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COUNT DOWN TO CHRISTMAS IN ROCKTON

2025/12/05 18:00:00

AWAY

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WALK  

Celebrate 3 timeless traditions that define the season – be part of the magic this year!

  • Settlers Park Christmas Tree Lighting

    Friday, Dec. 5th

    Settlers Park, 5:30 pm

    An evening of timeless holiday tradition awaits. At 5:30 pm, carolers will fill the air with song, leading to the official lighting of the Rockton Christmas Tree by Mayor Peterson—a moment of true small-town magic. Afterward, wander the illuminated paths of Settlers Park, where lighted displays crafted by Rockton local businesses and organizations transform the paths into a winter wonderland.

  • Lighting of Village Green Park

    Saturday, Dec. 6th

    Village Green Park, 4:30 pm

    Gather your loved ones and join us at Village Green Park in Rockton, where the night begins at 4:30 pm with cheerful caroling. Together, we’ll honor the memory of Katie Cronin with the annual lighting of Katie’s Tree- a tradition that sparkles with love and community spirit. Afterward, cozy up with s’mores as laughter and holiday magic fill the air.

  • Lighted Parade

    Saturday, Dec. 6th

    Downtown Main Street, 6 pm

    Our Annual Christmas Walk Parade is back—bringing festive lights, cheerful floats, and the kind of small-town magic that makes Main Street feel like a storybook Christmas. From the laughter of children to the sparkle of the season and the warmth of neighbors gathering, it’s a tradition filled with the nostalgia of Christmases past. Bundle up, grab a hot drink from a local coffee shop, and join us for a night sure to light up your heart.

EVENTS & HOLIDAY SPECIALS

Discover All the Holiday Events and Specials Happening During the Walk.

Event details are updated as plans are finalized—visit often for the newest information!

 

 FRIDAY EVENTS – Dec. 5th

  • Holiday Used Book Sale

    Join the Friends of Talcott Library as they host their annual Holiday Used Book Sale!  Items include used books, DVDs, books on CD, and other miscellaneous items. This sale ends Monday, Dec. 8 th.

    Talcott Free Library, 101 E. Main St.  9 am – 5:30 pm

  • 3D Print Ornament

    Receive a free 3D printed ornament with any purchase!

    Buckets n Blooms 101 W. Main St.  8 am – 1 pm

  • Settlers Park Christmas Tree Lighting

    Join the Willowbrook Middle School Choir as they treat us to some delightful holiday carols before we light the Settlers Park Christmas tree and lighted displays at 6 pm!

    Settlers Park, 150 E. Hawick St. 5:30 pm – 6 pm

  • Lighted Displays at Settlers Park

    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. 6 pm

  • 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, 8 pm

  • Dueling Pianos

    Felix and Fingers are back by popular demand! Dueling pianos is back for friendly, musical competition that you can dance to!

    Tickets can be purchased online here and in person at the Village of Rockton during the office hours, Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 4:30 pm.  

    Rockton American Legion, 221 W. Main St., Doors open at 7pm

    Generously sponsored by RDM Foundation, Gary J. Back Insurance Agency and Embellish Beauty Bar with special thanks given to our Grand Marshall sponsor Benchmark Exteriors.

SATURDAY EVENTS – Dec. 6th

  • Pancake Breakfast with Santa

    The Rockton Lions Club annual pancake breakfast with special guest – SANTA!  No ticket purchase is required but free-will donations accepted.

    Rockton American Legion, 221 W. Main St. 7 am – 11 am

  • Holiday Used Book Sale

    Join the Friends of Talcott Library as they host their annual Holiday Used Book Sale! Items include used books, DVDs, books on CD, and other miscellaneous items. This sale ends Monday, Dec. 8th.

    Talcott Free Library, 101 E. Main St.  9 am – 3 pm

  • 3D Print Ornament

    Receive a free 3D printed ornament with any purchase!

    Buckets n Blooms 101 W. Main St.  8 am – 1 pm

  • Bake Sale and Christmas Decor Sale

    The Unitarian Universalist Congregation is thrilled to join the Rockton Christmas Walk once again this year! Stop by and enjoy their FAMOUS Christmas Bake Sale—featuring even more beautifully decorated cookies this year!

    You’ll also find their popular “Name Your Price” Holiday Sale, filled with gently used or brand-new Christmas decorations and re-giftable treasures waiting for a new home.

    New this year – some of your favorite vendors from the Beloit Farmer’s market!  Don’t miss it!

    Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley, 329 School St. 8am – 3pm

  • Pictures with Santa

    Photos with Santa – Free! Santa will be at Village Hall to visit with children and adults alike.  Our Christmas Walk Santa is a much loved, patient and calm with a soft demeanor – ideal for all children!  

    Village Hall,  110 E. Main St.   12 pm – 4 pm

    Generously sponsored by  Dairyhaus. 

  • Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

    The tradition continues: enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides during this year’s Christmas Walk.

    Hop on at  203 W. Main St.  12 pm – 3:30pm

    Generously Sponsored by: First Northern Credit Union

  • Letters to Santa

    Stop by Christmas Walk sponsor 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   12 pm – 4 pm

  • Make 'n Take Ornaments

    Visit JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery for a fun, hands on activity where you’ll paint your very own paper-mache fish ornament. These charming creations are perfect for decorating your holiday tree or gifting to someone special.

    A child-friendly that’s ideal for families and anyone who’s young at heart – come share the joy of creativity! You’ll make memories as you paint a paper-mache fish ornament.  They’re perfect for your tree or to give as a gift.  This event is $8 per person.

    JR Finally Art, 210 W. Main St.  12pm – 3 pm

  • 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.  There’s close to 500 choruses worldwide, and After the Vine is excited to host such a world-class chorus!

    After the Vine, 163 E. Hawick St.  1 pm – 3 pm

  • Winters & Co. - Voices of the Holiday Season

    Experience the true meaning of Christmas with Winters & Co. – a boutique ensemble of professional recording artists and musicians.  Their soulful renditions of holiday favorites will fill the air with joy, warmth, and unforgettable harmony.

    Taylor + Max Children’s Boutique, 100 W. Main St.  1 pm – 4 pm

  • 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. Whitman Post choir will treat us to some delightful Christmas carols starting at 4:30 pm.

    Village Green Park, 101 E. Chapel St., 5 pm

  • Lighted Christmas Parade

    The return of the Lighted Parade down Main Street! The parade will begin at the intersection of Main and Center St. and continue east along Main St., finishing at Hononegah High School.

    Downtown Rockton, 6 pm parade start

    Parade Grand Marshall:  Benchmark Exteriors

  • 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. Click here for the full Wimpy’s Fund history.

    In person at the American Center, 221 W. Main St. immediately following the Lighted Parade conclusion – OR – bid online securely at Silent Auction Pro.

SUNDAY EVENTS – Dec. 7th

  • Hot Cocoa Crawl

    Hot Cocoa Crawl – Family-friendly! Take your keepsake mug with you to one of 8 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! $10/mug.

    This favorite event sells out every year!  Tickets are available now at Village Hall or at the following link:

    Hot Cocoa Crawl Tickets

    Generously sponsored by:  First Northern Credit Union  Lighthouse Speech Therapy   Healing Touch Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine   Envoy Mortgage with special thanks to our Grand Marshall sponsor Benchmark Exteriors.

  • Winter Princess Meet & Greet

    We’re thrilled to welcome The Gem Shop as a sponsor of this year’s Rockton Christmas Walk! Step inside their charming downtown jewelry boutique and experience the magic of the season with a special Meet & Greet and photo opportunity with a Winter Princess.

    Families are invited to stop by, snap a photo, and share a little sparkle and holiday cheer! While you’re there, explore The Gem Shop’s beautiful selection of fine jewelry, gemstones, and unique gifts — the perfect way to find something special for someone you love (or to treat yourself!

    Gem Shop, 110 W. Main St.  12 pm – 3 pm

    Generously Sponsored by: The Gem Shop

  • A Moment with Sensitive Santa

    Sensitive Santa
    A heartwarming holiday experience designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Sensitive Santa offers a calm, quiet, and welcoming environment where families can enjoy personal time with Santa—free from bright lights and loud sounds. It’s a beautiful way to make sure every child can share in the magic of Christmas Walk.

    Lighthouse Speech Therapy, 203 W. Main St.    12 pm – 3 pm

    Generously Sponsored by: Taylor + Max Children’s Boutique and Lighthouse Speech Therapy

  • Historic Homes for the Holidays Tour

    Do you ever pass by some of the beautiful, historic homes in downtown Rockton during Christmastime and wonder if they are as gorgeous on the inside as they are on the outside? Here’s your chance!

    Begins at 4pm at DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee and Decor.

    To cap off the 41st annual Rockton Christmas Walk weekend, four homeowners are generously opening their homes from to the public for tours.  From 4pm-7pm make your way to:

    • 703 Green St.
    • 428 N. Cottage St.
    • 417 W. Chapel St.
    • 316 N. Blackhawk Blvd.

    Purchase tickets online on Eventbrite here or in person at DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee during coffee shop hours at 101 W. Main St., Rockton, IL. 

SPONSORSHIP & EVENT FORMS

Feel free to download the forms you need by clicking the button below. Return it to the Village through email, mail, or dropping it into the water payment box at Village Hall by the listed deadlines.

Sponsors

Sponsors

  • Grand Marshall Sponsor

    Benchmark Exteriors:  Benchmark Exteriors is a Veteran Owned remodeling company that’s committed to quality—and that shows in every result we provide and every interaction we have with customers! Our dedication to excellence helps us to stand out from the competition in all the right ways.

    Our remodeling company uses only premium materials from top brands, including LP SmartSide, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and James Hardie. We’re proud to be elite contractors for CertainTeed and Owens Corning and to maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

    It only takes a look at images of our past work and our customer reviews to get an idea of the results and service you’ll enjoy when you work with us for your next remodeling project.

  • Presenting Sponsors

    Dueling Pianos Presenting Sponsors

    RDM Foundation The RDM Foundation was established in memory of Corporal Ryan D. Masters with the mission of positively impacting veterans through fundraising and awareness campaigns focused on suicide prevention and the transition back to civilian life for servicemen and servicewomen.

    If we can prevent one veteran suicide, we will have done what we set out to do. We will not stop working until veterans have access to adequate services and resources that support their needs.

    Gary Bach Insurance 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.

    Embellish Beauty Bar We’re delighted to welcome Embellish Beauty Bar as a proud sponsor of this year’s Dueling Pianos event during the Rockton Christmas Walk!

    Located in Roscoe, IL, Embellish Beauty Bar has been the region’s premier destination for beauty and wellness since 2017. Their talented team provides personalized, high-quality services in a warm and relaxing environment — from precision haircuts and custom color to extensions, lash treatments, facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures.

    At Embellish, every visit is designed to enhance your natural beauty while leaving you refreshed and renewed. Whether you’re in need of a quick touch-up or a full day of pampering, you’ll experience care and expertise that make every appointment special.

    Horse Carriage Rides Presenting Sponsors

    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.

    Hot Cocoa Crawl Presenting Sponsors  

    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.

    Lighthouse Speech Therapy Lighthouse Speech Therapy, PLLC is a private practice speech and language clinic serving the Northern Illinois area. Our mission is to provide functional, individualized speech and language services using evidence-based assessment and treatment methods. Our focus is to improve the communication of our clients in order to help them perform, participate, and excel in their daily lives.

    Healing Touch Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine to help you heal mind, body, and spirit. We are a family practice focusing on treating all types of pain, women’s health, ptsd, and symptoms of any disease. Our treatments include acupuncture, guasha, cupping, moxabustion, tuina, Tao Hands, and Chinese herbal medicine. We offer free auricular acupuncture for ptsd, trauma, addiction, depression and anxiety to the community. Please follow our Facebook page and read more about our services at healingtouchacupuncturerockton.com

    Envoy Mortgage The Envoy Mortgage team is committed to giving our customers the best possible service and to make the home financing process as efficient, stress-free and pleasant as possible.

     

  • Candy Cane Sponsors

    The Gem Shop Conveniently located in downtown Rockton, The Gem Shop is a family-owned jewelry studio specializing in custom designs, engagement and wedding rings, and expert repair services. For over 40 years, they have offered a selection of estate pieces, gemstones, gold, and sterling silver jewelry- each crafted with care and attention to detail.  With their trusted local presence and commitment to quality,   The Gem Shop remains stateline’s  go-to destination for timeless jewelry and treasured heirlooms.

    Rockton Dental Care Rockton Dental Care provides comprehensive family and cosmetic dentistry in the heart of downtown Rockton. Their friendly team offers preventive care, restorations, implants and whitening to keep every smile healthy and bright.  Committed to comfort and quality, they’re proud to serve the Rockton community with exceptional dental care.

    Rockton Lions Club The Rockton Lions of Rockton, IL have been serving the state-line area since 1938 , and we aren’t slowing down any time soon! With a membership of 75+ we have many local fund-raisers and service projects such as Candy Day, Flower Day, Christmas Auction, delivering Wimpy’s Fund gifts, hearing screening, blood drives, providing eye glasses to area children, downtown planting projects, and Old Settlers Days to name a few. The profits from the fund raisers are funneled directly back into our community serving the needs of other organizations and individuals, while focusing on sight and sound related disabilities. The Rockton Lions Club of Rockton Illinois is a 501(c)3 organization.

  • Mistletoe Sponsors

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

    All World Machinery Supply Serving as a one-stop-shop for machine-tool parts, service and custom engineered accessories and quality solutions for the manufacturing sector in northern Illinois.  They are a trusted partner for local industry- offering fast turnaround, personalized support and a broad inventory of components. Their commitment to excellence echoes right here in our community.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact information

Contact form

    Headquarters

    Village Hall

    110 E. Main St.
    Rockton, IL 61072

    (815)624-7600

    Location