This weekend in the Rockford area features several family-fun activities, including The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs or the Rockford IceHogs.

You can also get into the holiday spirit with an official holiday tree lighting, holiday markets and more.

Here are 17 things to do in the area.

Light Up the Parks Holiday Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting

What: People of all ages in the City of Loves Park and the Village of Machesney Park come together to celebrate the upcoming holidays. The event features two tree Christmas tree lightings and fireworks set to Christmas music before the parade begins. Visit The Vintage Goose for hot beverages and pastries at any time near the Loves Park Festival Grounds.

When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19

Where: Starts at 1354 Clifford Ave., Loves Park

For more: 815-633-3999

Holiday Tree Lighting

What: Enjoy holiday carols performed by the Boylan and Rockford Lutheran High School Choirs while awaiting the countdown for the Edgebrook Tree to be lit for the first time this season.

When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17

Where: Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-398-8957

STEAK Club Guest Bartending

What: Join Support to Elevate Area Kids (STEAK) Club as they raise money to provide Christmas for Rockford area families in need.

When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16

Where: Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford

For more: 815-871-2374

Rockford IceHogs

What: The IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $16-$29

For more: 815-968-5222

Red Carpet Wine Tasting

What: Indulge in a night of exquisite wines and good company. There will be knowledgeable representatives who will guide you through the tasting and share insights. There will be a photo opportunity wall and palate cleansers throughout. The event will be closed to the public. Put on your finest attire and get ready to walk the red carpet as you enjoy an evening of elegance and sophistication.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17

Where: After the Vine, 181 W. Hawick St., Rockton

Cost: $40; tickets available on eventbrite.com

For more: 815-957-0505

Annual Customer Appreciation Champagne Party

What: The night will feature live music by Chris Lewis and magical entertainment with Zack Percell of TnZ Magic. Complimentary served hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be allowed.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-332-7125

Beethoven’s Fifth

What: This concert explores resilience through music and the message of hope. Opening with “Coplandish” overture by composer Anthony DiLorenzo, Anthem of Hope was written during the pandemic. Next will be a concerto for cello, Never Give Up, by the Turkish composer, Fazil Say. While written in response to terror attacks in Turkey, the work ends with a very hopeful and peaceful message. The concert will close with Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, a piece that symbolizes hope probably more than any in the repertoire.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

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

Cost: $26-$66; $15 for students; $10 for children

For more: rockfordsymphony.com

Holiday Open House at SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop

What: Shop with local, small businesses Ayadora Skin and Kellie Cheree Candles. Get a first look at their holiday collections and see what’s new at the shop. Tasty treat and snack pop up by Streusel and Sage. Gift with purchase bags for the first 10 customer purchases of the day. Shop local and support woman run small businesses at the same time.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

Where: SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop, 330 E. State St., Rockford

For more: Holiday Open House at SRM Prints Studio on Facebook

Sixth Annual Holiday Blitz Craft & Vendor Show

What: The annual event has expended their craft show to a two-day event with more than 60 crafters.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19

Where: Stateline Sports Center, 7939 Burden Road, Machesney Park

Cost: $1 admission fee

For more: 815-312-5143

In the Outdoors Nature Programs

What: Rockford Park District's Atwood Center invites all ages to experience In the Outdoors, a series of in-person activities held rain or shine, year-round. Bring the entire family for a few hours of fun experiencing and learning about nature and aspects of the park through the variety of two-hour outdoor programs. Advance registrations are highly recommended for each of the Outdoors sessions.

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

Where: Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-966-8747

Jodi Beach Trio: Timeless Music from the Great American Songbook

What: Jodi Beach and her trio return to perform virtuosic renditions of music from the great American songbook. There will be packaged snacks and bottled soft drinks will be available.

When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 (Doors open at 2 p.m.)

Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission, but musicians are paid by audience donations, so a $10 donation is suggested

For more: 815-979-1949

Hometown Heroes: Rockford’s Veterans

What: Learn stories of our local heroes. Students from the Harlem Veteran's Project will share professionally developed documentaries of Rockford's veterans and their families. Meet several local heroes and talk with the students telling their stories. Admission to hometown heroes films/lecture includes entrance to Main Museum Center exhibits.

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: $9; $8 for seniors; $7 for children; free for members, veterans and active-duty military

For more: 815-397-9112

8th Annual Fall’iday Bazaar

What: Handmade crafters and unique vendors will have items to purchase.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19

Where: Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Way, Machesney Park

Cost: Free admission

For more: 779-302-1462

Kirby Fellis Quartet

What: This jazz quartet features the distinctive voice of the trombone.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19

Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford

Cost: $15; $6 for students; $12 in advance

For more: 815-964-9713

Rep & Roll

What: Rep & Roll is a community development effort with two main goals: to increase awareness of existing affinity groups active in the Rockford region and to grow roller skating culture in the Rockford region. Rep & Roll gives brands, businesses and organizations a platform to demonstrate how to engage with their products and/or services.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19

Where: Rockford SkateCo, 3209 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $25

For more: eightfifteencapital@gmail.com

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

What: The fairy tale comes to life in dance and staging by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. The ballet is about love, friendship, witchcraft and the eternal struggle between good and evil. A unique production, a fantastic plot (bright acting images, virtuoso solo parts, comical dwarfs, funny little animals), famous characters, and dynamic music will give adults and children a festive mood.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19 (doors open at 2 p.m.)

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

Cost: $49 to $89

For more: coronadopac.org

Female Energy Ice-y Market Rockford Holiday Family Fun

What: This market shines a spotlight on women-owned businesses. Explore a diverse range of products and services that will be available for purchase and trade throughout the day. Discover and shop from a curated selection of women-owned vendors. Some vendors will be open to trading with attendees and other vendors.

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19

Where: The Lynex, 7358 N. Cherryvale Mall Drive, Rockford

For more: The Lynex on Facebook

Coming next week:

Second Annual Gatsby’s Black Dress Party

What: Step back in time and indulge in the glamour of the roaring '20s. Come for a night of glitz and glamour. Dress to impress in your finest black attire and prepare for an evening of dancing and indulgence. We’ll recreate the magic of Jay Gatsby's parties. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the music curated by Artista, Freedom Bennett and Rick Monsta. Sip on classic cocktails while mingling with fellow partygoers. Free champagne to the first 100 guests.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22

Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: $20

For more: The Second Annual Gatsby's Black Dress Party

Kids Adventure Day

What: Enjoy an action-packed day of learning and exploring by taking a history hike with metal detectors, practice fire starting, roast s’mores and end with games including the tomahawk toss. This event is best suited for ages seven and older. Parent supervision is optional, but required for children younger than seven. Please bring a sack lunch. Dress for the weather, as we will be enjoying the outdoors throughout the day.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: $13

For more: natureattheconfluence.com

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Light Up the Parks Holiday Parade among 17 things to do in Rockford