6 Rockford Area Places To Enjoy The Lights, Sights, and Sounds of Christmas This Weekend

After all the eating and early morning shopping, here are great FREE events to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.

Festival of Lights Nov 25 - Dec 25 at Sinnissippi Park

Enjoy 50+ holiday light displays and hand deliver letters to Santa every weekend night. (5pm-10pm *All night on Christmas Eve)

Stroll on State Nov 26 in Downtown Rockford

Come see Santa at Santaland and The Polar Express, enjoy ice skating, live entertainment from Olivia Dvorak and more, spot Santa in the parade, and witness the magical tree lighting ceremony of the official City Christmas tree at 6:15pm.

Holiday Homecoming in Downtown St. Charles - Friday, November 25, 2016

This weekend-long event features seasonal music, carolers, FREE Horse-drawn sleigh rides, FREE holiday movies at the Arcada Theatre, Santa's house and the Electric Christmas Parade.

24th Annual Grand Lighted Holiday Parade - Downtown Beloit Friday, November 25, 2016 (5:00pm - 8:00pm)

Live music, free hot chocolate, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and decorative floats and more. Santa will arrive at 6:00 pm and begin the tree lighting which will be followed by the parade at 6:15 pm. Visits and photos with Santa will take place at the Turtle Creek Bookstore, 444 E. Grand Ave., at 7:00 pm.

Festival of Lights Parade in Crystal Lake - Friday, November 25, 2016

Holiday lights, music, pageantry, and a little holiday magic!

The Festival of Lights Parade is a great start to the holiday season, including a visit from Santa Claus!

Oregon Candelight Walk in Oregon - Saturday, November 26, 2016 (4pm - 8pm)

Enjoy food, fun and festivities for the whole family with FREE winter-themed activities and games for children ages 3 to 10 in the basement of the Oregon Coliseum on the corner or Fourth and Franklin streets. Santa will arrive for the tree-lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. on the square and at the Coliseum throughout the night. Shop local vendors at the Holiday Gift Fair in the Coliseum, and more.

Did is there an event this weekend we should know about? Let us know in a comment!