5 New Things Coming to One of Illinois’ Favorite Holiday Kick-Off Events

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than it already is, Stroll On State announces some new surprises for Rockford's 2023 holiday kick-off event!

Who's Ready For the Holiday Season to Begin?

Some folks might not like what I am about to say, but I'm chomping at the bit for the holiday season to begin! Sure, I love dressing up for Halloween, and Thanksgiving is cool, but nothing can compare to the joy I feel when my home is aglow with Christmas lights and decorations that I get enjoy with my family.

In just a few short weeks I will begin putting up Christmas trees in my home, (don't judge me negatively, I have 6!), but to me, the real kick-off to the holiday season in Rockford, Illinois is Stroll On State.

New Attractions Coming to Rockford's 2023 Stroll On State

Earlier this week a press conference was held to share some new, exciting things that will be happening at the 2023 Stroll On State on Saturday, November 25. Here's the rundown of what's new from 13 WREX;

• Fake snow throughout event footprint
• A new entrance for the event from the West Side, lighting Winnebago and West State Street
• Ugly sweater t-shirt for the Dasher Dash 5K
• New Rockford-themed parade balloon to be revealed at the event
• Brand new photo opportunities like an igloo and the North Pole

Okay, all those new things sound awesome, but I need to know more about this fake snow, don't you?!?

Rumor has it there will be 4 different snow-blowing stations, (it's hypoallergenic fake snow), set up throughout the Stoll On State festival grounds and, there will even be a snowglobe in the form of a big igloo near Veteran's Memorial Hall!

Now that we know when Stroll On State is and what the new things we need to check out are, the only question left is, how can we help prepare for the big event?

Stroll On State's Santa's Workshop volunteers have been hard at work preparing for this year's celebration since mid-September, but there are still plenty of ways you can help. You can sign up to work at one of the Santa's Workshop dates, here, OR, you can help decorate downtown Rockford the week before Stroll...

If you haven't done it yet, mark Saturday, November 25 busy on your calendar so we can all go strollin' together in Downtown Rockford! Can't wait to see y'all soon!