‘Tis the season to be holly and jolly! There’s no better time to enjoy all of the exciting things Downtown Rockford has to offer. From delicious treats to beautiful decorations, there are so many ways to feel the holiday spirit downtown.
Holiday Trees
Trees are a classic staple of the holidays. Who wouldn’t love to see gorgeous pine trees decked out in lights, ornaments, and other fun decorations? Luckily, Rockford has you covered with three different trees. The main tree is located at 128 S Main St. The Jingle Bell tree can be found at 119 N Main St. To see the Silver Bell Tree, head over to Eddie Green Place (1st St & E State St).
Shopping
If you still have some holiday shopping to do, you can shop ‘til you drop in downtown Rockford. Whether you’re still looking for the perfect gift, or you’re shopping for yourself, there are plenty of stores to check out. If you’re looking for décor and other home items, Urban Farmgirl has you covered. If you stop by Rockford Art Deli, you’ll find fun and trendy clothing options with a Rockford theme. For vintage apparel and items try Salvaged by Sonya, Smiley's Vintage, S'More's Vintage or Weekday Social Club. For unqiue gifts, try SRM Prints, Inifinite Soul Vibrations or Elora Home Interiors. For more information on shopping in Downtown Rockford, click here!
Elora Home Interiors
Dining
After a day of holiday festivities, you might be hungry for something to eat. Downtown Rockford has a wide variety of dining options with many different cuisines. Sisters Thai Café offers freshly made Thai and Laotian dishes. You can visit Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza for pizza, pasta, delicious desserts, and more! Fillipino brunch can be food at 27 Aluna. The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in some pastries or Crust & Crumbles has you covered! Try a variety of delicious cookies at Quixotic Bakery. See a complete collection of downtown dining options here:
27 Aluna
Bars & Nightlife
Cheers to the holiday season! There are so many fun spots to stop in Downtown Rockford for a drink. Carlyle Brewing Co. will get you in the holiday spirit with amazing decorations and delicious themed drinks. CJ’s Public House is another great option. On many weekend nights, you can enjoy live music or a DJ or try their famous ice cream shots! For a combination of upbeat music, fun drinks, and delicious food, try Disco Chicken! Find live music at The Music Box and District. Try daquiri's at Sheila's Daquiri Lounge. Closeby is Prairie Street Brewing Co. which includes a variety of events, beers and a full menu. Don’t forget about the Entertainment District! At any of these bars and other participating locations, you can ask for your drink to go. This way, you can walk around downtown with your drink so your holiday celebrations don’t have to stop.
Disco Chicken
Other Things To Do:
All Aglow: Make your way to Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens to immerse yourself into a holiday wonderland. There are over 300,000 lights that sparkle, glow, and fill the gardens with color. It’s perfect for a nice walk or for festive photo ops.
Santa Hop: This event is taking place December 14th from 6 pm- 11 pm. Many of the bars in Downtown Rockford are participating, so you can hop all night long. Put on your best ugly sweater or dress up as Santa himself and have fun while enjoying delicious drinks.
Festival of Lights: During this time of the year, Sinnissippi Park is filled with dozens of holiday displays. You can drive or walk through the park to enjoy the spectacle. It is a beloved Rockford tradition that is free to the public.
Igloo at The Top
Stay!
After all that holiday celebration, Embassy Suites is the perfect place to end your day. You can visit The Top Rooftop Bar and Lounge for delicious drinks and breathtaking views of Downtown Rockford. You can also check out their new Igloos! They can be rented out for a unique winter experience. Tower Kitchen and Bar offers great dining options. Embassy Suites provides guests with comfortable accommodations ensuring you have the perfect place to rest after a fun-filled day!
Rockford Holiday Photo Challenge
While enjoying the holidays in Rockford, you can also participate in a super fun photo challenge. You can take photos and check-in at several locations around the city. Challenge your friends to see who can win the most badges! By signing up, you can also see the awesome photos taken by other users. Sign up here.
A day spent in Downtown Rockford is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Plan your trip to experience all of the exciting things.
