Celebrating Christmas and the Holiday Season in Rockford [Sponsored Post]

Celebrate Christmas and the holiday season in Rockford.

Christmas and the holiday season -- including Thanksgiving and New Year's -- is a wintry celebration thanks to the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and local merchants.

Get your yuletide on with season's greetings in Rockford.

Here's a list of upcoming events giving you reasons to spend the season in Rockford.

Holiday Open Houses

Holiday Open Houses will be taking place in Downtown Rockford, Friday, Nov. 20, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

The annual Lighting Ceremony will be held at Peppler Park on the Dam Overlook, Friday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. New this year, enjoy free carriage rides from 5:30 to 7 p.m., sponsored by StoryPoint!

Santa Parade

This year's Santa Parade will take place in Downtown Rockford on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10:45 a.m. until noon

Santa Claus Visits

Santa Claus makes an appearance to visit with the kids from immediately following the Santa Parade in the Rockford Rotary Pavilion until 2 p.m.. Free milk and cookies are included, but children have to bring their own wish lists and good manners.

Carriage Rides

Carriage rides will be provided by Classic Carriages, LLC, and sponsored by StoryPoint, Saturday, Dec. 5 immediately after the parade, from noon to 2 p.m.

Santa Claus Visits

Santa Claus makes an appearance to visit with the kids from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in the Rockford Rotary Pavilion until 8 p.m.. Free milk and cookies are included, but children have to bring their own wish lists and good manners.

Carriage Rides

Carriage rides will be provided by Classic Carriages, LLC, and sponsored by StoryPoint, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 10–11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Santa Claus Visits

Santa Claus makes an appearance to visit with the kids from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16 in the Rockford Rotary Pavilion until 8 p.m.. Free cocoa and cookies are included, but children have to bring their own wish lists and good manners.