10 places within 100 miles of Rockford to visit during the holiday season
Can't get enough holiday lights and shopping?
If you've already been to Stroll on State, Festival of Lights and All Aglow but still haven't gotten your fill of twinkling lights and Christmas carols, there are plenty of places within 100 miles of Rockford where you soak up even more Christmas spirit.
Here are 10 holiday events or places to visit during the holidays, all not far from the Forest City.
Christkindl Market
This German-style Christmas bazaar is one of the state’s most popular pop-up markets, and it’s just a short drive east on I-90 away. The market happens in three Chicagoland locations: Chicago’s Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville and Aurora. The markets include hundreds of vendors, food, entertainment and all the holiday cheer you’ll ever need. Daley Plaza and Aurora are open from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24. Wrigleyville happens Nov. 17 through New Year’s Eve.
Downtown Galena
About 80 miles from Rockford, Galena is known for its historic downtown shopping district. During the months of November and December, the city becomes a nostalgic holiday getaway spot that beams with Christmas spirit. Enjoy all the boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, pubs and other shops that line Galena’s 19th-century Main Street.
Woodfield Mall
Woodfield Mall in nearby Schaumburg is one of northern Illinois’ most popular retail centers. During the holidays, the sprawling mall becomes a holiday shopping wonderland that spans 2 million square feet. With more than 300 stores, Woodfield also features several restaurants.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
If you are driving into Chicago to visit the Christkindl Market, Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo is must-see along the way. Chicago’s longest-running lights festival includes more than two million twinkling holiday lights and makes for a magical experience. The entire facility is filled with interactive displays, juggling elves, ice carving, roaming carolers and more. Displays will be up Nov. 24 through 26, 30 and Dec. 1 through 3, 7 through 10, 14 through 17, 21 through 23 and 26 through 31.
Chicago Botantic Garden, Lightscape
Located in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden invites guests to its fifth annual Lightscape event Nov. 10 through Jan. 7. Lightscape is a outdoor walking tour through parts of the garden that have been transformed by one-of-a-kind light installations. The trail about 1.3 miles complete with stops along the way to purchase hot and cold beverages and sweet and savory snacks.
Morton Arboretum, Lisle
This year’s Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum runs from Nov. 18 to Jan. 4. Lights line a mile-long walking path that make the arboretum’s grove of trees come to life. The venue includes marshmallows s’mores, concession stands and beverages. Lisle is about 85 miles from Rockford.
Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo
A Chicago tradition of 29 years, ZooLights runs from Nov. 18 through Jan. 7 at Lincoln Park Zoo. The event is free on Mondays. There will be new light displays this year and a garden-themed light show on the zoo's South Lawn. Enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel for a view from above. Guests are invited to indulge in photo opportunities as Victorian carolers travel the grounds.
Christmas Around the World
What started more than 80 years ago with a single Christmas tree in the lobby of Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has become an annual celebration of cultures and holidays. Guests are invited to learn about holiday traditions from around the globe as they view more than 50 decorated trees, including the four-story Grand Tree. Entry to Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is included in museum admission.
Home Alone house
The home is still there, and this movie's fans still flock to it each year to take photos outside or drive by the place where Kevin McCallister made his family disappear and then defended his home against burglars in "Home Alone." The iconic red brick Colonial Georgian is at 671 Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka.
Vintage Holidays, Long Grove
The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association hosts Vintage Holidays each year to welcome guests to Long Grove for a small town holiday experience complete with shopping, dining, carriage rides, carolers and visits from Santa.
Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 10 holiday attractions within 100 miles of Rockford
