Got a Christmas wish to tell Santa? Here are 9 places he'll be in the Rockford area
With the holiday season right around the corner, Santa Claus is preparing to make his annual pre-Christmas Eve visits to the Rockford area.
Here’s a list of places to catch Santa while he's in town, snap a few pictures, share some treats and let him and Mrs. Claus know what you want to see under your tree.
CherryVale Mall
What: CherryVale Mall is Santa’s first stop in the region. Kids can spend a few moments with him for free, however, photos with cellphones or personal cameras are not allowed. Professional photos are available for purchase onsite.
Dates: Nov. 17 through Dec. 24
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday (Santa takes an hour break every day to feed his reindeer. Holiday hours subject to change).
Address: 7200 Harrison Blvd., Rockford
Cost: Free
Stroll on State
What: Following the Stroll on State parade through downtown Rockford, Santa will be roaming the festival, talking to children of all ages. Catch St. Nick making s’mores, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or tending to his reindeer. Pictures are encouraged.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 25
Time: 2 to 9 p.m.
Address: Downtown Rockford
Cost: Free
Williams Tree Farm
What: There’s plenty of time to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Williams Tree Farm this year. The famous couple will be available for a total of 10 days between Nov. 18 and Dec. 18 inside the Williams log cabin. As always, Santa will have one of his favorite reindeer, Dancer, with him. Photos are encouraged.
Dates: Nov. 18-19, 24-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 17-18
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 4661 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton
Cost: Free
Lou Bachrodt Toy Drive
What: Despite his busy schedule, Santa will be stopping by the annual toy drive at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall for photos.
Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Time: Santa will at the toy drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The toy drive itself runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 7070 Cherryvale N. Blvd., Rockford
Cost: Free
Kegel Harley Davidson
What: Santa Claus will be visiting Rockford’s Harley Davidison dealership this year, helping staff collect canned and other non-perishable food donations. Photos are encouraged. Kids will receive gift bags from Santa.
Dates: Dec. 2, 16
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free; Non-perishable food donation appreciated
Kids Spot
What: Santa will be at Kids Spot in Roscoe, for Cookies & Cocoa, as kids play, decorate Christmas cookies and drink hot chocolate. Photos are welcome.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 16
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Address: 9461 N. 2nd St., Roscoe
Cost: $35 per child ($25 for additional child), $60 for family of four ($5 for additional parent)
Riverview Inn & Suites (Cliffbreakers)
What: Join Riverview Inn & Suites for this year's Santa’s Brunch that includes pancakes, ham, French toast, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, dessert and more. There will also be craft stations, photo opportunities and entertainment.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 10
Times: 10 a.m. to noon; noon to 2 p.m.
Address: 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Cost: $32.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids (ages 4-10)
Machine Shed
What: The Machine Shed’s Kid’s Night with Santa allows kids to meet Santa, take photos and eat for half price all day.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 12
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Address: 7478 Walton St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Freeport Public Library
What: Santa will make a stop at Freeport Public Library on Dec. 7 for a special storytelling session that includes some of St. Nick’s favorites. Photos are welcome.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and general news for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here are 9 places to catch Santa Claus in the Rockford area this year
