Rockford Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Stroll on State is Rockford's premier holiday celebration, marking the official start to the festive season. This free community event transforms downtown Rockford with a vibrant parade, a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, and spectacular fireworks. Visitors can enjoy live music, explore Frosty's Merry Market for unique gifts, and even participate...

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the 11th Annual Rockford Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular. This vibrant event features over 100 talented crafters showcasing a diverse array of handmade items across 25,000 square feet. Discover unique gifts, festive decor, and artisanal treasures perfect for the holiday season.

Experience the magic of the season at Holidazzle in Downtown Beloit. This award-winning event transforms the downtown area into a festive wonderland with businesses sparkling and lighting up the streets. It's a perfect opportunity to explore unique shops, soak in the holiday cheer, and discover special gifts.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the 2025 FHN Festival of Trees in Freeport. This multi-event celebration includes an elegant Piano Noir Gala, a heartwarming Community Holiday Tree Lighting, and a charming Community Festival of Trees featuring decorated trees by local groups. Families can enjoy Frosty Family Fun...

Get into the holiday spirit at the DAWC Annual Local Holiday Shopping Fair. This event is a fantastic opportunity to find unique gifts and festive decorations crafted by local artisans. Immerse yourself in a cheerful atmosphere filled with seasonal sights and sounds, making it the perfect place to start your...

Experience the joy of selecting the perfect real Christmas tree at Conifera Tree Farm. They offer a delightful choose-and-cut experience with a variety of spruce, fir, and pine trees, alongside premium pre-cut options from Wisconsin. Visitors can also find beautifully crafted wreaths and garlands made fresh on-site, adding a festive...

Discover a dazzling array of local art at the Holiday Art Show & Sale Opening Reception. Over 50 artists present more than 150 unique pieces, perfect for finding a personal holiday gift. This special evening includes live music and hors d'oeuvres, offering a festive atmosphere to admire and purchase artwork....

Get into the holiday spirit at the Janesville Jolly Jingle, a vibrant three-day event transforming downtown Janesville. This festive celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony, a dazzling lighted parade, and spectacular fireworks. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of family activities, explore local shops for unique gifts, and savor delicious...

Experience the enchantment of the All Aglow Holiday Display at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Wander through outdoor gardens transformed by over 300,000 sparkling lights, featuring illuminated stars, giant candy canes, and glistening displays. This magical, free event offers a festive way to celebrate the holiday season.

Experience the magic of the Rockford Festival of Lights, a cherished holiday tradition spanning over 35 years. This spectacular drive-through event transforms Sinnissippi Park into a winter wonderland with over 85 dazzling light displays. Marvel at new installations and beloved classics, all brought to life by local community groups and...

Step into a winter wonderland at Anderson Japanese Gardens' Illuminated event. Thousands of white string lights and dramatic up-lighting transform the serene landscape into a magical spectacle. Enjoy cozy fireside dining and delicious woodfire pizza or explore offerings from rotating food trucks. Special readings of 'The Night Before Christmas' add...

Experience the magic of the Snowflake Spectacular, a dazzling holiday event designed to bring festive cheer. While specific details for this year are still emerging, past events have featured enchanting light displays and a joyful atmosphere perfect for families. Keep an eye out for updates on this anticipated seasonal celebration.

Discover Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo for a magical family tradition! Meet live reindeer, visit Santa at his cottage for photos, and enjoy festive train rides. Explore the zoo to see a variety of animals, including cold-climate species, and find unique gifts at The Flying Reindeer Gift Shop. Mrs. Claus'...

Experience the magic of the Home Run Holiday Lights, a dazzling display featuring over one million lights and festive decorations. This event offers a variety of activities, including holiday train rides, craft stations, and opportunities to meet Santa. Enjoy seasonal food and drinks by cozy fire pits, and explore illuminated...

All aboard for a magical journey on the Happy Holiday Railway! Families can embark on a festive 40-minute train ride alongside Santa Claus, complete with treats, hot chocolate, and an animated light show set to holiday music. Explore illuminated display barns, see historic trains, and enjoy rides on vintage streetcars....

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company present the beloved holiday classic, 'The Nutcracker.' This enchanting performance features professional musicians and dancers alongside talented community performers. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a magical adventure, making this a perfect addition to your family's holiday traditions.

Get into the holiday spirit with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Pops concert. This beloved tradition features a dazzling array of festive melodies performed by the orchestra, alongside special guest appearances from community choirs and artists. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones and embrace...

Prepare for an electrifying evening with Christmas Wizards, a spectacular tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This performance features iconic holiday music, dazzling lights, and breathtaking special effects, all set within the beautiful auditorium of the Freeport Masonic Temple. It's a classic rock holiday experience for all ages, promising a magical...

Gather your friends and family for a cozy and festive escape in a heated igloo at Hidden Creek Estates. Each igloo seats up to 8 guests and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Enjoy dedicated service with a server bringing food and drinks from their seasonal menu. It's a unique...

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Classic, a thrilling gymnastics competition for USAG, AAU, and NGA athletes. Hosted by Evolve Kids Gymnastics and 360 Sports Events, this event promises custom medals, team banners, and exciting gifts for all participants. Athletes will compete across various levels, showcasing their skills...

Join the community for the annual Light Up The Parks Holiday Parade, a festive celebration on November 23rd, 2025. The evening kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting and fireworks in Loves Park, followed by a dazzling parade. The festivities conclude with another tree lighting in Machesney Park, complete with...

Capture the magic of the holiday season with a special photo opportunity with Santa Claus. This event provides a festive backdrop for creating cherished memories and getting that perfect picture with Santa. It's an ideal way to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your family's year.

Step into a magical holiday experience at Santa's Workshop, located within CherryVale Mall. Visitors can write letters to Santa, capture cherished annual photos with the man in red, and drop off their wishes in his special mailbox. Reservations are encouraged to ensure a smooth visit, with a dedicated online system...

Belvidere's Hometown Christmas Celebration brings the community together on the first Friday of December for a festive kickoff to the holiday season. This cherished event in Downtown Belvidere offers a variety of activities for the whole family, creating a magical atmosphere to usher in the holidays.

Experience the enchanting 'Holiday Charm' in Mt. Morris, where the village comes alive with festive cheer. Miles of twinkling lights illuminate the campus and bandshell, creating a magical atmosphere. Discover delightful drive-by light displays throughout town, and don't miss the chance to meet Santa Claus himself. Warm up with hot...

Brodhead's annual Fire & Ice Festival ignites the Christmas holiday with a magical blend of warmth and wonder. Witness breathtaking ice sculptures carved live, and feel the heat from 'Fire on the Square' offering hot dogs and s'mores. Experience the enchanting Senz & Redieske Insurance Lighted Parade and enjoy festive...

Janesville's Jolly Jingle transforms downtown Janesville into a winter wonderland from December 5-7, 2025. This beloved annual event offers a festive weekend packed with activities for all ages, including ice skating, a dazzling lighted parade, and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live theater, family entertainment, and a memorable fireworks...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Janesville Holiday Tree Show. This enchanting event showcases a delightful collection of creatively decorated holiday trees, each offering a unique festive spectacle. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and discover the magic of the season.

Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown DeKalb with a charming collection of free events. Visitors can enjoy the festive 'Lights on Lincoln' display, meet Santa Claus in his special house for photos, and participate in the 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger hunt for a chance to win local gift cards. The...