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Indoor Sports Center
8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, IL

Cost:$5 per person, children 1 and under are free

Event Info: Come join us for the Rockford Christmas Carnival. Holiday fun for everyone! The excitement of the season will bring everyone together for a visit to Santaland, make a Christmas ornament, jump in the bounce house, take a ride on the Bufalo Contracting holiday train, a visit with Santa and so much more!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/348220095767146/

Christmas events in the Rockford IL area

Jingle Jam – A Christmas Party BIG Enough for the Whole Family

When:  December 14, 2018 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:  Heartland Community Church
1280 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL

Cost: Free

Event Info:Jingle Jam is a fun, high-energy, multi-media exprience full of games, music, videos and live sketches that will engage all of your senses. Jingle Jam is designed for kids of all ages, even parents! This is a family experience you won't want to miss out on and best of all, it's FREE!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/783440258688971/

Winter Fest at The Rock

When: December 15, 2018 from 11 am – 4 pm

Where: The Rock Bar and Grill
101 Maple Ave, Beloit, WI

Cost: Free

Event Info: Come out for some Wintery Fun! Santa will be here from 11 am – 1 pm and then our favorite Ice Sculptor, Zoli will be out back creating some amazing ice sculptures from 1 pm – 4 pm. Free kids games, face painting, coloring contest and much much more!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/564249144011064/


Christmas Arts & Crafts

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Plus One Craft Time with Mrs. Claus and Santa

When: November 18 and December 10, 2018
Sunday, November 18 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Monday, December 10 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Williams Tree Farm
4661 Yale Bridge Rd., Rockton, IL

Cost: $9 per person

Event Info: Each child that participates will have the opportunity to make two identical crafts. One is to give and one is to keep. So if you have someone to give your second craft to great, if not we will deliver them to area nursing homes, to bring a little Christmas cheer. You can enjoy cookies, crafts and a chance to get your picture taken with Mrs. Claus and Santa!

Reservations: Sign up via e-mail williamstreefarm@gmail.com or call 815-624-7579

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/254060728621661

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Grinchy Green Science

When: November 23 and 24, 2018 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Discovery Center Museum
711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Cost: Included with admission, $8 per person

Event Info: Green bubbles, Grinch Goop, Whoville hats and more! Dabble in additional art and science activities during this weekend of family fun!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/844789785910192

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Gingerbread Extravaganza

When: December 1, 2018 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Eclipse Event Center
3 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, WI

Cost: $10 per person to decorate a house, $5 for general admission

Event Info: It's time to enjoy our 5th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza! Join family, friends, and our community partners at the Eclipse Center in Beloit on Saturday, Dec. 1st. Included with a $10 ticket is a gingerbread house with crafts and a free photo with Santa, along with much more holiday fun! Not decorating a house? General admission is $5. This event does sell out quickly, so get your tickets in advance! All proceeds support kids in need in Rock and Walworth counties.

Reservations: Buy tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2075871385765479/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

C ookies with Santa Parent & Child Workshop

When: December 9 and 16, 2018 from 2 pm – 5 pm

Where: Board and Brush
11361 Main Street, Roscoe, IL

Cost: $85

Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa and get a photo with him. Do a board project together!

Reservations: Get tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1942217569179983/

2018 Holiday Events in Rockford Area

Christmas Candy House

When: December 16, 2018 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where:  Puri Family YMCA
1475 S. Perryville Road, Rockford, IL

Cost:$10 for members, $15 for non-members

Event Info:Celebrate the season by coming out to the Puri Family YMCA to create your very own holiday candy house! Hot cocoa and holiday treats will be served. And, there will be a special appearance by Santa himself!

Reservations:Buy tickets here

Facebook event:https://www.facebook.com/events/2206020269657566/


Holiday Arts and Crafts Shows and Festivals

2018 Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs in the Rockford Area

Find all of the information on Holiday Arts and Craft Shows in the Rockford area here.


Holiday Train and Trolley Rides

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Happy Holiday Railway

When: November 24 – December 23, 2018 from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Where: Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Rd., Union, IL

Cost: $18 per person

Event Info: Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy caroling, treats on the train, gifts for the kids, and a holiday lights display. Start a new Christmas tradition this year for your family on the Happy Holiday Railway!

Reservations: Buy tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2013608015596588

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

All Aglow Express

When: December 1 – December 16, 2018
Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm

Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
1354 N. 2nd Street, Rockford, IL

Cost: $18-20 for adults, $16-18 for ages 2-17, free for children 2 and under

Event Info: Take a ride on Trolley Car 36 when it turns into All Aglow Express.

Reservations: Reserve your spot by calling 815-987-8858

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/158066755058001/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Holiday Train

When: December 2, 2018 from 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm

Where: Byron High School
695 Colfax St., Byron, IL

Cost: Donation of canned good or cash

Event Info: Canadian Pacific Railroad's Holiday Train will be stopping and performing in Byron, IL to help support the local food pantry, People Helping People!! You will see the beautifully decked out train and hear talented musical artists present a show. All they ask is for you to bring canned goods or money donations to help the local food pantry. A must see for the entire family, a wonderful opportunity to support the community.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/185885668959630/


Holiday Performances, Musicals, and Live Theater

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Rockford Dance Company Sugar Plum Party 2018

When: November 25, 2018 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Where: Riverfront Museum Park – Kresge Hall
711 N. Main St. #7, Rockford, IL

Cost: $25 for child and adult

Event Info: Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, Create Crafts, Eat Sweets, watch the Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal and Dance. It is going to be a magical experience for children and adults!

Reservations: Buy tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2198893940396373/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

The Nutcracker at the Coronado

When: December 1 – 2, 2018
Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 2 at 3:00 pm

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center
314 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Cost: $25 per person

Event Info: The beloved ballet returns to the Coronado Performing Arts Center as the Rockford Dance Company performs this Holiday classic with the music of Tchaikovsky performed by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Reservations: Buy tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/227752937987570/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

A Charlie Brown Christmas

When: December 7 – 15, 2018
Shows at 7 pm and 3 pm

Where: RVC Starlight Theatre
3301 N. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL

Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under

Event Info: Starlight Traditions presents A Charlie Brown Christmas: live at the cabin onstage! The classic TV special comes to life as a wonderful musical adventure inside the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre where a warm and cozy cottage waits to carry you away from it all.

Reservations: Buy tickets here or call 815-921-2160

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/177139553196805/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Sounds of the Season

When: December 8, 2018 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Cross and Crown Lutheran Church
7404 Elevator Rd., Roscoe, IL

Cost: Free will offering

Event Info: Join us for an evening of delightful Christmas season music. Our special guest musician will be Nicolai Janitzky from the Lyric Opera. This is a great way to feel the Christmas spirit! Desserts and drinks will be served. A free will offering will be taken to support the Cross and Crown Choir trip to Carnegie Hall!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/318503312299765/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Holiday Pops

When: December 15 – 16, 2018
Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 16 at 3:00 pm

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center
314 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Cost: $25 per person

Event Info: Join us for the most highly anticipated show of the season—Holiday Pops! Lift your spirits with seasonal songs and traditional carols performed by the RSO and the Mendelssohn Chorale.

Reservations: Buy tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2133093756925853/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Christmas Traditions 2018

When: December 15, 2018 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: First Free Rockford
2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL

Cost: Free

Event Info: First Free Rockford hosts their third annual Christmas Traditions event Saturday, December 15. Each activity is designed to help families create new holiday traditions and memories while weaving the Christmas story into it all. There will be a rein deer petting zoo, i ndoor snowball fight, live nativity with real animals, free photos with Santa, and m ore fun family activities.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/304558876995705/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Yes, Virginia: The Musical

When: December 21, 2018 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: The Nordlof Center
118 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Cost:$12 in advance, $15 at the door

Event Info: The story of Yes, Virginia is based on historical truths when eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon asked her father, Dr. Phillip O'Hanlon whether or not Santa Claus existed. Dr. O'Hanlon encouraged his daughter to write a letter to the editor of The Sun, a popular New York newspaper back in the mid to late 1800s. And so, the story of Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus born.

Reservations: Buy tickets here (go on sale after Thanksgiving)

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/368814166988823


Christmas Caroling

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Caroling and Christmas Celebration

When: December 21, 2018 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Williams Tree Farm
4661 Yale Bridge Rd., Rockton, IL

Cost: Free

Event Info: Please join us for Christmas carols in the Lodge to start the Christmas weekend right. School is out, hopefully shopping; cooking and wrapping are under control, so let's celebrate. Last year we had a Christmas Eve service. This year we are going to read the Christmas story and sing Christmas carols together. We don't want to lose those old fashioned traditions. So please come to the farm for a magical Christmas evening.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2194767807202303/


Holiday Movies

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Movies on Main: Holiday Edition – It's a Wonderful Life

When: December 2, 2018 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where: The Nordlof Center
118 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Event Info: An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. Rated PG.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/887511471639015/


Activities with Santa

Cookies with Santa at Community Health Systems

When: December 5, 2018 from 3 pm – 6 pm

Where: Community Health Systems Inc
74 Eclipse Ctr, Beloit, WI

Cost: Free

Event Info: He's making a list and checking it twice! Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves will be visiting our center to see all the good boys and girls. Children will enjoy a free gift, a free professional picture, cookies and milk, and a memorable evening.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2178921148785783

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Cookies with Santa

When: December 8, 2018 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Indigo Salon and Spa
4323 Milton Avenue, Ste. 201, Janesville, WI

Cost: $5 per child or $10 per family

Event Info: Santa Claus is on his way. It's time to prepare for Christmas Day! You can take photos with Santa, make reindeer food, snowman soup, and Christmas ornaments and write a letter to Santa. Join us for some holiday festivities and best of all getting to see Santa!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1880457665323709/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Skate with Santa and Friends

When: December 21, 2018 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Riverside Ice Arena, Doty Park
365 W. Locust St., Belvidere, IL

Cost: $5-$8 per person

Event Info: Come out to skate with holiday music in the air and Rudolph, Santa, and Frosty by your side. After a few laps around the rink, come into the AJ Johnson Pavillion to warm up with hot cocoa and a candy cane. All participants will receive a wristband for a skate rental, access to the ice rink, a candy cane, and one hot cocoa. Registrations can be done in advance at Rivers Edge Recreation Center or Riverside Arena for a $3 discount, or the day of at Riverside Ice Arena.

Reservation: Call 815-547-5711 to pre-register

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/520803151701541/

2018 Breakfast with Santa Events in the Rockford Area

Breakfast with Santa

Find all of our Breakfast with Santa event information here.

Places to see Santa

Find information on the places you can see Santa in the Stateline here.


Live Reindeer

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo

When: November 15 – December 28, 2018
Thursdays from 10 am – 3 pm
Fridays from 3 pm – 8 pm
Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm

Where: Summerfield Zoo
3088 Flora Rd., Belvidere, IL

Cost: $10 per person

Event Info: We invite you to make a new Christmas tradition! Visit Santa's Reindeer Barn with Santa's entire sleigh team of reindeer. Visit with Santa Claus (specific dates available on website). Kids will earn an official stable elf diploma! Baby reindeer flight school training sessions. Lots of magical photo opportunities! Grab a delicious snack at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen Snack Shop. Visit the Flying Reindeer Gift Shop for ALL of your Christmas shopping needs!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/293135414746845/


Tree Lightings

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Edgebrook Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House

When: November 16 and 17, 2018
Friday, November 16 from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Where: Edgebrook
1639 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL

Cost: Free

Event Info: Get in the Holiday Spirit with Edgebrook's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open House! On Friday night, the annual Tree Lighting Festivities will take place from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. Mingle with Santa and enjoy holiday carols performed by local choirs while we anxiously await the countdown for the Edgebrook Tree to be lit for the first time for the season!

Saturday, join us for the Edgebrook Holiday Open House! Shop holiday specials & in-store events from your favorite Edgebrook merchants.Then, share your wish list and get pictures with Santa inside of The 3R's Learning Materials Center from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Each family that visits with Santa will receive one FREE 5″x7″ with Santa courtesy of Edgebrook*

*One free 5″x7″ photo with Santa per family available on 11/17/2018 from 11a-3p. Additional photos with Santa will be available for purchase.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/944908082326072


Holiday Parades

Find all of the Holiday Parades information here.


Christmas Lights

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Zoo Lights

When: November 15 – December 30, 2018 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Henry Vilas Zoo
702 S Randall Ave. Madison, WI

Cost: $7 per person, children under 3 are free
4-pack of tickets for $25/night

Event Info: When the animals go to sleep at night, the zoo comes alive with light! Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane, browse our holiday market featuring new vendors each weekend (full schedule will be available soon), and enjoy the festive sights and sounds of the season. We've added MORE lights & new displays! Thousands of lights will transform the zoo into a winter wonderland- we can't WAIT to welcome you back!

Santa & Carousel: 5:30 – 8pm nightly

*Santa is at the Zoo every night thru Dec. 23rd!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1176821275809921/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

When: November 17, 2018 – January 1, 2019 from 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Where: The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL

Cost: $23 per adult, $15 per children 2 -17 years old

Event Info: See trees in a different light at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. General admission for Illumination takes place November 17, 2018 through January 1, 2019. You'll be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy seasonal music, marvel at ever-changing, interactive lighting designs, and warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink or roast marshmallows for s'mores.

Reservations: Buy tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/305984093327020/

2018 Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Holiday Light Show 2018 at Rotary Botanical Gardens

When: November 23 – December 30, 2018 from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

Cost: $5 per person, ages 2 and up

Event Info: Experience the magic of over 500,000 twinkling lights at the 2018 Holiday Light Show!

Reservations: Get tickets here

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/198439634385989/