Stroll Your Way
Plan the Perfect Stroll on State Experience
Stroll on State is the Midwest’s must-see holiday festival, bringing the magic of the season to the heart of Rockford. From dazzling lights and live music to festive food, skating, wagon rides and the iconic tree lighting, the event is filled with traditions that families, couples and friends return to year after year. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve created tailored itineraries so you can enjoy Stroll your way, whether you’re seeking a cozy date night, a fun outing with friends or a joyful family adventure.
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Morning Kickoff – Dasher Dash at Noon
Start your Stroll on State adventure early with the Dasher Dash 5K, which begins at noon. Cheer on runners and walkers as they race through downtown Rockford, or join in for a fun, family-friendly event that sets the tone for an exciting holiday day ahead.Afternoon Kickoff – Parade Magic at 2 PM
Start your Stroll on State adventure by finding a good spot for the Stroll Parade sponsored by IBEW with Parade Balloons sponsored by Hard Rock Rockford. Bundle up with cocoa and snacks so little ones stay cozy while enjoying floats, music, and holiday characters.
After the Parade – Letters to Santa, Santa Photo & Downtown Fun
Begin your afternoon on the east side of the river by stopping at City Hall to write and drop off Letters to Santa sponsored by FurstStaffing. Then visit the Santa photo area for a festive family picture before exploring local downtown shops and holiday vendors. While you’re on the east side, take a Horse & Wagon ride sponsored by Amazon for a classic Stroll experience before the rides close for the evening. Be sure to stop by a Stroll bars sponsored by LaMonica Beverages serving hot chocolate in specialty cups sponsored by Pearson., perfect for keeping warm as you walk.
Late Afternoon – Holiday Markets, Snow Much Fun, Skating & a Warm Break
Explore the Two Holiday Markets, each featuring local retail and food vendors. The east side market is sponsored by Chicago Rockford International Airport and American Landline, and the west side market is sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and the Rockford IceHogs Community Fund. After shopping, head to the Snow Much Fun Lot outside The District Bar and Grill, where the Rockford Park District offers run, jump, and play activities for all ages. Try the blow-up street hockey rink provided by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation for even more excitement. Take a break from strolling and lace up some ice skates at the BMO Center, an activity put on by the Rockford Park District. Afterward, head indoors to Movieland West sponsored by Xfinity to warm up and relax with family-friendly holiday movies.
Early Evening – Dinner & Tree Lighting at 6 PM
Enjoy a stress-free family meal downtown with pizza, casual dining or food trucks that offer quick and kid-friendly options. Then make your way to the City Tree sponsored by Northwest Illinois Building Trades early to find a kid-friendly viewing spot for the Tree Lighting at 6 PM and Drone Show sponsored by Local 23.
Late Evening – Horse & Wagon Rides & Holiday Lights
After the tree lighting, take one more Horse & Wagon ride sponsored by Amazon to see the twinkling lights from a cozy seat, or enjoy a relaxed walk through Downtown Rockford’s holiday displays. Stop at one of the many photo ops to capture lasting memories and pick up a warm drink from a Stroll bar serving hot chocolate before heading to your fireworks viewing spot.
Evening Finale – Fireworks at 8:30 PM
End the night together with the dazzling fireworks show sponsored by Pierce Distribution. Choose a viewing spot that gives kids room to see and parents an easy path to exit when the evening winds down.
Getting Around – RMTD Shuttles
The easiest way to get to and from Stroll on State is by riding the RMTD Shuttles. Park at one of the designated lots and hop aboard for a quick, convenient, and free ride downtown. Shuttles run continuously throughout the event, making it easy to enjoy every part of Stroll without worrying about parking or traffic.
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Afternoon Kickoff – Parade Magic at 2 PM
Kick off your day by enjoying the Stroll on State parade sponsored by IBEW, filled with floats, performers, and holiday balloons sponsored by Hard Rock Rockford. Bundle up with cocoa or a warm drink in hand as you take in the festive energy.
After the Parade – Shopping, Skating & Stroll Bars
Explore the vendors inside the State Street Pavilion at Holiday Market East and along Wyman Street for Holiday Market West sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and the Rockford IceHogs Community Fund. The east side market is sponsored by Chicago Rockford International Airport and American Landline. Then browse downtown shops to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday and pick up a few special holiday finds. Before the evening crowd builds, take a romantic spin around the ice skating rink at the BMO Center, put on by the Rockford Park District—the perfect chance to laugh, glide, and make memories together. Keep warm with a hot chocolate or an adult beverage from a Stroll bar sponsored by LaMonica Beverages, served in specialty cups sponsored by Pearson, as you stroll through the downtown glow.
Early Evening – Food, Drinks & Tree Lighting at 6 PM
Grab a bite from downtown food trucks featuring tacos, smashburgers, or hot sandwiches. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or an adult beverage from a Stroll bar sponsored by LaMonica Beverages, served in specialty cups sponsored by Pearson. Then find your spot to watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony of the City Tree sponsored by Northwest Illinois Building Trades, one of the most magical moments of the night.
After the Lighting – Drone Show & Fire + Ice
Look up for the dazzling Drone Show sponsored by Local 23 as choreographed lights fill the night sky. Then make your way to Fire & Ice sponsored by OSF, an immersive display of flames and sculpted ice that adds warmth and excitement to your Stroll.
Late Evening – Horse & Wagon Rides
Slow things down with a Horse & Wagon ride sponsored by Amazon, the perfect way to take in the lights and enjoy a quiet, romantic moment together before the fireworks.
Dinner & Drinks – Downtown Flavor
Wind down with dinner at one of Rockford’s downtown restaurants or breweries. Savor seasonal dishes and festive cocktails while enjoying time together in the glow of downtown’s holiday lights.
Evening Finale – Fireworks at 8:30 PM
Close out your Stroll on State experience with the spectacular fireworks finale sponsored by Pierce Distribution. Snuggle up together as the night sky explodes with color, creating the perfect ending to your holiday evening.
Getting Around – RMTD Shuttles
The easiest way to get to and from Stroll on State is by riding the RMTD Shuttles. Park at one of the designated lots and hop aboard for a quick, convenient, and free ride downtown. Shuttles run continuously throughout the event, making it easy to enjoy every part of Stroll without worrying about parking or traffic.
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Morning Kickoff – Dasher Dash at Noon
Start your Stroll on State experience early with the Dasher Dash 5K, which begins at noon. Join hundreds of runners and walkers for this fun and festive race through downtown Rockford, a perfect way to kick off the day’s celebrations and earn that post-run hot chocolate.Afternoon Kickoff – Parade Magic at 2 PM
Kick off your day by enjoying the Stroll on State parade sponsored by IBEW. Watch festive floats and performers roll by and don’t miss the giant holiday balloons sponsored by Hard Rock Rockford.
After the Parade – Skating & Shopping
Check out the decorated Jeeps car show hosted by Screw City Jeeps as they roll in the holidays with music and excitement. Then head to the ice rink at the BMO Center for some laughs and friendly competition on the ice. Once you’ve warmed up, explore the Two Holiday Markets featuring local retail and food vendors — the east side market sponsored by Chicago Rockford International Airport and American Landline and the west side market sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and the Rockford IceHogs Community Fund. Continue your afternoon by supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday, browsing downtown boutiques, specialty shops, and holiday vendors for one-of-a-kind finds.
Early Evening – Food & Tree Lighting at 6 PM
Grab a bite from downtown food trucks such as tacos, smashburgers or hot sandwiches as you walk. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the Stroll bars now serving hot chocolate, or enjoy an adult beverage from a Stroll bar sponsored by LaMonica Beverages, served in specialty cups sponsored by Pearson. Then find your spot to watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony of the City Tree sponsored by Northwestern Illinois Building Trades, one of the most magical moments of the night.
After the Lighting – Drone Show, Fire + Ice & Fun
Enjoy the dazzling Drone Show sponsored by Local 23 as it lights up the Rockford sky. Then settle in for the Fire + Ice performance, an energetic highlight perfect for groups. Afterward, keep the fun going with an activity like axe throwing at Big Timber for some friendly competition.
Dinner & Drinks – Night Out Downtown
Gather for dinner at a local brewery or downtown restaurant. Many spots offer shareable plates, seasonal brews, and festive cocktails—ideal for a lively night with friends.
Evening Finale – Fireworks at 8:30 PM
Wrap up your Stroll with the spectacular fireworks finale sponsored by Pierce Distribution. Toast the night with your friends as the sky lights up, creating a perfect holiday memory together.
Getting Around – RMTD Shuttles
The easiest way to get to and from Stroll on State is by riding the RMTD Shuttles. Park at one of the designated lots and hop aboard for a quick, convenient, and free ride downtown. Shuttles run continuously throughout the event, making it easy to enjoy every part of Stroll without worrying about parking or traffic.
Make this holiday season unforgettable. Plan your Stroll and book your Rockford getaway today.
