COUNT DOWN TO CHRISTMAS IN ROCKTON
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
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
Back by popular demand! Dueling pianos is back for friendly, musical competition that you can dance to! *2024 attendees – don’t worry, we went back to the original company used last year. You’ll want to dance again this year.
Tickets can be purchased online here and in person at the Village of Rockton during the office hours, Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 4 pm.
American Center, 221 W. Main St., Doors open at 7pm
Generously sponsored by RDM Foundation, Gary J. Back Insurance Agency and Embellish Beauty Bar
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.
American Center, 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
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 popular Christmas Bake Sale—featuring even more beautifully decorated cookies and homemade treats.
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.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley, 329 School St. 9 am – 3 pm
Main Street Market
The Main Street Market is back for the Rockton Christmas Walk — and it’s bigger and better than ever! We’ve invited an amazing lineup of local vendors offering handcrafted goods, holiday décor, unique gifts, and delicious seasonal treats.
Come wander through the market, meet our talented makers, and find one-of-a-kind treasures that make holiday shopping a joy
Downtown Main St. 10 am – 4 pm
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. Horse drawn carriages will be at the Christmas walk in the afternoon. You can board your free ride at Lighthouse Speech Therapy.
Lighthouse Speech Therapy, 203 W. Main St. 12 pm – 4 pm
Generously Sponsored by: First National 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 papier-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.
JR Finally Art, 210 W. Main St. 11:30 am – 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
3D Print Ornament
Receive a free 3D printed ornament with any purchase!
Buckets n Blooms 647 S. Blackhawk Blvd. 1 pm – 5 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. A school chorus and local church 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
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 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! $12.50/mug.
This favorite event sells out every year! Tickets will be available online and at the Village of Rockton. Watch for details coming soon!
Village Hall, 110 E. Main St. 12 pm – 3 pm
Generously sponsored by: First Northern Credit Union.
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!
To cap off the 41st annual Rockton Christmas Walk weekend, four homeowners are generously opening their homes to the public for tours:
- 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
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.
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 Sponsor
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
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 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.
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.
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.
Gallery
Pictures from previous Christmas Walks
GET IN TOUCH
Contact information
Contact form
Headquarters
Village Hall
110 E. Main St.
Rockton, IL 61072
CONTACT US
Lisa Washington, Event Director
(815) 957.0290
RocktonChristmasWalk2025@gmail.com