11-19-2021 11:01am

37th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk: Schedule and Events

Michael McGinnis Editor

Santa and horses at Rockton Christmas Walk, 2012

Organizers of the 37th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk describe it mathematically: "Downtown Rockton, IL + a Hallmark Christmas movie + all the lights, hot cocoa, caroling, carriage rides, Santa! and general holiday cheer you could want = Rockton Christmas Walk."

More about the Rockton Christmas Walk:

37th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk: Schedule and Events

Sunday at the Rockton Christmas Walk

It's the Rockton Christmas Walk and all is merry and bright

Christmas at Whitman's Store: as the early settlers might have celebrated it

Rockton Christmas Walk 4th Annual Hot Cocoa Crawl: live again and tasty as always

How to put your Christmas greeting in Rockton-Roscoe News

A Christmas Carol: Live at the Rockton Christmas Walk

A Christmas Carol in pictures

Opening night of Rockton Christmas Walk featured music for everyone, from rollicking piano duos to “Rocky Mountain High” folk songs

Saturday at the Rockton Christmas Walk

In pictures: the Lighted Displays at Rockton Christmas Walk

The Rockton Lighted Parade in pictures
Hot Cocoa Crawl ends in a tasty tie

Lighted Displays: Friday, Dec. 3, Settlers Park, 5:00 p.m.

Stroll the paths at Settlers Park to enjoy lighted displays created by our local businesses and organizations. Originally devised as a pandemic replacement for the Lighted Parade, it proved so popular that it came back this year. The displays will remain lit each evenings from Dec. 3 through Jan. 6.

Lighted Parade: Saturday, Dec. 4, Main Street, 6:00 p.m.

The most beautiful part of Christmas Walk, the lighted parade returns to Main Street! The parade begins at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street (near the American Legion Hall) and continues east along Main Street, concluding at Hononegah High School. It usually lasts 45-60 minutes. Parade entries are expected from the Stenstrom Companies, Rockton-Roscoe News, Anytime Fitness, Apex General Contracting, Complete Mechanical Solutions, Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, My Design Elements, Erica's Board Creations, First National Bank, Bach Insurance, Loves Park Motorsports, Marys Market, Old Stone Preschool, Positive Changes Chiropractic, Massie Heating and Air Conditioning, Stateline Mass Transit District, Sugar Britches, Stateline STEM for Kids, and others.

Hot Cocoa Crawl: Sunday, Dec. 5, Village Hall, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Back in its original form! Sold out, but each ticket gets you a commemorative mug and cute spoon that nests in the handle along with cocoa samples at nine participating downtown businesses this year: After the Vine, Dairyhaus, DeeDee's Main St. Coffee & Decor, Mary's Market at Erica's Board Creations, The Mix, Rockton Inn, the Rockton Mobil, and Sugar Britches.

Schedule

All weekend - Christmas Photo Setting
Bring the family down early to Rockton Garden Works, across Blackhawk Blvd. from Settlers Park, for a picturesque Christmas photo in front of the store. Capture this year's holiday cheer for years to come. Afterwards, stroll inside the store among the festivities and check out our special weekend sales.

Rockton Garden Works, 130 S. Blackhawk Blvd.

All weekend - Rockton Lions Wimpy's Fund Auction

Join the Rockton Lions Club in their biggest Wimpy’s Fund fundraiser all year. All proceeds go to purchasing Christmas dinners and presents for area families in need. Read the full Wimpy’s Fund history.

Online beginning Nov. 23, in person at the American Center, 221 W. Main St. after the parade

Online – View baskets here.

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Friday Events – Dec. 3:

5:00 p.m. - Lighted Displays

Thanks to local businesses and organizations for stepping up and helping create local holiday cheer by decorating displays at Settlers Park. Walk the path to see festive lighted creations. The displays will remain lit evenings through Jan. 6.

Settlers Park, 150 E. Hawick St.

5:00-7:00 p.m. - Wine Tasting Event with Southern Glazer's
The public is welcome to join After The Vine as they host a representative from Southern Glazer’s for a special wine tasting event featuring several wines from their portfolio, including the very popular Gemma Di Luna Moscato.

After the Vine, 163 Hawick St.

5:00-7:00 p.m. - Put Your Christmas Greeting in the News
Have your Christmas greeting published in Rockton-Roscoe News. It might even get mentioned by an emcee during the Lighted Parade!

Settlers Park, 150 E. Hawick St.

7:00 p.m. - A Christmas Carol

Live musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic story, with music by eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken. The beloved show was produced at Madison Square Garden 10 years in a row. Presented by CYT Chicago (Rockford Area), so it's appropriate for the entire family and an excellent way to introduce children to the arts!

Tickets: $15 online (coupon code: CYTChristmas), $17 at the door.

Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St.

7:00 p.m. to close - Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl

The easiest pub crawl you’ll ever participate in. Grab your friends, grab your family, put on those ugly Christmas sweaters, and bop around downtown Rockton for the ugliest fun all year.

Downtown Rockton

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Dueling Pianos

It’s officially not Grandma’s Christmas Walk anymore. We’re bringing in Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos to entertain us with some dueling piano fun. A cash bar will be available for those who need a little liquid encouragement to sing along in public in an ugly sweater. So attendees can participate in the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl afterwards, the show will finish by 9:00 p.m. Proceeds will help fund updates for the Village Green Park holiday decorations.

Tickets: $25, required for entry. Purchase tickets here.

American Center, 221 W. Main St. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - A John Denver Christmas Concert

The Old Stone Church is hosting a live concert of John Denver music featuring many of his holiday classics and other favorites, performed by Bob Wang. The lineup of songs will include Aspenglow, Christmas for Cowboys, a Baby Just Like You, Annie's Song, Take Me Home Country Roads, Thank God I'm a Country Boy, and many more. Guaranteed to warm your hearts. The concert will begin around 7:30, but please feel free to join us around 7:00 to take a look at baskets from area vendors available for raffle. There will be an intermission with light refreshments served. There is no fee for the concert, but a free will offering is appreciated. Wang has presented Denver's music at Christmastime for years in Wisconsin and Illinois.

The Old Stone Church Sanctuary, 101 E. Union St.

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Saturday Events – Dec. 4:

7:00-11:00 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast with Santa

The Rockton Lions Club annual pancake breakfast with special guest – Santa!

Cost: $5

American Center, 221 W. Main St.

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Craft and Bake Sale

Holiday crafts galore and baked goods for sale until they run out.

Rockton United Methodist Church, 102 W. Chapel St.

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. -Sugar River Adventures Shuttle

Need a ride to and from your parking space? Michael from Sugar River Adventures is here with his shuttle to get you to and from your parking spot! Call or text 815-629-2020, and he'll pick you up in the Sugar River Adventures shuttle.

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. -Board Make & Takes

Christmas Walk Weekend has always been a favorite of ours and we are so excited to have you back in the shop to paint with us. We have boards already sanded and stain, ready to paint, prices ranging from $10-$25. This is a walk-in event, there is no ticket or reservation required. Stop by and take a break from the shopping.

Erica’s Board Creations, 122 S. Prairie St.

11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Christmas at Whitman's

Step back in time to the 1800s with a visit to the Macktown Living History Center. The store will be open for viewing and holiday gift buying from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. Don’t miss the ornament-making activity from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Come dusk, the path from the visitors center to the Whitman’s Trading Post will be lit, and at 7:00 p.m. visitors can gather around a bonfire with caroling, hot cocoa and cookies.

Macktown Living History Center, 2221 Freeport Rd.

11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Food Trucks on Main Street

Cantina Taco and The Olive Branch will be providing tasty things.

Downtown Rockton

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - River City Sound Chorus Sweet Adelines

The River City Sound Chorus Sweet Adelines will be serenading us with holiday tunes at Settlers Park. Listeners are welcome to bring a lawn chair to sit back, relax and enjoy the entire performance in comfort. A limited amount of benches and picnic table seating will also be available, or just enjoy as you wait for Santa and your horse carriage rides.

Settlers Park, 150 E. Hawick St.

10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Put Your Christmas Greeting in the News
Have your Christmas greeting published in Rockton-Roscoe News. It might even get mentioned by an emcee during the Lighted Parade!

Village Hall, 110 E. Main St.

11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Make 'n Takes

Make this holiday memorable with “Coco the Christmas Penguin”! All materials included to paint your very own 4½" ceramic penguin. Walk-ins welcome.

Cost: $8

Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Take it Then Make it Kits

Make this holiday memorable with take home kits that include all materials needed for you and yours to create a lovely holiday keepsake like ornaments, paintings, gnomes, and snow globes and create a new family tradition.

Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.

12:00-4:00 p.m. - Letters to Santa

Stop by Edward Jones Financial Advisor – Brenda Brugger’s office to write those letters to Santa while you wait for carriage rides. Brenda’s office is warm and cozy, and she has the official Santa’s mailbox right out front of her door so you won’t forget to mail that letter. The mailbox will stay up through Dec. 24, so don’t hesitate to drop off your letters if you want to make sure Santa gets those wishlists.

Edward Jones – Brenda Brugger, 167 Hawick Street

12:00-4:00 p.m. - Pictures with Santa

Free photos with Santa Claus

Settlers Park Gazebo, 150 E. Hawick Street

12:00-4:00 p.m. - Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

The tradition continues. Horse drawn carriages will be at the Christmas walk in the afternoon. You can board your free ride at Sanctuary Spa, 175 E. Hawick Street.

Settlers Park, starting at 175 E. Hawick Street

12:00-4:00 p.m. - Ornament Making

Make an ornament at Healing Touch Acupuncture while you wait for your horse and carriage ride.

Healing Touch Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, 179 Hawick St.

1:00-3:00 p.m. - Hot Chocolate Spoons

Adult and kid-friendly - Stop by the Mix to make hot chocolate stir spoons.

The Mix, 151 Hawick Street

1:00-3:00 p.m. - Wimpy's Fund Holiday Donation Drop Off

Join Positive Changes Chiropractic in spreading cheer this holiday season! Drop off new toys, clothes, blankets, or a monetary donation for boys and girls of all ages as Wimpy’s Fund prepares to bring full holiday joy to area families again this year.

Positive Changes Chiropractic, 202 W. Main St.

2:00 p.m. - A Christmas Carol

Tickets: $15 online (coupon code: CYTChristmas), $17 at the door.

Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St.

3:00-5:00 p.m. - Lighting of the Park with S'more-the-Size-of-Your-Fist-Roasting

Starting at 3:00 p.m., Sugar Britches will have a s’mores roasting station, then the South Beloit Middle School choir will be treating us to some carols at 4:00 p.m. This festive location will then turn nice and bright with the official lighting of the park at 5:00 p.m.

Village Green Park, 100 E. Chapel St.

6:00 p.m. - Lighted Christmas Parade

The long-awaited return of the Lighted Parade down Main Street! The parade begins at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street (near the American Legion Hall) and continues east along Main Street, concluding at Hononegah High School.

Downtown Rockton

7:00 p.m. - A Christmas Carol

Tickets: $15 online (coupon code: CYTChristmas), $17 at the door.

Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St.

Ongoing and after the parade - Rockton Lions Wimpy's Fund Auction

Online beginning Nov. 23, in person at the American Center, 221 W. Main St. after the parade

Online – View baskets here.

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Sunday Events – Dec. 5:

9:00 – 11:00 a.m. - Painting with Santa

SOLD OUT. Join Erica’s Board Creations for their very first character event with Characters 2 Life & Stateline Kids. They will have pictures with Santa, face painting by Santa’s elf, balloon animals, & board painting for child and parent. This will sell out fast so make sure to grab your tickets. Sign up here.

Price: $35.00

Erica’s Board Creations, 122 S. Prairie St.

11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. - Take it Then Make it Kits

Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.

12:00– 4:00 p.m. - Board Make & Takes

Christmas Walk Weekend has always been a favorite of ours and we are SO excited to have you back in the shop to paint with us! We have boards already sanded and stain, ready to paint, prices ranging from $10-$25. This is a walk-in event, there is no ticket or reservation required. Stop by and take a break from the shopping!

Erica’s Board Creations, 122 S. Prairie St.

1:00 -3:00 p.m. - Hot Cocoa Crawl

Family-friendly. This event returns to in-person in downtown Rockton this year. Each ticket entitles you to a commemorative mug and sample pours of hot chocolate at 8+ different locations all within walking distance.

Price: $12 (sold out)

Village Hall, 110 E. Main St.

1:00 -4:00 p.m. - Put Your Christmas Greeting in the News
Have your Christmas greeting published in Rockton-Roscoe News.

Village Hall, 110 E. Main St.

1:00-3:00 p.m. - Wimpy's Fund Holiday Donation Drop Off
Join Positive Changes Chiropractic in spreading cheer this holiday season! Drop off new toys, clothes, blankets, or a monetary donation for boys and girls of all ages as Wimpy’s Fund prepares to bring full holiday joy to area families again this year.

Positive Changes Chiropractic, 202 W. Main St.

2:00-4:00 p.m. - Holiday Piglet

SOLD OUT. It's time to go "hog wild" for the holidays with this adorable piglet made of polymer clay. You will be guided step by step in the construction. All materials are included. Pick up your finished piece a few days after the class as it needs to be baked to set. Registration in advance is required.

Cost: $35 Ages 16+

Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.

2:00 p.m. - A Christmas Carol

Tickets: $15 online (coupon code: CYTChristmas), $17 at the door.

Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St.

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2021 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Design Elements We are a full service flooring store. We offer top of line manufacturers and services both residential and commercial work. We also offer full bathroom remodels from standard to complete custom tiled bathrooms. We are fully insured. Call today for a free estimate: 815-378-6174.

Erica’s Board Creations At Erica’s Board Creations, we pride ourselves in helping people create a beautiful, custom board by sanding, staining, and painting a unique piece of art all on your own. We hope that the experience we help cultivate whether in our shop, at a home party, or a special event becomes part of your special memories. Creating alongside your friends and family is what we encourage and hope for the most at Erica’s Board Creations.

Stenstrom Companies A family of companies built on family traditions of pride and dedication to the job. Providing quality with an experienced and professional staff, the Stenstrom family of companies includes:
- Stenstrom Construction Group
- Stenstrom Excavation & Blacktop Group
- Stenstrom Petroleum Service Group
- Stenstrom Real Estate Development Group
Candy Cane Sponsors

After the Vine Wine Boutique A delightful experience for anyone whether you want to expand your palette with a wine flight, share a bottle with friends in a relaxed atmosphere, or buy a great gift for the wine lover in your life.

Bucciferro Family McDonald’s Family built owned and community focused since 2008. We are a family owned company. We love our communities and the people we serve. We are proud to be your favorite local restaurant. The best team in the world is at the ready to make sure you have a spectacular experience and meal!

Dairyhäus Homemade Ice Cream from Our Family to Yours. One Little Shoppe, with One Big Heart. Curbside and carryout as well as find us in your local Woodmans and Schnucks grocery stores.

Gary J. Bach Agency A longtime supporter of the Rockton Christmas Walk, the Gary J. Bach Agency has 50 years of combined insurance experience and is ready to be your insurance professional!

Every individual and family has their own specific insurance needs. It is our job to take your needs and put them into customized insurance quotes that offer competitive premiums and competitive or superior products. We strive to do so while still providing professional and friendly service.

Kelley’s Market – Rockton Mobil Kelley’s Market by Kelley Williamson is continuously growing to service the needs of our customers; adding new products, services and technology to the ever-changing convenience market. We place great emphasis on building relationships with our customers and providing them with the products and services to meet their needs.

Positive Changes Chiropractic At Positive Changes Chiropractic, we’re here to support the health of you and your entire family. From newborn babies to great-grandparents, everyone can benefit from chiropractic. When you begin care with us, Dr. Andrena may use any of the techniques in her tool kit. With our methods, we can address your needs from head to toe.

Sugar Britches A destination for families, couples, teenagers, foodies, both local and visitors alike. I wanted to be part of the happiness people feel when they rediscover a piece of their childhood. We have over 200 jars of bulk candy, 10 drawers of saltwater taffy and a generous offering of your favorite nostalgic candies.
Mistletoe Sponsors

Edward Jones: Financial Advisor – Brenda Brugger - My husband, Tim, and I have lived in the South Beloit area since 2005. We have four children: John, Kari Jo, Daniel and Matt. We are extremely blessed to be the grandparents of Aliyah, Elliana, Jacob and Harvey. My Branch Office Administrator, Brenda Joy, and I are excited to work and contribute to such a wonderful firm. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service possible.

Rockton Sanctuary Spa Rejuvenate, Purify, and Transform with Sanctuary Spa. Our mission is to give positive experiences through our services and personal interaction. Sanctuary Spa is a safe haven for anyone who needs to escape the stresses of daily life.