Rockford Other Christmas Activities 2026

Families meet a real-bearded Santa and friendly elves on a professionally designed holiday set. Visitors take holiday photos to capture seasonal memories. Well-behaved, leashed pets can also join for photos during designated pet-friendly sessions.

Visitors celebrate the season with a fireworks display accompanied by Christmas music, followed by a festive parade filled with decorative floats distributing candy. The event kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony and concludes at the Town Center with the...

The Belvidere Chamber brings the community together in Downtown Belvidere for the Hometown Christmas Celebration. The gathering offers a variety of seasonal activities designed for the entire family to enjoy.

Visitors can ring in the holiday season with a diverse schedule of activities throughout downtown Janesville. The weekend features a lighted parade, fireworks, a tree lighting ceremony, and ice skating. Guests can also enjoy live theater, kids' activities, family entertainment,...

Visitors can experience a holiday parade, a drone show, and the lighting of the Town Square. Activities throughout the event include train rides, visits and photo opportunities with Santa, free hot cocoa, and browsing vendors at the Kris Kringle Market....

Visitors can watch ice being transformed with chainsaws into glistening sculptures, enjoy fire twirlers, and take horse-drawn carriage rides. Fires are set up on the Square to keep warm and roast hot dogs or marshmallows for s'mores. The festivities also...

Visitors embark on a train ride through the winter countryside accompanied by Santa Claus, an animated light show, holiday songs, cookies, and hot chocolate. On the museum grounds, guests can meet Mrs. Claus in a heated tent, view campus light...

Visitors wander at their own pace across the two main floors of the historic Italianate mansion, which is filled with more than 100 uniquely decorated, sparkling trees and seasonal light displays. Guests can pick up a cocktail or beverage from...

Visitors gather in downtown Elkhorn to hear local youth choirs perform Christmas carols on the square. Santa and his helpers make an entrance via a horse-drawn carriage to help kick off the holiday season. Guests can then head over to...

Visitors can wander through a festive display of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The exhibit honors American heritage and holiday traditions with creative, patriotic-themed tree designs. Guests can view the decorated trees throughout the historic Opera House.

Participants pick up an official play card and search for ornamental pickles hidden inside local shops and businesses throughout Woodstock. Hunters who find the required number of pickles submit their completed cards to earn a holiday craft ornament and an...

This planetarium show explores potential astronomical explanations and modern misconceptions regarding the biblical Star of Bethlehem, examining possibilities such as exploding stars or comets. The presentation begins with a live segment covering current night sky highlights and visual tours of...

Huntley Cemetery partners with the Huntley American Legion Post 673 and The Rotary Club of Huntley to hold a National Remembrance Ceremony. The nationwide gathering honors local veterans in Huntley Cemetery and St. Mary Cemetery by placing a fresh wreath...

Visitors can explore a decorated venue while classic holiday music plays over the sound system. Santa is on hand for visits and photos, and seasonal beverages are available for purchase for the whole family. Guests are welcome in either festive...

Visitors gather for a festive twist on traditional bingo where standard numbers are swapped for beloved holiday tunes. Guests can test their seasonal music knowledge, sing along, and engage in friendly competition. Outside snacks are welcome to enjoy during the...

Spectators gather along Main Street to watch dazzling, creative holiday entries from local businesses and organizations. Outside the Municipal Building, an emcee announces each procession entry from a reviewing stand and shares descriptions. Visitors can also watch the festivities from...

Community members gather to flip the switch and illuminate downtown St. Charles with dazzling holiday lights. Guests can listen to festive carols performed by local high school choirs and enjoy complimentary treat samples. Attendees can also visit Santa's Cottage to...

The celebration begins with the Festival of Lights Parade stepping off from Grant Community High School and concluding at Millenium Park. Following the parade, guests can gather for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and choral performances by the Grant Community...

Old Town Algonquin transforms into a holiday celebration featuring a ceremonial tree lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances across multiple stages while browsing handcrafted gifts and treats from artisan vendors...

Guests can explore a collection of gingerbread house creations crafted by competitors across various age groups. Displayed along the resort's upper level in the Brissago Foyer, the walk welcomes all visitors to admire the entries in person. Attendees also have...

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with lights, music, and community festivities. The seasonal event also includes a tree lighting.

Visitors embark on a self-guided tour of five homes decorated for the season by local designers and green-scape experts using items from local shops. Guests drive to each home to gather ideas and inspiration for their own holiday decor. Admission...

Visitors can explore a winter wonderland set throughout the community center featuring pictures with Santa, children's crafts, and a gingerbread house contest. The event also offers trolley rides, a balloon artist, and a local vendor market. Festivities conclude outdoors with...

Visitors can meet Santa to share their wish lists and take family photos in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Held as part of the Village’s Holiday Festival, the decorated open house also offers cookies, refreshments, and activities for all...

Board the train for a journey to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his friends before traveling back to Geneva for a meal. Following lunch or dinner, children have the opportunity to share their wish lists, sit on...

Visitors attend the Winter Wonderland performance at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. The production is presented live on stage and broadcast through the venue's BFAC On Air platform. On-site attendees have access to concessions under the venue's orange limited food...

Guests can take to the ski slopes to hit the mountain runs alongside Santa Claus. Santa also makes an appearance to visit participants in the resort's Snowcubs Children's Program.

Former Barrington High School choir director Nancie Tobison hosts this seasonal gathering alongside returning alumni and musical friends. Attendees listen to live performances of holiday classics and hear personal stories shared by the performers.

Join local therapist Cara Stronsky, founder of Rising Sunlight Counseling, for a workshop focused on managing holiday stress and emotional pressures. Participants explore practical techniques for coping with overwhelm and setting healthy boundaries. The session provides actionable guidance on staying...

Holidazzle transformed Downtown Beloit into a festive wonderland, with businesses illuminating the streets for a dazzling evening of celebration. This award-winning event brought a special holiday sparkle to the heart of the city.

Experience the enchanting 'Holiday Charm' in Mt. Morris, where the village comes alive with festive cheer. Miles of twinkling lights illuminate the campus and bandshell, creating a magical atmosphere. Discover delightful drive-by light displays throughout town, and don't miss the...

Experience the charm of Elkhorn's 45th Annual Christmas Card Town Parade on December 5th, 2026. This beloved downtown event kicks off at 1:30 PM, welcoming Santa Claus to town. Families and local groups create festive floats, bringing holiday cheer to...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Woodstock Christmas Parade. This cherished tradition features dazzling floats and decorated vehicles, bringing festive spirit to life. Following the parade, join in for a special meet-and-greet with Santa, complete with...

Janesville's Christmas in the Village event turns the town into a holiday spectacle. The celebration offers a unique atmosphere and community spirit.

Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown DeKalb with a charming collection of free events. Visitors can enjoy the festive 'Lights on Lincoln' display, meet Santa Claus in his special house for photos, and participate in the 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger...

Santa's Workshop in Janesville offers a glimpse into how Santa and his elves prepare for the holidays. The event brings the spirit of the North Pole to the town.

Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Janesville Gazebo for the holiday season. Children can meet Santa and take photos.

Get ready for a delightful holiday experience with Jolly Jingles, a Santa Sing-Along Celebration. This event promises a heartwarming gathering where families can come together to share in the joy of the season through music and festive cheer. It's a...

Janesville will host a New Year's Eve Celebration to welcome the upcoming year. Details on specific activities are anticipated.

Downtown Geneva sparkles with holiday cheer during the annual Christmas Walk. This cherished event kicks off the festive season with the arrival of Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, the illumination of the Great Tree, and a magical atmosphere. Stroll through...

At Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, visitors can pick up an ornament for an animal resident and learn about their Christmas wish lists. Donations are encouraged to support the animals.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a unique Flashlight Candy Cane Hike. This guided nighttime adventure takes participants along winter trails, illuminated by the glow of flashlights. It's a memorable way for families to embrace the festive spirit...