The RACVB Has A Big List of ‘Merry and Bright’ Events

The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB) wants you to know there are lots of great events and activities in the Rockford area this entire holiday season.

Of course, it all gets started this Saturday with the 6th Annual Stroll on State. But that's just the beginning of a list of cool things that takes us all the way to February 3rd.

Here's the rundown, courtesy of the RACVB:

Stroll on State - Downtown Rockford (Nov. 24) - Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, returns for a sixth year to get the community in the holiday spirit. This event is Rockford's kick-off to the holiday season with a parade, tree lighting ceremony, horse & wagon rides and more.

34th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk - Downtown Rockton (Nov. 30 - Dec. 2) - This celebration of the holidays includes visits with Santa, caroling in the park and the Lighted Christmas Parade.

Winnebago Buy Local - A Local Holiday Market - Rockford University (Dec. 1) - Enjoy this one-of-a-kind shopping market filled entirely with local businesses.

9th Annual Tour de Frost - The Vitamin Shoppe start and end (Dec. 1) - Folks gather for this winter group bike ride around Rockford with stops at The Olympic Tavern and Rockford Bicycle Company.

The Nutcracker - Coronado Performing Arts Center (Dec. 1 - 2) - Rockford Dance Company performs this holiday classic ballet with music performed by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

J.R. Sullivan's Hometown Holiday - Nordlof Center (Dec. 7 - 9) - This 23rd annual production features holiday music and comedy, all designed for the Rockford community.

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Starlight Theatre (Dec. 7 - 15) - The perfect musical adventure for all ages features your favorite Peanuts characters (shows take place on Fridays and Saturdays).

Festival of Lights - Sinnissippi Park (Dec. 7 - 31) - Over 50 light displays by local businesses and organizations are available for viewing and visits from Santa on the weekends.

Countdown to Fun! - Discovery Center Museum (Dec. 31) - Design a party hat, create a noisemaker and get showered with confetti during a countdown to midnight on each hour.

New Year Around the World - Burpee Museum (Dec. 31) - Engage in crafts and activities that celebrate cultures from around the world and join parades around the museum each hour as a different country rings in the new year.

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition - Sinnissippi Park (Jan. 16 - 19) - Snow sculpting teams from around the state compete for the right to represent Illinois in the 2020 U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. The snow sculptures will be available for the public to view while weather permits.

Rockton Yeti Fest - Downtown Rockton (Jan. 31 - Feb. 3) - Enjoy snow sculpting, yeti hunting, ice skating, fort building and dog sled mushing in Rockton as well as eating and shopping in all the local businesses.