Stroll on State is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving--Small Business Saturday--and is the Rockford region's kick-off to the holiday season. The free community event in downtown Rockford features a parade, fireworks, tree lighting, musical performances, surprise visits from Santa, and so much more! Stroll on State is about experiencing the awe and wonder of what a community can do together.

Stroll On State Timeline
12 p.m. - Dasher Dash
2 p.m. - Parade Kick-Off
2 p.m. - Stroll Opens
5:45 p.m. - Tree Lighting Program
6:15 p.m. – Tree Lighting Countdown!
8:30 p.m. - Fireworks
9 p.m. - Event Closes

Events and Attractions
Stroll on State Parade
Stroll on State's Holiday Parade, sponsored by The Power Connection – IBEW 364 & NECA steps off on S. Main Street at Chestnut Street at 2 p.m. and will move north to State Street then east across the State Street Bridge, ending at 3rd Street. Parade onlookers are encouraged to find a spot along the route starting at 1 p.m. HolmstromKennedy PC and Mercyhealth each are sponsoring a holiday-themed balloon. Hard Rock Casino Rockford is rocking the parade by sponsoring the remaining balloons, including a SURPRISE new balloon built custom for the Stroll parade!

Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of the event’s most popular moments – the lighting of the city tree – will take place at 6 p.m. at the Main Stage at Main and Elm streets. This year’s City of Rockford tree is sponsored by the Northwestern Illinois Building Trades. The Main Stage, sponsored by ComEd, will feature music and other entertainment throughout the day.

Fireworks
Sky Lights Fireworks, presented by Pierce Distribution, will once again light up the skies of downtown Rockford,  They will be launched from the Jefferson Street Bridge at 8:30 p.m. Viewers will be able to see the fireworks from anywhere in the festival if they can see the Jefferson Street Bridge.

Santa
Keep your eye open for Santa Claus who will be roaming throughout the festival. You may find him at a S’mores station, taking care of his reindeer, on state at the tree lighting or grabbing a hot chocolate. Rudolph’s Reindeer Village, sponsored by Mercyhealth, is back and will be at Veterans Memorial Hall.

Horse & Wagon Rides
Horse & Wagon Rides, sponsored by Amazon will be in one location – check back for the line-up location.

Letters To Santa
During Stroll, your favorite group of elves will be back at Rockford City Hall to collect letters and give them to Santa! Sponsored by FurstStaffing, kids can write a letter to Santa, decorate the paper and mail it on-site to the North Pole.

Fire and Ice
This is a must-see event sponsored by Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 23 at the corner of State and 2nd and a second location at State and Wyman. Warm up with the Fire Pits and watch as blocks of ice dissolve into beautiful bonfires creating an enchanting display.  Towers are lit at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30!

Ice Skating at BMO Center
Take a break from strolling the grounds and lace up some ice skates at the BMO Center put on by the Rockford Park District, ASM Rockford and the Rockford IceHogs.

Snow Much Fun
Run, jump and play with the Rockford Park District in the lot outside of Veterans Memorial Hall. Packed full of family friendly activities and games for all ages. Additionally, there will be blow-up street hockey provided by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.

Live Performances
We are so excited to feature the tremendous talent of our local artists and a few others playing their favorite holiday music at this year’s Stroll on State. With many stages to choose from, you’ll have several opportunities to catch a band or two while taking in the sights and celebrating the season.  Live music will begin at 3pm and conclude at 9pm.

Blitzen'S Ball - Character Dance Party For Kids
From princesses to heroes and everything in between this dance party is hosted by Characters 2 Life and will take place Stewart Square at the corner of State and Main. The characters and music will be around throughout the event so be sure to stop by to create another set of memories. This event is sponsored by OSF Medical Center.

Indoor And Outdoor Movie Land
See the return of the fan favorite Outdoor Movie Land on State St. between Madison and 1st.  Or, if you need a great spot to warm up, check out the Indoor Movie Land in Stewart Square sponsored by Xfinity. “The Grinch” will be shown at each location.

Holiday Hot Rods Classic Car Show
Hosted by Cars & Coffee Rockford see this combination of classic and vintage cars decked out for the holidays in the parking lot behind CJ’s Bar & Grill at 115 N. Madison Street. Prizes for best in class as well as best decorated vehicles.

Food & Drink
Two Holiday Markets will host local retail and food vendors and are sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and the Rockford IceHogs Community Fund. Adult beverages are available at four locations throughout the footprint.  Exclusive Stroll on State merchandise is also available for purchase at each of the adult beverage locations.

S'Mores Station
There are three S'mores stations to purchase the delicious campfire treat throughout Stroll on State.

Hot Chocolate Express
Warm up with a classic Hot Chocolate also located in two convenient locations.

Snow Globe Photo Spot
Ever wonder what it is like to step inside of a snow globe?  Now you have a chance!  Check out the larger than life snow globe, sponsored by Comfort 1st Insulation, and step inside for a fun NEW photo op for the entire family!

Social Media
Frozen in Time Selfie Stations - Stop at any or better yet all of our Selfie Stations at Stroll on State.  Check out the map for this year’s locations and pose for your perfect shot! Make sure to use #strollonstate to share your photos! Sponsored by General Mills and Quartz.

Date: November 25, 2023

Time: 12pm - 9pm

Location:
Downtown Rockford
Main St. Rockford, IL, US 61101

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