Christmas Festivals in the Area
It’s that time of year again. Christmas will be here before you know it. Many of our area cities are gearing up for some holiday fun with festivals, parades, and much, much more!
The Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees, a staple event in the Sauk Valley and in the history of Hospice of the Rock River Valley, will be returning to Northland Mall in Sterling, IL from November 14th to the 19th. The mall will be filled with decorated trees designed and crafted by local individuals and groups. All trees are available for auction during the week. There is also a variety of items along with table setting up for auction all week. For more information visit: Festival of Trees .
Seasonal Sights and Sounds of Sterling
Seasonal Sights and Sounds of Sterling is on November 17th at 5 pm. Visit Dale Park in Sterling, IL as it is transformed into Santa’s Workshop for the evening to visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, photos, and children’s activities. Wander the businesses of Downtown Sterling for shopping and dining specials, a variety of activities and entertainment, open houses and refreshments. At 8 PM, gather at the Library Plaza Christmas Tree (at the corner of Locust & 4th Streets) for a very special tree lighting and watch as the Sterling Theater Tower glows red, white, and green for the season! For more information visit: Sterling Main Street.
Twin Cities Holiday Parade
The Twin Cities Holiday Parade steps off at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 18th in Sterling, IL on East 4th Street, near the Grandon Civic Center, heading west to Locust Street, and south across the 1st Avenue Bridge into Rock Falls, continuing down 1st Avenue, turning Wes on 5th Street, and ends at Merrill School in Rock Falls. Everyone is welcome to visit with Santa and his (real, live!) Reindeer at the Hometown Holidays Children’s Party! More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/951468711582571/
Symphony of Lights
Symphony of Lights is Clinton Iowa’s Holiday Festival. Visitors will enjoy the viewing of over 40 lighted displays, 500,000+ supporting lights, castles, streams and a gingerbread lodge that fill a 1.1 mile loop of Eagle Point Park located off of highway 67 North. Its beauty and splendor will take you back to those holiday memories of your childhood. Open Thanksgiving through December 30th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Admission is $7/car (up to 10 people) or for vehicles over 10 people $2/person. There is a Family Walk on November 22nd from 6 pm to 9 pm and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the Eagle Point Lodge on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 6 pm to 9 pm. You can find out more by visiting their webpage: http://www.symphonyoflights.org/
Prophetstown Christmas Parade
The Prophetstown Main Street Organization will have their annual Lighted Christmas Parade on November 25th beginning at 6:30 pm. Everyone is invited to enjoy strolling the downtown area. The celebration will include a live nativity scene; face painting by Whimsy Pixie, a visit with Santa at the fire station, and a chili supper sponsored by the Prophetstown Masonic Lodge. The lighting of the Love Light Tree takes place at 5:30 pm in Eclipse Square. Local businesses will have extended hours for holiday shopping. Strolling musicians and goodies will be available on Main Street prior to the parade. Guest judges for the parade this year are Meteorologist Eric Maitland, Reporter/Anchors Bailey Deitz and Morgan Ottier from KWQC-TV 6. For more information visit: http://aroundptown.com/detail.php?s=get-your-lights-on-
Fulton Christmas Walk
Fulton, IL will have their Christmas Walk on December 1st. Their Illuminated Christmas Run/Walk (2 Miles) will be at 6:30 pm. You can register for the race by going to https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=128296 . For more information on the Christmas Walk, continue to check their webpage: https://www.cityoffulton.us/tourism/fulton-events.html
Dixon Christmas Walk.
Dixon’s Christmas Walk is on December 1st as well at 6:00 pm. Santa will arrive at KSB Hospital at 6pm for a tree lighting ceremony. The traditional horse and-wagon rides will be available from 6pm to 9pm, as well as other specials and giveaways at many of the downtown stores. The "Great Snowball Drop" will begin at 7pm at the corner of First and Ottawa when 1500 "snowballs" will drop from the sky to get a chance for gift certificates to $100 cash. At 8pm, the Community Christmas Caroling will perform at the corner of First and Hennepin streets. Cookie decorating at Candy Supply, HotWheels races at Sherwin-Williams, balloon artists, plus more activities will be enjoyed. A 50/50 raffle drawing will be held at 9pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/358986307791004/
The Morrison Christmas Walk
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their 2017 Parade and Christmas Walk for Saturday, December 2nd from 3 pm to 8 pm. This year’s theme is “Polar Express.” Local business will have window displays and will stay open late for holiday shopping. In addition, a Decorated Lantern Silent Auction will be held at Wells Fargo Bank. For more information, visit the Morrison Chamber’s website at http://morrisonchamber.com/2017-christmas-events-participation-forms/
Santa Visits Morrison Tech.
Calling all boys and girls who have been extra nice this year - Santa Claus will be coming to Morrison Tech just five days before Christmas – on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 5-7 p.m. This might be your last chance to chat with the guy from the North Pole before The BIG Day! Be sure to bring your Christmas list and camera to get your picture taken with Santa and then enjoy some holiday treats and crafts. The first 100 good girls and boys will get a special Christmas ornament created in Morrison Tech’s prototype lab. Visitors will be able to tour the college’s facilities, including the Prototype Lab to see the 3D printers in action. Also during the event, holiday movies will be shown in the Parkinson Theater.