Rockton

Rockton Christmas Walk 2022: Schedule and Events

The 38th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk is Dec. 2-4, 2022.

Michael McGinnis

Nov 19, 2022 — 11 min read

A quarter of singers on the sidewalk at Rockton Christmas Walk

Organizers of the 38th 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."

Traditional Events

Lighted Displays: Friday, Dec. 2, Settlers Park, 6:00 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 last year. The displays will remain lit each evenings from Dec. 6 through Jan. 6.

Lighted Parade: Saturday, Dec. 3, 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. Last year's parade included entries such as 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. 4, Village Hall, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

SOLD OUT! Back in its original form, each ticket gets a commemorative mug and cute spoon that nests in the handle, along with cocoa samples at participating downtown businesses. Last year there were nine: 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 - 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. During the live auction, Tony Rocker and his band will play Christmas Elvis.

In person at the American Center, 221 W. Main St. after the parade
Online – View baskets here
Or text G914 to 8889909876 to receive a link to sign up on your mobile device.

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Friday Events – Dec. 2:

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Friends of Talcott Book Sale

Stock up on gently used books, audio books, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds support Talcott Free Library.

Talcott Free Library, 101 E. Main St

2 -3 p.m. - Interview on the Street with Rockton-Roscoe News

If you want to share a favorite holiday wish, hope, or memory with our sidewalk reporter, we can put it in our online news!

DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee, 101 W. Main St.

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.

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

Grab your friends, family, and tackiest holiday garb and hit up downtown Rockton.
You do not have to complete the punch card, but each stamp will equal one entry. The more places you visit, the more chances to win.

Here's how to participate:

Start at any of the seven locations and pick up a stamp card.
Get your card stamped at each location you visit.
Leave your stamp card at your last stop.
Wait to hear back that you're a winner of one of seven prizes.

Downtown Rockton

7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Dueling Pianos

SOLD OUT - A new Christmas Walk favorite! Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos is back for friendly, musical competition that you can dance to! A cash bar will be available for those who need a little liquid encouragement to sing along in public in an ugly sweater. Event proceeds go towards the purchase of a large-scale Christmas tree for downtown Rockton. Presented by Design Elements, Inc., Hi Beautiful Bridal and the Village of Rockton.

Tickets: required for entry.

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

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Saturday Events – Dec. 3:

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

Join RUMC as they host a Christmas Walk tradition, the holiday craft sale and bake sale. Baked goods will be available until sold out.

Rockton United Methodist Church, 102 W. Chapel St.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Sparkle + Sweet Sale

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley is hosting a “gently used” holiday decor sale and WORLD FAMOUS bake sale. Everything is priced to sell!

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley, 329 School St.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Friends of Talcott Book Sale

Stock up on gently used books, audio books, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds support Talcott Free Library.

Talcott Free Library, 101 E. Main St

9 am – 4:30 pm - Dash In and Dash Out!

About Face will be selling their incredibly popular custom-made holiday lipsticks! For those who never know what to gift the special people in their lives and also hate shopping (husbands, we’re looking at you), Micki and Anna will also have gift certificates packages available – “dash in and dash out” with the perfect gift for under the tree.

About Face, 112 S. Blackhawk Blvd.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Make 'n Takes and Parade Items

Make and take gifts for Moms and Dads ($5) as well as ALL the fun, light up gear and toys for the lighted parade!

Home – in Rockton, 116 W. Main Street

12 -4:00 p.m. - Nutcracker Make 'n Takes

Make Christmas memories by painting a 5″ or 6″ wooden nutcracker – many designs to choose from!

Cost: $8 each. Walk-ins welcome.

Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.

12 -4 p.m. - Pictures with Santa

Free photos with Santa at the Village Hall! The Settlers Park gazebo will be too cold, so Santa will be up the hill to visit with children and adults alike. Our Christmas Walk Santa is a much loved, patient, and calm Santa with a soft demeanor – perfect for all children!

Village Hall, 110 E. Main 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. Generously sponsored by After the Vine Wine Bar and Rockton Sanctuary Spa.

Settlers Park, starting at 175 E. Hawick Street

12 -4 p.m. - Letters to Santa

Stop by Edward Jones Financial Advisor – Brenda Brugger’s office to write your letters to Santa and mail them off to the North Pole!

Edward Jones – Brenda Brugger, 167 Hawick Street

1 -3 p.m. - Create Hot Chocolate Stir Spoons

Children can come and make their own hot chocolate stir spoon topped with marshmallows or mints!

The Mix, 151 Hawick Street

2 -3 p.m. - Interview on the Street with Rockton-Roscoe News

If you want to share a favorite holiday wish, hope, or memory with our sidewalk reporter, we can put it in our online news!

DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee, 101 W. Main St.

3 -5 p.m. - Barbershop Quartet

The Rockford Barbershop Chorus will be on site singing to your heart’s content. Always a Christmas Walk favorite! Generously sponsored by Sugar Britches.

Settlers Park , 150 E. Hawick Street

2 - 5 p.m. - Giant S'mores Roasting Station

S’MORES AS BIG AS YOUR FIST. Available for purchase and immediate consumption at Settlers Park. Naturally, a Sugar Britches event, because of course Sugar Britches doesn’t know the meaning of “moderation” or “typical serving size.”

Settlers Park , 150 E. Hawick Street

3:00-5:00 p.m. - Lighting of Katie's Tree

Come and enjoy the lighted decorations at Village Green Park as well as a touching tribute to Katie Cronin, whose family gathers from across the country every year to light a special tree in her memory.

Village Green Park, 100 E. Chapel St.

5:00 p.m. - Lighted Displays

Settlers Park, 150 E. Hawick St.

6 p.m. - Lighted Christmas Parade

The annual 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.

Main Street, Downtown Rockton

7:30 p.m. after the parade - Tony Rocker: Christmas Elvis and Full Band

During the Wimpy’s Fund Silent Auction (see next event listing), Tony Rocker and his full band will be treating us to all the Elvis and Christmas you could ever want! No ticket required.

A limited amount of reserved seating is available for purchase. Please contact Tricia for more info.

The American Center, 221 W. Main St. immediately following the Lighted Parade conclusion.

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

In person during the Tony Rocker concert at the American Center, 221 W. Main St. after the parade
Online – View baskets here starting Nov. 23.
Or text G914 to 8889909876 to receive a link to sign up on your mobile device.

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Sunday Events – Dec. 4:

9 am – 4:30 pm - Dash In and Dash Out!

About Face, 112 S. Blackhawk Blvd.

12– 4 p.m. - Christmas Pals

Transform a bulb into your favorite animal! Classes start at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Reserve your spot at Jill Rae Finally Art for $10. Walk-ins will be welcome if there are spots available.

Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.

1 -3:30 p.m. - Hot Cocoa Crawl

SOLD OUT! Family-friendly! Take your keepsake mug with spoon to one of 5+ downtown locations within walking distance of each other to enjoy delicious hot cocoa. After you’ve finished, stop by Village Hall to vote for your favorite flavor! (Note: Each shop will offer you a small sample of hot cocoa, since drinking nine full cups in one afternoon may have side effects. But I suppose you could risk it.) Presented by First Northern Credit Union.

Price: $12 per mug

Village Hall, 110 E. Main St.

1 - 3 p.m. - River City Sound Chorus Sweet Adelines

Based out of Belvidere, the River City Sound Chorus are now the 14th place Sweet Adelines chorus IN THE WORLD, out of close to 500 choruses worldwide. The Village of Rockton is proud to host them at Village Hall!

Village Hall, 110 E. Main St.

2 -3 p.m. - Interview on the Street with Rockton-Roscoe News

If you want to share a favorite holiday wish, hope, or memory with our sidewalk reporter, we can put it in our online news!

DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee, 101 W. Main St.

3 -7 p.m. - Historic Homes for the Holidays Tour

NEW! To cap off the 38th annual Rockton Christmas Walk weekend, three homeowners are generously opening their homes to the public for tours:

Tickets $20, under 12 free.

Purchase at DeeDee's Main Street or online at Eventbrite. Start at any of the three locations during the tour hours. Refreshments will be provided at each location. Visit one or all three at your leisure!

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Sponsors

Gem Shop: The Gem Shop is a family-owned fine jewelry custom design studio that inspires elegance in everyday life. One should never have to sacrifice durability for beauty. Our philosophy is built into every piece we create & sell. The right piece of jewelry will be able to tell your story without words, while also being able to stand the test of time. We believe in creating heirlooms.

Presenting Sponsors

Dueling Pianos Presenting Sponsors

Design Elements, Inc. Full service residential and commercial remodeling company.

Hi Beautiful Bridal Every bride wants to feel special, look beautiful and maybe make their groom shed a tear or two when they walk down the aisle. That experience is so important but why should it only last one day? It should begin when you try on the gown for the first time and say to your self, “this is the one”. Come join us at Hi Beautiful and have a one of a kind experience with your family and friends. Make yourself comfortable, try on as many dresses as you’d like, in a space that feels like home.

Hot Cocoa Crawl Presenting Sponsor

First Northern Credit Union We’re a not-for-profit organization, governed by a board of unpaid volunteer members. Our members are more than just an account number — they’re part owners. All profits are returned to you, our members, not to investors. Members benefit from lower or non-existent fees, higher deposit rates, and more competitive loan rates. As a credit union, we’re driven by the “People Helping People” philosophy. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service at competitive rates. Our Loan Officers are only a phone call away if you need help. Contact us at 888-328-8677.

Candy Cane Sponsors

After the Vine – Wine Bar, Wines, Wine Tasting Not sure if you like wine or always wanted to try a new one without buying the entire bottle? Stop in and order a 5 pour flight wine tasting off our listing of wines from world wide regions and states at a price of $12.00 a flight. All wines on the tasting menu will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle to enjoy here, or select from our entire retail shelving of wines to buy and take home.

Bucciferro Family McDonald’s Family built 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 found in your local Woodmans and Schnucks grocery stores.

Gary J. Bach Agency 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 with 50 years of combined insurance experience.

Kelley’s Market Mobil We are committed to delivering all of our quality products as conveniently and expeditiously as possible. It is our continuous goal to exceed our customer’s expectations, today, tomorrow and always.

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.

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

Rockton Food & Spirits – 121 W. Main St.

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Stories from last year's Rockton Christmas Walk: