For the past two years, the countdown to the City of Rockford's Christmas tree happened at Main and Elm streets, across from the BMO Center. On Saturday, Nov. 28, that countdown moves to the riverfront. Stroll on State's 14th year puts the city tree, the 6 p.m. lighting, the main stage, the drone show and the finish line of the Dasher Dash in the newly renovated Davis Park.
For longtime regulars, the spot you used to save, the route you used to walk and the corner where you met friends were all set up around Main and Elm. This year's Stroll is set up around the river. The festival is still free and still runs from 2 to 9 p.m. GoRockford plans it, and UMB Bank presents it. What changed is the shape of the day.
The tree moves to a park that was built for crowds
Davis Park isn't a temporary stand-in. It's the result of a City-led redevelopment, and the Rockford City Council approved the full project in August 2025 with a total budget of $15,552,000. Rock River Current reported that the money came from state grants, City redevelopment and capital funds, a surplus allocation, GoRockford contributions, donations and a Rockford Park District Foundation contribution. GoRockford pledged $500,000 of that over 10 years. Stenstrom Construction and Stenstrom Excavation hold the construction contracts, and SmithGroup was approved for engineering services.
The plan reads like a list of what a holiday festival needs. It includes a performance stage with a greenroom, a building with concessions and restrooms, a Great Lawn, multiuse paths, lighting, public art, and seawall repairs with a realigned riverwalk. In late October, Rock River Current reported that the stage and other facilities were still under construction and expected to be finished in time for the festival.
GoRockford Executive Vice President Kristen Paul explained the reasoning in the same Rock River Current report: "Bringing our city tree to the riverfront and adding more music, shopping, and family experiences will allow people to discover an entirely new side of Stroll on State."
On festival day, WTVO's coverage on MyStateline says the park will hold the main stage, live entertainment, local vendors, visits with Santa, fire pits and a Festival Fuel bar. Holiday Market West will also extend into the park.
A schedule that keeps pulling you toward the water
Almost every big moment either starts at Davis Park or ends there.
| Time | What happens | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Noon | Dasher Dash 5K | Starts and finishes at Davis Park |
| 1 p.m. | Parade viewing spots open up | Along State Street |
| 2 p.m. | Stroll on State Holiday Parade | State and Wyman, east to Third Street |
| 3 to 5:30 p.m. | Outdoor showing of The Grinch | Davis Park |
| 6 p.m. | City tree lighting | Davis Park |
| 6:15 p.m. | Holiday drone show | Following the tree lighting |
| 8:30 p.m. | Fireworks | Over downtown |
The 5K shows the logic most clearly. Patrick McIntyre, a founding member of race organizer Rock River Multisport, told Rock River Current that the course keeps much of its old route, which already passed Davis Park. The change, in his words: "At Davis Park it's just cross the line and there's your after-party." Bucciferro Family McDonald's sponsors the race, and Ronald McDonald will kick it off before joining the parade.
The tree lighting gets a walk-in, too. The Nielsen Chorale Ancora will lead a caroling walk to the tree, and Rockford Dance Company will perform a flash mob-style routine during the lighting. GoRockford's schedule says a live concert on the Davis Park Main Stage follows the drone show. If you stay at the park from 6 p.m. on, you'll have a full evening without moving.
The parade now starts across the river
The parade route changed just as much, and it's where regulars are most likely to end up in the wrong place.
The route described before the 2025 festival:
- Started on North Main just north of Elm
- Went south to West State
- Crossed the Rock River bridge heading east
- Ended at North Second Street
The 2026 route:
- Starts at State and Wyman streets at 2 p.m.
- Goes east along State Street
- Crosses the State Street Bridge
- Ends at Third Street
The North Main part of the old route is gone. If you always watched from that stretch near the BMO Center, you'll need a new spot on State Street. GoRockford suggests arriving starting at 1 p.m. to claim a viewing spot. IBEW sponsors the parade, and Hard Rock Casino Rockford returns as the official balloon sponsor with a surprise custom-made balloon. A new custom-built Dasher Dash balloon joins the lineup too.
What stays near the BMO Center, and what's new elsewhere
Moving the main events to the riverfront doesn't leave the old core empty. It spreads the festival across more of downtown, which Rock River Current describes as taking place "on both sides of the Rock River." Here's where else to go:
- Main and Elm streets, outside the BMO Center. A decorated holiday tree still stands at the old corner, sponsored by Great Water 360 Autocare and Tire Tracks Rockford/Rochelle. Eddie Green Park and Main and Mulberry streets get decorated trees as well, with Rosecrance sponsoring the one at Mulberry.
- BMO Center. Free ice skating returns inside. Snow Much Fun moves to the BMO Center parking lot, with inflatable street hockey from the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and the Rockford IceHogs Community Fund.
- Stewart Square. The new Ballerina Ball brings dancers from the Wonderland Ballet Company for performances and interactive activities for families.
- State and Madison streets. The Silver Bell Stage is the festival's second music stage.
- 300 block of East State Street and Rockford City Hall. Santa visits the 300 block as well as Davis Park, and children can write Letters to Santa at City Hall.
- Near Rockford City Market. Holiday Market East stays in its usual area, while Holiday Market West grows into Davis Park.
Volunteers have logged nearly 4,000 hours on decorations through Santa's Workshop, according to WTVO. GoRockford expects about 80,000 people. That turnout follows a 2025 festival when more than seven inches of snow fell during the event and kept attendance down.
Getting downtown, and making a day of it
With the evening centered at Davis Park and the afternoon spread across downtown, the free Rockford Mass Transit District shuttles make the most sense for a long day. Pickups start at 1:45 p.m. from Bethesda Covenant Church, the UW Health Riverfront YMCA and Riverview Inn & Suites. The last departures from downtown are at 9:30 p.m., half an hour after the festival ends. If you're staying for the 8:30 p.m. fireworks, you'll still have time to get back to a shuttle without rushing.
The day also gives you a reason to stop at downtown businesses that opened this year. Palace Wine Bar at 202 N. Main St. opened July 9 and serves wine, beer, nonalcoholic drinks, charcuterie and small treats. It's an easy place to warm up between the parade and the tree lighting. For gifts, Folia Rockford at 327 W. Jefferson St., Suite A, has carried houseplants and plant accessories since it opened May 1.
Rockford Mayor Janessa Neal encouraged people to shop small businesses on the Friday before Stroll on State as well as on the day itself, Rock River Current reported. That Friday is Nov. 27. GoRockford posts maps and the full schedule on its Stroll on State page.
At The Luxe Home Team, we care about how a place feels to live in, and nights like the first Davis Park tree lighting are part of that. If you're weighing a move closer to downtown Rockford, or getting a home ready to sell before the new year, we're glad to talk it through with you. Contact Us.
