Wishing for things to do in Rockford as Christmas approaches? Here’s a look at some of this weekend’s events. (Graphic via Canva)By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Want some holiday-themed plans this weekend? There’s plenty to do in the city.
From synthetic skating to the real thing, or a Norwegian winter festival, this weekend is jam packed with fun.
Here’s 12 things to attend this weekend, but you can always find more on our events page.
Is your kid a mini Picasso?
Take them to the Cartoon Club: TV & Video Game Characters event at 11 a.m. this Saturday at the Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.
The event will teach children to draw cartoon characters, animals and more through step-by-step instructions. Admission is $7 for Rockford Art Museum members and $10 for non-members, tickets can be purchased online here.
Attendees must register by Thursday.
Quick facts
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.
When: 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17
More info and tickets: Click here
More news: This business makes sparks fly: Meet Rockford’s new permanent jewelry vendor
Tour Rockford history
Barnes Mansion Tours are happening this weekend at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St.
Attendees can tour this historic Rockford mansion for $17 (13+) and $15 (4-12) for nonmembers. Members can enter for $5.
Quick facts
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m., noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30-11:30 a.m. or noon-1 p.m. on Sunday
More info and tickets: Click here
Show off your skating skills
Go ice skating at Frosty Fridays public skate session from 7-9 p.m. this Friday at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park.
Admission is $8, which includes skate rental, and reoccurs every Friday.
Quick facts
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
When: 7-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
More info and tickets: Click here
See the pretty lights
The All Aglow lights display is in Sinnissippi Park outside Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens through Jan. 9, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)The All Aglow holiday light display will be lit all weekend and available for your viewing at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
The lights are on from dusk until dawn, but the park closes at 10 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Quick facts
Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.
When: Open daily, but park closes at 10 p.m.
More info: Click here
Related: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens named one of America’s 51 most romantic places
Want to celebrate the holidays Norwegian-style?
Go to The Norwegian’s annual Snømarket this weekend at the restaurant, 1402 N. Main Street.
The weekend includes refreshments, a herring toss, jewelry making, various food and merchandise vendors and more festivities.
Quick facts
Where: The Norwegian, 1402 N. Main Street.
When: 3-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. -5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.
More info: Click here
Comedy, art, and shopping, oh my!
The River District Association is hosting Santa Hop, a holiday celebration that spreads across downtown shops and stores.
You can find live music, art and stand-up comedy at The Bubble Hive, 412 E. State St., an ugly sweater contest at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., live readings of Christmas stories at Maze Books, 117 S. Third St., and free print day at Rockford Art Deli, 402 E. State St., to name a few examples.
Quick facts
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, Dec. 17
More info: Click here
Join the Jeep army for a good cause
The 2022 Jeep Freeze is happening at noon Saturday at Shooter’s Bar and Grill, 4007 E. State St.
The third annual Jeep Freeze is a parade for Gigi’s Playhouse and lasts about 45 minutes. Following the Jeep parade is food trucks, giveaways and more fun.
Quick facts
Where: Shooter’s Bar and Grill, 4007 E. State St.
When: 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17
More info: Click here
Decorate cookies and see Santa
Decorate cookies, sip hot cocoa, let your kids run free and get a photo with Santa at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Kids Spot, 9461 N. Second St., Roscoe
This festive children’s event is $30 for a child and parent ticket (includes a cookie box of four to decorate), $20 for additional child (includes a cookie box of four to decorate) and $55 family of four (includes two cookie boxes of four cookies each).
Quick facts
Where: Kids Spot, 9461 N. Second St., Roscoe
When: 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 18
More info and tickets: Click here
Listen to some country at the Coronado
The view of the Coronado Performing Arts Center from the newly renovated opera boxes. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)Clint Black and Lisa Hartman will hit the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday as a stop on their Mostly Hits & The Mrs. Tour.
Doors will open at the theater at 6:30 p.m., 314 N. Main St.
Quick facts
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18
Tickets: Click here
Big fan of The Office?
“The Office” trivia night happens from 6-8 p.m. tonight at the indoor Rockford City Market space, 115 N. Water St.
First and second place winners of the trivia will receive prizes, drinks will be available at the bar and more fun.
Quick facts
Where: Rockford City Market, 115 N. Water St.
When: 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14
More info: Click here
Go skating (synthetically)
Discovery Center Museum is located at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)Enjoy indoor skating on synthetic polymer, crafts and more fun from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this Saturday at the Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St. You don’t even need skates. The setup allows for kids to “skate” the synthetic ice in their socks.
Admission is $10 public; free to members and children ages 1 and younger.
Quick facts
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, but reoccurring through Dec. 23 and the 26-30.
More info: Click here
Take a photo with Santa and the Grinch
A Wayward Christmas at Midway Village is happening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 6799 Guilford Road.
The event will feature a photo opt with Santa and the Grinch, crafts, games and more holiday fun.
Quick facts
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road
When: 12-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17
More info: Click here
Editor’s note: This story has been updated from its original version to clarify information about Santa Hop and synthetic ice “skating” at Discovery Center Museum.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent