Stroll On State Events & Attractions
Stroll on State 2024 Timeline
12 p.m. - Dasher Dash
2 p.m. - Parade Kick-Off
2 p.m. - Stroll Opens
3 p.m. - Music Starts on Both Stages
3 p.m. - Photos with Santa Starts
5:45 p.m. - Tree Lighting Program
6:15 p.m. – Tree Lighting Countdown!
6:15 p.m. - Drone Show
8:30 p.m. - Fireworks
9 p.m. - Event Closes
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. Mercyhealth is 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 will feature music and other entertainment throughout the day. Including Rockford's own Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts after the tree lighting!
Drone Show
Immediately following the tree lighting turn your attention back to the main stage for a drone show featuring a variety of Holiday and Rockford images. Special thanks to Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 23 for this new attraction!
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
Santa is bringing a piece of his North Pole home to Stroll on State with the perfect photo op with the man himself! Special thanks to Gemini Solar for helping bring a traditional experience back to Stroll!
Horse & Wagon Rides
Horse & Wagon Rides, sponsored by Amazon, will pickup and drop-off in the Iconic Energy lot on E. State and Water Street. (formerly Rockford Register Star). The ride will cross both Chestnut Street bridge and the State St, bridge to get a look at the full event!
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 & Ice
This is a must-see event 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 Sculpting
Randy Finch will be sculpting live throughout the day at Eddie Green Park at State & 1st! Watch the magic as he turns blocks of ice into beautiful designs!
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 and the Rockford IceHogs.
Snow Much Fun
Run, jump and play with the Rockford Park District in the lot outside of The District Bar and Grill. 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
Check out our two music stages at Wyman & Elm and State & Madison for Stroll's best live music lineup yet! Link here.
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 inside of Veteran's Memorial Hall. 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. 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.
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. S'mores stations are run by Comprehensive Community Solutions, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois & Scouting America Troop 32 and Troop 432 with a portion of the proceeds going directly to them!
Hot Chocolate Express
Warm up with a classic Hot Chocolate also located in two convenient locations. Hot Chocolate Express is run by 815 After Hours Rotary and Rockford Marlins Swim Club and a portion of the proceeds go directly to them!
Adult Beverages + Merch
Sip, shop, and support local causes! Stroll on State’s adult beverage stations, proudly sponsored by LaMonica Beverages with cups provided by Pearson Plumbing, are the perfect place to grab a festive drink. This year’s drinks include a variety of beers, warm wine and a featured drink, a Peppermint White Russian. In addition, bars will sell the coveted Stroll on State stocking cap, gloves and limited other merch items. Plus, each drink purchase supports great local groups like the Junior League, Rockford Cosmo Club, LaOnda, and Noah's Ark Animal Shelter.
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!
Live Printing
Check out live t-shirt printing at Stroll on State and get a unique keepsake featuring our community’s creativity! This year’s designs come straight from our T-Shirt Design Contest—see the winning artwork and snag your favorite. Curious to learn more or want to participate next time? Visit our contest page!
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, Field Fastner & I3.
