Rockton Christmas Walk: 40 years of traditions and growth

Rockton Christmas Walk is steeped in tradition, plus newer ideas for future growth. This year, visitors can honor the event's rich history while taking in all there is to offer on Dec. 6, 7 and 8, 2024. A special project outlining the event's 40 year history will be revealed.

Tirelessly working behind the scenes for the past nine years is event organizer Tricia Diduch.

A full schedule of events, addresses, times, costs of specific events and a complete list of sponsors can be found on the Rockton Christmas Walk website.

In Settlers Park, a stunning Christmas tree is already awaiting the eye-catching displays that will be created by businesses and organizations at the park. Those sp0nsoring a display must sign up by Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

Rockton residents can get in the spirit by lighting up their property with luminaries being provided by the Cronin family. Pick up a luminary at Village Green Park.

The Friends of Talcott Free Library invite the community to their Holiday Used Book Sale on December 6, 7, and 9. Stop by and shop for gently used books, DVD's and miscellaneous items from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the sale also happening on Monday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, businesses will welcome shoppers wanting something to eat or drink or for searching that perfect gift.

Buckets n Blooms on N. Blackhawk is offering a 3D printed ornament with any purchase.

Find the best in baked goods and Christmas decor at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Saturday from 9 a.m until 3 p.m., off Blackhawk Blvd. southwest of downtown Rockton, before you get to Buckets n Blooms and China Palace Restaurant.

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

Tickets are already sold out for Dueling Pianos at the Rockton American Legion on Friday evening. Showtime is at 8 p.m., doors open at 7. This event is generously sponsored by the Gary J. Bach Agency and the RDM Foundation.

Join the Willowbrook Middle School choir on Friday evening as they bring sounds of the season to life at 5:30 p.m., at Settlers Park where beautiful sights will follow.

Adults are encouraged to wear their ugly sweaters to a Friday pub crawl, starting at 7 p.m. Crawling is optional.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

Start your Saturday off right by attending the Rockton Lions Breakfast with Santa where he will make his first appearance of the day. Enjoy all you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee from 7 to 11 a.m. No ticket purchase is required but free will donations will gladly be accepted.

The first ever Main Street Market will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., on Saturday. Goods will be available for purchase, under pop up tents provided by vendors.

Vendor spaces are limited and they will all be out in the elements. Prospective vendors should send an email to Tricia at diduch@rocktonvillage.com. Please include your business details, including any links to your business social media pages and/or your website. Give some kind of acknowledgment that you have read and agree to what we just said: that you'll be outside and you will provide your own set up materials.

Outdoor action continues in Settlers Park with a visit with Santa's elves on Saturday, at noon. They're not really elves, they're the miniature horses from the lighted parade: Atreyu from Kaleidoscope, Mr. from Fair Light, and Indy from Mare's Place, all from Stillman Valley who will be joined by Becca from Rocking Pony Ranch in Rockford. This action is being sponsored by First Northern Credit Union.

Santa makes his next stop in the warm and cozy environment of the Rockton Village Hall. He will hear wishes of all ages. Photos with Santa can capture these memories from noon until 4 p.m.

Express your wishes in writing with letters to Santa at Edward Jones Financial Advisor Brenda Brugger's office from noon until 4 p.m.

Experience festive splendor on horse drawn carriage rides from 12 noon - 4 p.m. boarding at Lighthouse Speech Therapy, 203 W. Main St. 

Students from Whitman Post Elementary School will brighten the day with Christmas carols at noon at Settlers Park.

The River City Sound Chorus Sweet Adelines are creating beautiful music in the Village Hall from 1-3 p.m.

Join the Cronin family in honoring Katie's memory with the reading of a dedication poem and lighting of Katie's Tree at 5 p.m.

Katie Cronin oversaw the decorating of the Village Green Park with a strong volunteer base, through the Our Town Committee in 1987.

Paint a make and take chubby bird paper mache ornament at Jill Rae Finally Art, 210 W. Main Street, on Saturday afternoon.  The cost to create a one of a kind piece is $8.

Take in beautiful scenes and spectacular floats, in the 2024 Lighted Parade. This year's Grand Marshal sponsor is Benchmark Exteriors. Rockton-Roscoe News will be in the parade too.

Following the parade is the Wimpy's Fund Auction at the Rockton American Legion. Find one of a kind pieces to bid on for special people on your list. If you're unable to attend in person, you can bid online with at Silent Auction Pro.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

Those who love hot cocoa are in luck once again. The 7th annual Hot Cocoa Crawl is back on Sunday. This year ticket holders will receive a 12 oz. hot beverage tumbler with a lid. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.

Visitors can also take part in a scavenger hunt - just follow clues in an attempt to win a prize.

Learn about Christmas at Macktown - time honored traditions and more - on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.

Visit historic sites during the Historic Homes for the Holidays tour featuring the homes organizer, Diana Wieser, along with the Martin, Meichtry and Weldon families. Take this three hour tour beginning at 4 p.m., complete with visits, refreshments and booties to wear.

Locations include 316 N.Blackhawk, 417 W. Chapel Street, 120 W. Union Street, and 101 W. Main Street, which is a second floor apartment above DeeDees Main Street Coffee and Decor. Tickets are available in person at DeeDee's or for an extra fee online at Eventbrite.