If you’re looking for a new place to plan a holiday vacation this year, you may want to consider a destination that often goes under the radar. Rockford, Illinois, doesn’t typically land on the top of many family travel lists for a holiday vacation getaway, but with everything the city has in store for the coming season, maybe it should.
On Nov. 29, the streets of downtown Rockford transform into a holiday paradise with a festive parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday market, fireworks and more to get families in the holiday spirit.
While this event, known as Stroll the Street, is only a one-day occasion, the holiday decorations will remain throughout the season, and holiday events will continue to provide opportunities for family fun for the rest of the year. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual holiday concert, Holiday Pops, Dec. 20, with more than 200 performers playing holiday favorites to set the mood for the season.
You’ll find light shows across the city, most free, and all of which offer great family photo ops. Free light shows and displays include All Aglow at Nicholas Conservatory, the drive-through light displays at Festival of Lights (found at Sinnissippi Park), and the Christmas Walk of Life at the Landscape Connection. Anderson Gardens, a beautiful collection of Japanese gardens, features a lightshow both tranquil and festive, and you can walk through for $14 for adults and $12 for kids.
From celebrations and light shows to the sounds of the season, Rockford’s holiday vibe is just what families need to celebrate the season.
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