By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and the Rockford area has ways to get in the spirit, enjoy a show or simply unwind before the big day.
You could see a live show at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, stroll through one of the area’s light displays or take a tranquil walk through the woods.
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Here are 10 things to do this week in the Rockford are:
Walk through All Aglow
About: The outdoor gardens around the Eclipse Lagoon and Nicholas Conservatory in Sinnissippi Park are All Aglow from dusk to dawn daily until Jan. 7. There are roughly 300,000 lights on display.
Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
When: Park closes at 10 p.m.
How much: Free
Illuminated at Anderson Japanese Gardens
About: Illuminated is Anderson Gardens’ wintertime lights experience, featuring thousands of white string lights woven throughout the 12-acre campus and canopy of the garden.
Where: 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
Admission: $13 adults; $12 seniors; $11 student and military members; free for ages 5 and younger; $8 for basic members; free for premium members
Festival of Lights
About: Festival of Lights is an annual holiday drive-thru display featuring a 33,000-light tunnel and hundreds of thousands of lights throughout Sinnissippi Park. The display is put up by a small volunteer team with the Rockford Fourth of July Civic Committee.
Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St.
When: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Christmas week (Dec. 18-23)
Christmas Eve: 24 hours
Christmas Day: 24 hours
Cost: Free. The display is funded by donations. You can donate HERE.
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Cirque Dreams at Coronado
About: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a Cirque du Soleil production, is a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. The physical performance is paired with an original music score and twists on holiday classics sung live.
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Tickets: Get tickets HERE
Rejuvenate from the holidays
About: Nature at the Confluence will host a special winter solstice celebration designed to connect you back to the basics and rejuvenate your entire being through intentional crafting, gentle movement, breathwork, sound healing and snacks.
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Cost: $20
Information: Go HERE
Take a tranquility walk
About: Klehm Arboretum will host its Winter Solstice Tranquility Walk, a guided night walk through the woods that focuses on breathing, using your senses, meditation and reflection.
Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Cost: $10 per person; $8 for seniors 62 and older; $4 per person for Klehm members
Info: Go HERE
Frosty Fridays
About: Frosty Fridays discounted indoor public ice skating sessions are held every Friday through April 26.
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday
Admission: $10 including skate rental
Winter Wonderland at Discovery Center
About: Discovery Center Museum will hold its Winter Wonderland. Try out the indoor sock skating rink and enjoy creating winter-themed crafts without getting cold.
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Jan. 2
Admission: $10; free for members and children 1 and younger
Info: Go HERE
Melancholy Merriment at Pig Minds
About: Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho of The Lone Canary bring their signature blend of emotive music to Pig Minds Brewing Co. for different — and perhaps a melancholic — take on classic Christmas tunes.
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Info: Go HERE
Breakfast with Santa up north
About: Santa is visiting Bessie’s Diner in Janesville, Wisconsin, straight from the North Pole. The festive brunch spread also features a chance for selfies with Santa and other holiday themed drinks and treats. The event will support the Rock County Cancer Coalition by donating $1 from each cocktail sold to the nonprofit.
Where: Bessie’s Diner, 1716 W. Airport Road, Janesville, Wisconsin
When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Info/reservations: Go HERE
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