GoRockford’s Stroll on State Returns with New Holiday Magic & Family Favorites

GoRockford is excited to announce the return of Stroll on State, presented by UMB Bank, coming back to downtown Rockford on Saturday, November 29.

The free, family-friendly event, held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is estimated to welcome approximately 80,000 visitors to downtown Rockford. Stroll on State energizes local businesses, strengthens the regional economy, and marks the start of the holiday season in Rockford.

Each year, Stroll on State turns downtown Rockford into a sparkling holiday showcase, filled with lights, laughter, music, and festive surprises.

“Stroll on State is a holiday tradition that brings our residents together and brings visitors to our vibrant community,” said Kristen Paul, GoRockford Executive Vice President. “We know residents invite family members to extend their Thanksgiving travels just to attend Stroll on State together. Every year, our community shows up to make it magical, and 2025 is going to be our brightest yet.”

Stroll on State Timeline at a Glance

Sponsor Support Makes Stroll Possible

More than 70 local companies, organizations, and individuals make Stroll on State possible through sponsorships and donations. Their investment allows GoRockford to continue offering this incredible event free of charge to residents and visitors alike.

“Stroll on State is a time-honored tradition, bringing together droves of people to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones in downtown Rockford,” said Tom Budd, Market President of UMB Bank. “We believe in the power of community and shared experiences that strengthen our local pride.”

“Stroll on State is an annual highlight that shows off the best of who we are,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “It brings visitors downtown, supports our local businesses on Small Business Saturday, and fills Rockford with a joyful, welcoming spirit. More than 700,000 people have joined us to celebrate the season over the years, and this year promises even more excitement.”
 

Additional local organizations, media companies, and individuals provide invaluable support to the production of Stroll on State. A complete list is on page 7 of this release.

Volunteers Bring the Wonder to Life

Hundreds of volunteers make Stroll on State possible, from building displays to setting up lights to greeting guests on the day of the event. Their dedication is what turns Stroll from an idea into a full-scale holiday wonderland. “We’re all doing it for the same reason. We all have this joy for Rockford, this thrill to see people of Rockford happy,” said Morgan Dolphin, a 25-year-old Rockford native who began volunteering for Stroll as a teenager. “It’s all for the joy of it.”

Volunteer Workshops, sponsored by Waldom Electronics, are held Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at 310 Winnebago St. Volunteers are needed for the Downtown Decorating Days on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23, Friday, November 29 and the day of the event. Volunteers interested in bringing the magic to life can learn more at:
https://www.gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/volunteering/

New This Year for Stroll on State 2025
 

1. New Secret Rockford-Themed Balloon

Hard Rock Casino Rockford is sponsoring a brand-new secret Rockford-themed parade balloon, making its debut during the Merry & Bright Stroll on State Holiday Parade, sponsored by IBEW Local 364 & NECA. The custom-designed balloon will remain a surprise until it soars above downtown on parade day. Local businesses, organizations, and community groups are invited to join the lineup and be part of one of Rockford’s most beloved holiday traditions.

The parade begins at 2 p.m., stepping off at South Main and Chestnut Streets, moving north along Main, then east across the State Street Bridge, and ending at 3rd Street. strollonstate@gorockford.com or visit https://www.gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/parade/
 

2. New Sensory Santa Experience
   For families who benefit from a quieter environment, a Sensory Santa experience will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. inside the Rockford Public Library, hosted in partnership with West Side Children’s Therapy and Rockford Public Library. This experience provides families with a supportive, peaceful space to meet Santa and capture memories.
    
3. New Photo Ops and Décor
   Downtown Rockford will shine brighter than ever with giant lightbulbs, upgraded trees, and more sponsored by UW Health, Winnebago County, PCI Pharma Services, OSF HealthCare, ComEd and T-Fiber. Don’t miss two additional holiday trees, sponsored by Rosecrance and Great Water 360 Autocare.

We would not be able to do this without the support of Two Men and a Truck, who help with decorations, setup, and teardown.
 

4. S’mores, Spirits, and Sweet Treats
   Get cozy with four s’mores-making stations, where guests can roast marshmallows over firepits with help from on-site “s’more assistants.” S’mores kits are available at all Stroll bars (sponsored by LaMonica Beverages and Pearson Plumbing) with a credit card or via cash purchase at firepit stations. For adults, four combined beverage and hot chocolate stations will serve boozy cocoa, warm wine, and beer along with hats, gloves, and s’mores kits. This will make it a one-stop shop for beverages and merchandise, reducing wait times in line. A local non-profit runs each station.
    
5. Musical Performances to Delight Crowds
   Get ready for a new Stroll on State lineup of tremendously talented artists beginning at 3 p.m. and concluding at 9 p.m. This year’s acts will perform at two main stages: one across from the BMO Center at Wyman and Elm Streets and another at State and Madison/1^st Streets near Jimmy John’s. New this year is the high-energy dueling pianos with Anthony Jay Sanders taking the stage twice at the Silver Bell stage (by Jimmy’ Johns). 
    
6. New Outdoor Movieland Location
   A new location for Outdoor Movieland will be the Iconic Energy lot at 99 E. State St. Settle in for a seasonal favorite — the perfect place for families and friends to relax, recharge, and enjoy a classic holiday film together. Find the Indoor Movie Land, sponsored by Xfinity, at Stewart Square.

PERFORMER LINEUP (Subject to Change)

Returning Favorites and Holiday Classics

Gather for the Annual Tree Lighting

One of the most anticipated moments of Stroll on State is the lighting of the City of Rockford Tree, which will take place at 6 p.m. on the Main Stage at Main and Elm Streets. This integral piece of downtown’s holiday décor is a real tree donated from a local family and sponsored by the Northwestern Illinois Building Trades.

Stay for an Unforgettable Drone Show

Following the tree lighting, keep an eye on the skies for a holiday drone show presented by Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23, featuring Rockford-themed symbols.

Sky Lights Fireworks Illuminate the Night

The grand finale of Stroll on State returns with the Sky Lights Fireworks, presented by Pierce Distribution. At 8:30 p.m., the night sky over downtown Rockford will come alive in a spectacular burst of color and light, marking the perfect end to a day filled with holiday cheer. The fireworks will launch from the Jefferson Street Bridge and are visible if the Jefferson Street Bridge is within view. 

Fire & Ice Lights Up the Evening
Watch as frozen carved blocks of ice are overtaken with flames at the Fire & Ice installation, sponsored by OSF HealthCare. Visit Fire & Ice at two locations: State and 2nd Street and State and Wyman, and watch the spectacle at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

Santa Visits at Two Convenient Locations

Families are invited to stop by one of two festive North Pole locations, complete with decorated houses, to share their holiday wishes and take photos with Santa.  Midland States Bank sponsors Santa Visits. Families can find Santa on both the East side (2nd & State Streets) and the West side (Memorial Hall lot at Mulberry & Main Streets) between 3–8 p.m.

Start the Day with a Holiday 5K
The holiday fun kicks off with the Dasher Dash 5K, as more than 1,250 festive runners and walkers take to the streets of downtown Rockford. The race begins at 12 p.m. near Beattie Park and winds through a scenic route that crosses the Rock River and passes through the beautifully decorated downtown area. Participants are encouraged to wear their best holiday attire. Every finisher will receive a custom commemorative medal, sponsored by Field Fastener, an ugly Christmas sweater race shirt, and (for those over 21) a finisher beer, sponsored by LaMonica Beverages, or hot chocolate. Registration closes November 28; no race-day sign-ups will be available.  Registrants who want a guaranteed shirt size must register by November 2.  To register and view full details, visit https://dasherdash.com/.

Horse & Wagon Rides
Festive horse and wagon rides, sponsored by Amazon, will be in one location, on one continuous loop on the west side of the Rock River with pickup and drop off locations near the corner of Wyman and Elm Streets.

Start Shopping with Two Outdoor Holiday Markets
Shop for gifts including unique handmade items with retail vendors and grab a bite to eat with the delicious food vendors at two outdoor holiday markets. Holiday Market West is sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and Rockford IceHogs Foundation and is located at Wyman Street and the South sides of W. State St. Holiday Market East is located at Rockford City Market Pavilion.

Ice Skating and Street Hockey at BMO Center

Lace up some ice skates at the BMO Center courtesy of Rockford Park District and the BMO Center team. Additionally, there will be street hockey provided by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, along with family-friendly activities powered by the Rockford Park District in the lot outside of Veterans Memorial Hall.

Send Santa a Letter
Stop at Rockford City Hall to handwrite a letter and decorate a letter to Santa, sponsored by Furst Staffing. Children can mail them on site to the North Pole, and they will receive an answer from Santa in the mail!

Stop by Veterans Memorial Hall for Indoor Entertainment

Veterans Memorial Hall, sponsored by Sheet Metal Workers Local 219, will feature performances of “The Nutcracker” by Rockford Dance Company and will feature a toy train display on the main level.
 

Frozen in Time Selfie Stations

Take that perfect family photo at our selfie stations, sponsored by Gemini Solar. New this year, have an elf help take your picture with our elf photo stands.

Stay Warm by the Fire
Firepits throughout the Stroll on State footprint will help visitors warm up throughout the event. New this year, s’mores kits are sold at the firepits (cash only). Firepits are sponsored by the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local 11 and Fehr Graham.

Living Windows

Delight in whimsical Living Windows, hosted by Rockford Dance Company located at 221 E. State St.

Santa’s Offroad Outpost
Get ready for a festive lineup of vehicles as Block 5 (near 514 E. State Street) transforms into a merry display of holiday-decorated Jeeps at this fun car show hosted by Screw City Jeeps.

Plan Your Stroll

Visitors to Stroll on State can view all attractions and view an interactive map online.  The map is conveniently found on Stroll on State’s website, sponsored by Project First Rate, www.gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/map/.

A complete listing of events and attractions is available at www.strollonstate.com.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday

Stroll on State takes place in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, which is an annual holiday tradition that encourages people to support local shop owners. This year, to help promote local shopping, GoRockford has partnered with Tad More Tailoring for their “Ugly Christmas Sweater” event. The event promotes sustainability and upcycled fashion by displaying ugly Christmas sweaters supplied by Tad More Tailoring in the windows of several downtown businesses.  The sweaters will be left up throughout the holiday season, and visitors can vote for their favorites for a chance to win a prize basket.

Frosted Farmhouse of Rockton will host a pop-up shop located at 223 E State St., just in time for holiday shopping. The antique store sells vintage décor and collectibles. 

Parking and Transportation

Getting to Stroll on State is easy, thanks to multiple parking and transportation options. On-street and surface lot parking will be available throughout downtown as posted. Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) is once again sponsoring free shuttle service from three convenient remote parking lots. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes from 1 - 9:30 p.m., with drop-off near Third and State Streets in the heart of the festival.

Remote Parking Lots include:

• YMCA (200 Y Boulevard) Handicap-accessible paratransit buses are available at this location only.
• Crusader Community Health (1200 W. State Street)
• Bethesda Covenant Church (2101 E. State Street) - Friendly volunteers will welcome guests with hot cocoa and restroom access while you wait for your shuttle.

Supporters & Partners  

Led by GoRockford, in addition to many partners, the following entities have come together to generously support Stroll on State.

Presenting Sponsor:                                                               

• UMB Bank                                                 

Premiere Sponsors

• The Power Connection IBEW 364 & NECA
• Hard Rock Casino Rockford
• Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23