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.
