By Chelsea Meyer
B103
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ROCKFORD  — Looking to get into the holiday spirit? Watch Buddy the Elf sing and dance on stage, listen to some live Christmas music with Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and more with these 5 events in the Stateline.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops

Maestro Larsen closes out his tenure as the Music Director with a traditional favorite for the whole family, Holiday Pops. Join the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Nielsen Chorale for a moving evening of inspirational and sentimental Holiday music. This event is happening this Saturday, December 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Elf the Musical

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Who doesn’t LOVE Buddy the Elf?! Enjoy this modern-day holiday classic put on by The Studio Rockford.  Seating is general admission and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. This is going on December 16th through the 20th at Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre.

Ugly Xmas Sweater Party

Kick off the Christmas celebrations with Forest City Pub‘s Ugly Xmas Sweater party. Rock your ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win one of two $25 gift cards. Doors open at 4:30 PM on Friday, December 17th.

More news: Rockford’s Festival Of Lights Gets Even Brighter At The Halfway Point

West Side Showroom’s Production of ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’

“Featuring 11 actors portraying more than 100 unforgettable characters, Peter And The Starcatcher uses live music, ingenious stagecraft, and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story to life,” according to their website. This is their first play for families, bringing this show to life in their signature style with crazy characters, laugh-out-loud physical comedy, immersive environmental design, and wigs. This is happening from December 16th through the 19th at the WSSR located at 1414 N. Main Street in Rockford.

Festival of Lights

Drive through Sinnissippi Park and enjoy dozens of holiday light displays. Santa Claus with be in the center of the Park to wave and say hello to your family as you roll through this year’s light trail.

This is the last weekend that Santa Claus appears during the event. Here’s the remaining schedule:

Festival of Lights viewing schedule

  • 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 16-19
  • 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 20-23
  • 24 hours on Christmas Eve
  • 24 hours on Christmas Day
  • 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 26
  • 5 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve (last showing)
  • New Years Eve 5pm – 12am (last showing)

Santa Claus schedule

  • 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 17-19