6 new things you’ll see at this year’s Stroll on State in downtown Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Stroll on State will return this year with the activities that have become a staple of the annual kick off to the holidays such as the tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, fireworks and a drone show.
But this year will also get a new look with a fresh Rockford-themed parade balloon, new ways to visit Santa, new photo ops and more things that spruce up the festival for its 13th year.
Related: For Stroll on State volunteers, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
This year’s Stroll takes place Saturday, Nov. 29, and is expected to bring tens of thousands of people to the downtown winter wonderland that’s filled with lights, music, food, drink and other holiday activities.
“Stroll on State is a holiday tradition that brings our residents together and brings visitors to our vibrant community,” Kristen Paul, executive vice president of GoRockford, said in a news release. “We know residents invite family members to extend their Thanksgiving travels just to attend Stroll on State together. Every year, our community shows up to make it magical, and 2025 is going to be our brightest yet.”
Here’s a look at six new things you can expect at this year’s Stroll:
New Rockford themed parade balloon
Hard Rock Casino Rockford is sponsoring a brand new Rockford-theme parade balloon, but it won’t reveal what the design is until you see it soar above downtown during the parade.
Hard Rock and Stroll on State have partnered for new balloon reveals in the past, including a Screw City themed float of a giant screw with holiday lights.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. from South Main and Chestnut streets. It then moves north along Main, east across the State Street bridge and ends at Third Street.
The deadline to enter the parade is Nov. 10. Go to gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/parade.
Sensory Santa
This year’s Stroll will offer a Sensory Santa experience for families who benefit from a quieter environment. It’s being hosted in partnership with West Side Children’s Therapy and Rockford Public Library to provide a supportive, peaceful space for families to capture memories with Santa.
It runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. inside the library, 215 N. Wyman St.
New photo ops
Stroll on State has upgraded some of its decor, including giant lightbulbs, upgraded trees and two additional holiday trees. Much of the decorations are made by hand by a team of volunteers who started working in Santa’s Workshop in mid-September.
S’mores, spirits and sweet treats
New s’mores-making stations will allow you to roast marshmallows over fire pits with the help from on-site assistants.
S’mores kits are available for purchase at all Stroll bars and fire pit stations.
For those 21 and older, four combined beverage and hot chocolate stations will serve boozy options of cocoa, warm wine, beer and specialty drinks along with hats, gloves and s’mores kits. A local nonprofit runs each station.
“This will make it a one-stop shop for beverages and merchandise, reducing wait times in line,” organizers said.
Dueling pianos added to musical lineup
Musical acts will perform from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at two locations. The Main Stage is across from the BMO Center at Wyman and Elm streets and the Silver Bell Stage is near State and Madison streets behind Jimmy John’s.
New this year is dueling pianos with Anthony Jay Sanders taking the stage twice at the Silver Bell stage near Jimmy John’s.
| Silver Bell Stage | Main Stage |
|---|---|
| 3 p.m. Eli Parker | 3 p.m. The Lone Canary |
| 3:50 p.m. Dueling Pianos | x |
| 4:55 p.m. Nielsen Chorale Ancora Ensemble | 4:55 p.m. City First Band |
| x | 6 p.m. Tree lighting followed by drone show |
| 6:45 p.m. Rollin’ Whiskey | 6:45 p.m. City First Band |
| 7:50 p.m. Dueling Pianos | x |
New movieland location
The Outdoor Movieland will move to a new location in the Iconic Energy lot at 99 E. Start St. near the historic News Tower.
The Indoor Movie Land will be at Stewart Square.
At a Glance | Stroll on State schedule
Noon: Dasher Dash 5K
2 p.m. Parade
6 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony
6:15 p.m. Drone show
8:30 p.m. Fireworks
Full listing of events and activities: strollonstate.com
How it happens
Stroll on State is organized by GoRockford, the region’s tourism bureau, and put on with the support of donations and volunteers. More than 70 local companies and organizations sponsored this year’s event. See the full list of sponsors HERE.
“Stroll on State is an annual highlight that shows off the best of who we are,” Mayor Tom McNamara said in a news release. “It brings visitors downtown, supports our local businesses on Small Business Saturday, and fills Rockford with a joyful, welcoming spirit. More than 700,000 people have joined us to celebrate the season over the years, and this year promises even more excitement.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
