Here’s a List of Upcoming Holiday Events in the Rockford Area

Our friend Andrea, from the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB), stopped in this morning for her weekly update on weekend events and happenings. One of the things we discussed is the outstanding amount of holiday events that are right around the corner.

If you've got a friend who constantly complains that "there's nothing to do in Rockford," then please send them a link to this piece. I think they'll be convinced that they might be selling Rockford and the Rockford area a bit short.

Here are some of the ways to celebrate the season in the coming weeks:

All Aglow Exhibit
November 25 - January 7 at Nicholas Conservatory
Come see the sparkling holiday lights and beautiful floral displays inside the warm conservatory and on the outdoor grounds.

Holiday Festival of Lights
December 1 - 31 at Sinnissippi Park
Drive through Sinnissippi Park to see over 50 unique light displays installed by individuals and local organizations and businesses.

Rockford's River Lights
November 25 - December 31 in Downtown Rockford
River Lights, powered by ComEd, features lights synchronized to music along the Rock River on Friday and Saturday nights in December. River Lights debuts at Stroll on State on November 25.

Holiday Tree Lighting & Open House
November 17 - 18 at Edgebrook Center
Get in the holiday spirit with Edgebrook's annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday and the open house on Saturday featuring all of the merchants at Edgebrook.

Christmas Holiday Traditions - New Exhibits Open
November 19 at Heritage Museum Park
New Christmas Traditions exhibits open, including Ethnic Heritage Museum Welcome Center's six ethnic galleries and Graham-Ginestra House English Holiday Traditions.

Black Light Friday
November 24 at Discovery Center Museum
Find out what puts the "glow" in neon colors and wow your senses with the fabulous fluorescence. Gain an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and experiment with light and color.

Stroll on State
November 25 in Downtown Rockford
Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, returns for a 5th year to get you in the holiday spirit. Come see Santa, go ice skating and witness the magical tree lighting ceremony of the official City Christmas tree.

The Nutcracker
November 25 at Rockford University
Prepare to be whisked away again to the magical moments of Clara with her beloved Nutcracker, dolls that come to life and the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Noels, Pastorales, and Carols: Festive Holiday Fare
December 1 at Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center
Kick off the holiday season with a concert of seasonal music and caroling featuring Mendelssohn's grand Möller pipe organ.

Rockton Christmas Walk
December 2 in Downtown Rockton
This holiday tradition for thousands of area residents offers unique events, shopping experiences and holiday festivities. Don't miss the Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night!

Christmas Concert and Holiday Dessert Buffet
December 3 at Klehm Arboretum
A variety of local musicians and singers will delight all ages with their renditions of traditional favorites and some new, soon-to-be favorites, too. An intermission break will allow concert goers to feast on a beautiful buffet of desserts, candies and treats.

Broadway at the Coronado - Christmas Wonderland
December 8 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center
This most loved Christmas show features glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.

J.R. Sullivan's Hometown Holiday
December 8 - 10 at the Nordlof Center
This seasonal variety show is custom-made each year for the Rockford community. It features holiday-inspired storytelling, comedy and seasonal and popular music.

Shop on State
December 9 in Downtown Rockford
Shop, sip and snack during Shop on State, a hometown holiday experience, featuring great shopping, delicious food, carolers and more in downtown Rockford.

It's a Wonderful Life - A Radio Play
December 15 - 17 at the Rockford University Clark Arts Center
George Bailey needs a miracle and Clarence needs his wings. Join us for this holiday classic presented by Artists' Ensemble Theater.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
December 16 & 17 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center
The nationally acclaimed vocal group Five by Design joins the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for a unique take on classic holiday favorites and brand new originals.

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition
January 17 - 20 in Sinnissippi Park
Teams from around the state compete for the right to represent Illinois in the 2019 U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition.

There's plenty more info on these events and more at the RACVB website.