Christmas cheer was everywhere at the 41st Annual Rockton Christmas Walk
Christmas music played outside the Rockton Village Hall, setting the scene for the 41st annual Rockton Christmas Walk from Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Gingerbread characters and a Nutcracker greeted visitors as they arrived.
The Friends of Talcott Free Library's book sale offered the best in book and DVD finds.
On Friday night, young ones played in the snow as sounds of the season filled Settlers Park. The talented Willowbrook Middle School choir sang traditional and upbeat Christmas carols under the direction of music teacher Haley Gotzsche.
On the count of ten, Rockton Village President John Peterson turned on the tree and lighted displays created by local businesses, and brightened the park.
Spirits abounded at an Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl, where eight lucky winners’ names were drawn.
Businesses throughout the village were open and ready to welcome and serve visitors all weekend.
Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos returned to the Rockton American Legion on Friday evening.
Saturday morning began with a positive vibe at the Rockton Lions “Breakfast with Santa” where Santa made his first appearance of the day. All donations from the breakfast will be used to support local families through Wimpy's Fund.
Various locations offered bake sales and original or handmade items.
Rockton United Methodist Church provided a warming station and chili.
On Saturday afternoon, Santa greeted young visitors in the Rockton Village Hall, where he listened to Christmas wishes.
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Brenda Brugger's office served as a festive spot to write letters to Santa.
Horse-drawn carriage rides offered a scenic way to enjoy the beauty of the season.
The River City Sound Chorus Sweet Adelines entertained guests with sentimental storytelling and song, while the Rockford Barbershop chorus and Christmas carolers added extra cheer.
Saturday featured performances by the Whitman Post Choir, under the direction of Ms. Ballard, and the Hope Church choir, who shared their talents with the singing of Christmas tunes.
Beginning in 1987, the late Katie Cronin oversaw the decorating of the Village Green Park with a strong volunteer base through the Our Town Committee.
This year all of the Cronin siblings, several grandkids, and one great-granddaughter—who recently turned one—gathered to honor Katie's memory with the reading of a dedication poem and lighting of Katie's Tree. Katie's son, Kevin, shared background on her history.
Today, the Rockton Public Works has taken over decorating duties. The Cronin family continues the tradition of providing luminaries to add extra light in the community throughout the holiday season.
Original, unique keepsakes at this year’s Christmas Walk included make-and-take papier-mâché fish ornaments at Jill Rae Finally Art, and 3D-printed ornaments at Buckets N Blooms.
The voices of Winters & Company spread seasonal cheer in Taylor and Max.
The store also offered permanent jewelry and special ornaments made by members of the 4H Clover Buds.
Spectators lined the streets in anticipation of the 2025 Lighted Parade, which illuminated Rockton's Main Street. Youth groups, organizations, stunning horses, and eye-catching, detailed floats with plenty of lights filled the parade route.
This year's Grand Marshal sponsor was Benchmark Exteriors.
As always, the Wimpy's Fund Auction was held at the Rockton American Legion, featuring both live and online bidding, with Mark Henderson serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
Hot cocoa lovers sampled original cocoa recipes in a commemorative mug and voted on their favorite flavor.
The Gem Shop and Diamond Source hosted a Winter Princess Meet and Greet, with princess-themed music playing as aspiring princesses of all ages captured memories through photos or a visit with the princess.
Lighthouse Therapy hosted “A Moment with Sensitive Santa” in partnership with Taylor and Max.
Guests at “Christmas at Macktown” learned about time-honored traditions and more on Sunday afternoon.
A horse-drawn wagon transported everyone from the front gate to different sites on the grounds. Demonstrations included a climbing bear, lace-making, creating cones to be hung on a tree, and stringing cranberries, popcorn, and dried fruits. Guests also enjoyed cookies and hot apple cider.
The “Historic Homes for the Holidays” tour featured four homes, each holding its own unique history.
The Weiser home at 316 N. Blackhawk, was built in 1903 and was once known as The Phelps House. The home’s notable details include graceful oak arches and an open spindle staircase. Other features in the home include five leaded-glass bay windows—some with window seats—oak flooring, moldings, and a deacon’s bench.
The Hansmeier home sits at 428 N. Cottage Street. It was built by the Clover brothers in 1847 with locally sourced limestone.
Built by a lawyer in 1892, the Victorian home at 417 W. Chapel is owned by the Meichtry family. The home's original location was off of Main Street. The town then needed a fire station and the house was moved to its current location in 1977. Because of the move, a modern foundation was added, which would have otherwise been limestone.
The Wagoner home at 703 Green Street holds a rich history. It is a solid red brick home which was first built as a spec house in 1855. The second owners later deeded the land to the Central Illinois and Wisconsin Railway Company for the train station that was built at the end of Green Street. The property once included five barns and operated as a chicken farm and orchard in 1957. The home has had several owners in its time.
Refreshments were provided by from Wicked Sweets by Kate, LLC—winner of the 2025 Hot Cocoa Crawl—with additional treats and wine samples from After the Vine.
Rockton Fire Protection District and La Croute Bakery received honorable mentions for their cocoa flavors.
Special thanks and credit goes to a team of business owners and volunteers, Village of Rockton Community Promotions Coordinator Monique Weaver, the Rockton Police Department, students from the National Jr. Honor Society, and all of the event's generous sponsors who brought the 2025 Rockton Christmas Walk to life.
