Film festival, tree lighting, Christmas walk and more: 25 things to do in Rockford

Whether you enjoy Santa or Krampus, there’s something for you to get into the holiday spirit during the first weekend of December.

There are also plenty of holiday markets and the return of a Rockford film festival.

Here are 25 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend.

815horts

What: Built to amplify the Rockford region’s creative and filmmaking community, the second annual 815HORTS film festival celebrates the fine art of cinematography by showcasing local, regional and national short films. A portion of proceeds benefit the RPL Library Foundation. Rockford native Bing Liu will be a featured guest for the festival.

When: 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: The RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $10-$15

For more:815HORTS.com

More:Peabody winning filmmaker Bing Liu to return to Rockford later this year

Rockton Christmas Walk

What: The Rockton Christmas Walk is a holiday tradition for thousands of area residents. Area businesses offer unique and exclusive events, shopping experiences and holiday festivities. Three highlights: the lighted displays at 6 p.m. Friday at Settlers Park, the parade on Main Street at 6 p.m. Saturday and the Hot Cocoa Crawl from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Village Hall.

When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and noon to7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

Where: Downtown Rockton

For more: 815-624-0935

Holiday Tree Lighting

What: Activities include a bonfire and s’more making, unlimited hot cocoa (bring your own mug), Luminary Nature Walk, holiday crafts, family photo opportunities and tree lighting at 5 p.m., with a caroling performance afterward.

When: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: Free

For more: natureattheconfluence.com

Illuminated

What: Illuminated is Anderson Gardens’ wintertime lights experience featuring dramatic up-lighting and thousands of white string lights woven throughout the landscape and canopy of the Garden. Made-to-order Woodfire Pizza and a rotating food truck onsite every night. Hot chocolate will also be available for purchase.

When: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 30

Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $8-$13

For more: 815-229-9390

Wreath Making Workshop

What: Learn the art of wreath making from Lori Eickhoff of London Avenue Designs. All materials provided. All proceeds from this event will go towards Christmas Hope to help provide toys to kids in need.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30

Where: City First Church, 2490 N. Mulford Road, Rockford

Cost: $85

For more: 815-877-8000

Anthony Padilla – Piano

What: Professor of piano and chamber music at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., Padilla has received public and critical acclaim for his performances of enormous freshness, vitality and poetry.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1

Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford

Cost: $25, $21 in advance; $6 for students

For more: 815-964-9713

Lucia Concert

What: The traditional all Swedish St. Lucia concert will bring the holiday spirit with traditional Swedish songs and candlelit processional.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1

Where: First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford

Cost: Free, but goodwill donations encouraged to keep the tradition going

For more: 815-963-5559

Second Annual Krampusnacht Procession

What: Krampus costumes and all other holiday folklore welcome for this event. You will meet at Maze Books and march west on State Street, possibly stopping through local businesses on the way, to Madison Street, then north to 317 Market St. to end at 317 Art Collaborative just in time for the members only art opening and Holiday Market. All ages are welcome. Bring cowbells and other noisemakers encouraged.

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1

Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford

For more: 815-272-041

Fifth Annual Members at Large Group Show

What: View the work of our 317 Members at Large and support 317 Art Collaborative. Members have first access to artists calls and a chance to show their work in our gallery for a minimum of one show per year.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 opening. Runs through the end of the month

Where: 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: 815-272-0411

Concerts on the Creek: Second City Holiday Concert

What: The area’s premier mixed chorus is back for their annual holiday concert. The men and women of the 2nd City Chorus come from all walks of life — teachers, engineers, sales reps, pilots, mechanics, counselors, doctors, nurses and retirees. Attendance is limited to 150.

When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 (doors open at 2 p.m.)

Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Free but goodwill donations encouraged to pay the musicians and defray church’s hosting costs; $10 suggested donation

For more: 815-979-1949

Science Saturday: Bird Bonanza

What: Prepare to spread your wings of knowledge and soar into a feathered frenzy at Bird Bonanza. Uncover extraordinary bird adaptations that have made birds true masters of the sky. You’ll even create a personalized bird feeder to take home.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-335-2915

Greek Luncheon, Bake Sale and Christmas Bazaar

What: Greek Bake Sale and Bazaar includes Pastitsio, salad, bread, dessert and beverage.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: STS Constantine and Helen, 108 N. Fifth St., Rockford

For more: 815-963-8625

Pet Photos with Santa

What: Have your pet take a photo with Santa to benefit PAWS Humane Society in Rockford. A pet’s humans are welcome to be in the photo, too. This is a great time to get Holiday card photos.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Village Green North Main, 2640 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $10 for digital photos

For more: 815-877-9559

Second Annual Holiday Festival and Market

What: There will be festive holiday and Christmas music by Trinadora in the coffee bar.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: 815-986-0628

Ghosts of Christmas Past

What: This program will start in the barn. Kathi Kresol will present stories from the darker side of the holiday season. Tinker’s Samantha Hochman will share the history of this location along with ghostly encounters experienced by staff and visitors. Guests will be allowed to tour the house and see the most haunted rooms. The house will be decorated for the Holidays in true Victorian fashion.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage & Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford

Cost: $25; must be purchased in advance through the website or by calling Kathi

For more: 815-871-4239

Holiday High Tea and Wreath Making Workshop

What: Chelsea Demos, owner and lead designer at Flower Girls, will teach guests how to make a holiday-inspired wreath. Using seasonal accents and fresh greenery, guests will learn how to put together this classic element in holiday home decor. After the workshop, Tracey Vukalovich, tea expert and owner of Vintage Goose Cafe, will guide guests through a holiday high tea. Experience the beauty of slowing down, enjoy a warm cup of tea and catch up with friends, sipping out of vintage tea sets and nibbling on handmade holiday treats. All materials for the wreath making workshop and guided high tea will be provided.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Rockford City Market, 116 Market St., Rockford

Cost: $70

Julmarknad

What: The Swedish Historical Society hosts annual Julmarknad. Shop with vendors of all kinds: Swedish woodworking, textile and embroidery items, Scandinavian clothing and gifts, Swedish bakery, handmade crafts and more. MorMor’s Attic will feature unique Swedish holiday items and antiques. A pancake breakfast with Swedish pancakes, lingonberries and sausages from Stockholm Inn will be served all day.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Shepherd’s Gate Gym, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission; $10 for breakfast per person

For more: 815-963-5559

Farm Fresh Citrus Truckload Sale

What: Hand-picked and tree-ripened from our Indian River Groves. Indian River Direct will be carrying freshly harvested Seedless Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruits, Orri Super Sweets Tangerines and Georgia Elliott Pecans. There are no purchase limits and no pre-ordering; everybody is welcome. Cash, checks, Apple pay and all major credit cards will be accepted.

When: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford

For more:indianriverdirect.com

Put the Spooky Back into Christmas

What: Put the Spooky Back into Christmas with an event focused on the spooky traditions of the holiday. This event will feature authors, artists, artisans and surprises. There will also be gift baskets available at both the Haunted Rockford and Tinker Swiss Cottage tables that will include goodies for fans of Spooky stuff.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum, 211 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: Put the Spooky Back into Christmas on Facebook

The Nutcracker

What: Come for a holiday classic presented in partnership with the Rockford Dance Company and featuring professional lead dancers from the region’s top ballet companies.

When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 (doors open at 2 p.m.)

Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $22-$52

For more: rockfordsymphony.com

Winter on the Farm

What: This family fun is free for all and includes admission to the event and Sarver’s Children’s Farm, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, scavenger hunts with riddles and live music. Paid activities include Holiday Horse or Cow photos, lighted wagon rides, crafting ornaments, evergreen bucket crafting, hot chocolate, s’mores and food trucks.

When: 1 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16

Where: Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Sarver Children’s Farm, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission, with some paid activities

For more: lockwoodpark.com

Kreepmas with Krampus

What: To celebrate Krampus, Wolf Hollow is hosting 11 local vendors in the shoppe and newly renovated rear space.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Wolf Hollow, 3800 E. State St., Suite 103, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: 779-256-2972

A Night at the North Pole

What: This December, come for a holiday show performed live at the West Side Show Room by students from Rockford University’s Performing Arts program. There will be songs and silliness— and even a visit from the WSSR Yeti.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9; 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: contact@wssr.org

Three Ravens Pottery Open House

What: Come for a day of studio tours, live demonstrations, food/drink/music, pottery sales, and celebration in the pottery’s new location. Try the wheel out for yourself while you’re here.

When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Three Ravens Pottery, 1009 Fifth Ave., Rockford

For more: 312-343-3336

Brunch with Santa

What: Santa is making an appearance at Thunder Bay Grille’s Sunday Brunch. You are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 3 (regular brunch is until 2 p.m.)

Where: Thunder Bay Grille, 7652 Potawatomi Trail, Rockford

Cost: $25; $12 for age 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger

For more: 815-397-4800

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

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