Let's play a little game...What do all five of these things have in common with Rockford, Illinois?

Disney On Ice, Madagascar The Musical, Paw Patrol Live, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Peppa the Pig Live via Facebook, Canva
Disney On Ice, Madagascar The Musical, Paw Patrol Live, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Peppa the Pig Live via Facebook, Canva
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Yes, they are all characters kids in Rockford LOVE.

Yes, they are all a part of live shows touring the United States soon.

Yes, all FIVE of these live shows are coming to Rockford, Illinois in 2022/2023!

Flip the Switch on Your Kids' Holiday Wish Lists

Every parent with young kids hits a point where they scream, NO MORE STUFF!  For me, that point is RIGHT NOW. My daughters are 9 and 6 , so  I've tolerated the mess of toys all over my house for long enough. We're running out of room and I'm officially running out of patience.

Why am I telling you all this you ask? Is it because I'm switching to horrible mama mode and throwing all their unused toys away? Not exactly, but I am making very specific suggestions when it comes to what family members should buy my girls for Christmas this year, and I think you might want to do the same.

Give Kids an Experience Not Another Toy This Holiday Season

Young kids may not enjoy receiving anything other than toys at Christmas, BUT if you pair a small toy featuring their favorite character WITH tickets to see that character live and in person, you should have a major win/win on your hands.

5 LIve Shows for Kids Coming to Rockford, Illinois in 2022/2023

I need to extend my huge appreciation to Stateline Kids for providing the inspiration for my no-more-toys-for-Christmas mission; a list of 5 awesome live shows that are coming to Rockford over the next year!

While the first show on this list may be coming to Rockford BEFORE Christmas and is just over a week away, I think the other 4 will make awesome gifts for your kids this holiday season:

1. Peppa Pig Live! Peppa's Big Adventure at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on November 4, 2022. Get tickets now, here.

2. Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero at BMO Center January 12, 2023 through January 16, 2023.  Get tickets now, here.

3. Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE Glow Party at BMO Center March 3, 2023 through March 5, 2023. Get tickets now, here.

4. Madagascar The Musical at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on April 13, 2023. Get tickets now, here.

5. Paw Patrol Live - Heroes Unite at the Coronado Performing Arts Center on May 16 and 17, 2023. Get tickets now, here.

LOOK: The top holiday toys from the year you were born

With the holiday spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into the history of iconic holiday gifts. Using national toy archives and data curated by The Strong from 1920 to today, Stacker searched for products that caught hold of the public zeitgeist through novelty, innovation, kitsch, quirk, or simply great timing, and then rocketed to success.

LOOK: Oldest Disneyland Rides From 1955 to Today

Stacker, set out to compile a definitive list of every Disneyland attraction you can enjoy today and ranked them by their age. Using real-time data from Touring Plans, Disney archives, and historical news releases and reviews, our list starts with exciting recent park additions and stretches back to the oldest opening-day classics. This list focuses on the original Disneyland Park, so you will not see any rides from its neighboring California Adventure located just across the promenade. Read on to discover the oldest Disneyland rides you can still ride today.

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