It’s just about time to say goodbye to 2022 and greet the new year.
There are several family friendly events and activities in the Rockford region this holiday weekend.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
What: Bid farewell to 2022 and greet the new year in style. Enjoy a full buffet spread featuring lobster tail, chef’s action stations and more holiday specialties along with a full bar. Start the night off with live entertainment by Espinosa & Coffey followed by Dirty Fishnet Stockings and end the night with DJ Ted O’Donnell. Celebrate the start of 2023 with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required.
When: 7 pm Saturday to 1 am Sunday
Where: Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://esrockford.com/
winter wonderland
What: Test your skating skills at Discovery Center’s new indoor sock skating rink. No ice, no shoes, just slip-sliding fun with friends on this high-tech synthetic polymer surface. After a few spins around the rink, enjoy creating holiday crafts based on cultures around the world.
When: 10 am to 3 pm daily through Saturday
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10 for the public, free for museum members and all children ages 1 and younger.
For more: https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/
Count down to fun
What: You don’t have to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year. Celebrate the start of 2023 hours ahead of time at the Discovery Center.
When: A Times Square-Style ball and confetti will drop at 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm Saturday
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10 for the public, free admission for museum members and children ages 1 and younger.
For more: https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/
Illuminated: A Lighted Garden Experience
What: The Illuminated wintertime lights experience features dramatic up-lighting and thousands of white string lights woven throughout the landscape and canopy of the Garden.
When: 5 to 8 pm through Friday
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free for Premium Gardens members, free for children five and under, $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and military.
For more: https://andersongardens.org/
Festival of Lights
What: Drive through Sinnissippi Park and enjoy dozens of holiday light displays.
When: 5 pm to 12 am Saturday
Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission, donations are appreciated.
For more: http://www.4thandlights.com/
All Aglow Holiday Display
What: Celebrate the holidays at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens! Come see sparkling holiday lights in the outdoor gardens.
When: Lights are on from dusk until dawn through Jan 8
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission, donations are accepted.
For more: https://nicholasconservatory.com/all-aglow
Sinnissippi Station Model Train Exhibit
What: Visitors are transported to a magical miniature world as seven G-scale trains and trolleys run down, around, and above the lush indoor tropical setting of Nicholas Conservatory. Miniature Rockford landmarks and willow trestle bridges add to the enchanting ambiance. The trains and trolleys in the exhibit are painted and personalized to depict those that traversed Rockford throughout the city’s history.
When: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Jan. 29. Visit Nicholas Conservatory website for specific days and times.
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford
Cost: Admission fees apply for viewing the exhibit and vary according to age and residency.
For more: https://nicholasconservatory.com/
Holocene Holiday
What: Dive into the past and experience what life was like in the Ice Age during the Holocene Holiday event. From mammoths to glaciers to people of the Ice Age, take advantage of the opportunity to learn interesting facts about this unique period in history.
When: 10 am to 4:30 pm Friday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-12, free admission for children 3 and under and for museum members.
For more: https://burpee.org/
Art of the Earth: Dire Wolves
What: Learn how artists and scientists can work together to create a visual representation of a time on Earth we have never seen before: PaleoArt. Enhance your Holocene Holiday experience with a workshop highlighting one of North America’s most well-known prehistoric predators.
When: 11 am to 12 pm or 2 to 3 pm Friday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $24 for adults, $22 for children 12 and under, $5 for museum members.
For more: https://burpee.org/
IceHogs hockey
What: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Chicago Wolves.
When: 4 pm Saturday
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://icehogs.com/
Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, [email protected] or @DeCosterKen.
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