From holiday lights and Stroll on State to Chevy Chase: 10 things to do in Rockford area

Ken DeCoster, Rockford Register Star
·3 min read

ROCKFORD — Thanksgiving weekend is filled with a variety of events and activities for the whole family.

There’s everything from Stroll on State and holiday light displays to ice hockey and public skating.

IceHogs

What: The Rockford IceHogs host the Milwaukee Admirals

When: 5 p.m. Friday

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

For ticket prices and more: https://icehogs.com/

Frosty Fridays Public Skate Sessions

What: Gather family or friends for some Friday night fun and healthy exercise.

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday nights through April 28, 2023

Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Rockford

Cost: $8 per person, including skate rental.

For more: https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate

Turkey Twist Yoga

What: Come do the Turkey Twist with local, certified yoga instructor Amanda Stivers. This yoga practice will be full of twists and some tea, to help digest that delicious Thanksgiving meal. All levels of yoga practice are welcome and encouraged to attend.

When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday

Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford

Cost: $12 for members, $15 for general admission.

For more: https://www.seversondells.com/

Opt Outside Hike

What: Join Rocktown Adventures and Severson Dells Nature Center for a morning wander in the woods and celebrate the 7th anniversary of Opt Outside. This event is an alternative to the shopping frenzy of Black Friday, and the only thing you’ll be consuming is the beauty of nature and good conversation with your fellow hikers.

When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday

Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission but registration is required.

For more: https://www.seversondells.com/

Festival of Lights

What: Drive through Sinnissippi Park and enjoy dozens of holiday light displays. Festival of Lights has been a Stateline family tradition since 1989.

When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and continuing through December.

Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission. Donations are appreciated.

For more: http://www.4thandlights.com/

Stroll on State

What: The tenth annual kickoff to the holiday season in downtown Rockford. The family friendly event features a parade, fireworks, a tree lighting, musical performances and surprise visits from Santa Claus.

When: 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Downtown Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/

Dasher Dash 5k

What: Dasher Dash 5K is a holiday themed run/walk in downtown Rockford. The event is part of the festivities of Stroll on State.

When: 12 p.m. Saturday

Where: Beattie Park, near 100 Park Ave., Rockford

Cost: $40 per participant. $25 for children 12 and under.

For more: https://www.gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/dash/

Gospel Concert featuring Trinadora Duo

What: The concert will feature some of glorious music that has anchored the Christian faith tradition for the past 300 years, as well as original compositions and songs for the Christmas season.

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Freedom Through The Word Church, 2115 S. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission. A goodwill offering for the musicians would be appreciated.

For more: https://fttwchurch.org/

All Aglow Holiday Display

What: Celebrate the holidays at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Come see sparkling holiday lights in the outdoor gardens.

When: Lights will be on from dusk until dawn beginning Saturday through Jan. 8.

Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission. Donations will be accepted.

For more: https://nicholasconservatory.com/all-aglow

Chevy Chase Live

What: Join legendary comedian Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni, following a screening of the 1989 classic movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Chevy and Jayni will discuss behind-the-scenes stories of the film and will take questions from the audience. A limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include great seats and a post-movie photo op with Chevy Chase.

When: 5 p.m. Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m.

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

For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/events/chevy-chase-live

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: From Stroll on State to Chevy Chase: 10 things to do in Rockford area