Good morning, Rockford.

Court Street United Methodist Church held its 44th free Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, serving over 1,000 people in need+about 125 volunteers helped dish out meals, including the Arbisi family who began volunteering 10 years ago and plan to return next year.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church hosted a Thanksgiving service on Thursday night to offer a hot meal and worship for families, longtime members, and people facing homelessness in Rockford—ensuring no one was alone during the holiday season.

Many familiar Christmas carols actually started as Thanksgiving songs—Jingle Bells was first sung at a church service and Over the River and Through the Woods began as a poem—while tunes like We Gather Together and Five Fat Turkeys remain part of Thanksgiving traditions.

Rockford will soon launch its Business Advancement Program that offers up to $25K in forgivable loans for local businesses operating from commercial and industrial locations.

Applications open Dec. 1 and close Dec. 31, and each five‐year loan is forgiven if the business continues to meet zoning and licensing requirements (a 1:1 match is provided up to $25K).

Prairie Farms Dairy issued a recall of some gallon fat-free milk after it found food-grade cleaning agents in containers from its December 8 production run made at its Dubuque facility — about 320 gallons sold at Woodman’s Markets have been removed and consumers are advised to return or safely dispose of the product for a refund.

Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk

12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.

An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.

The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company

6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.

Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland

11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.

NLI’s Holiday Open House

4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.

2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Celebration

6-8 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Celebrate community service excellence at the Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Award Ceremony.

An Evening with Kevin Gordon

8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — From $15.08 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Louisiana's own Kevin Gordon as he shares stories through his songs.

A Christmas Carol Performance

7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Cheek Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life through a one-man play by Greg Oliver Bodine.

Holiday Pops - Rockford Symphony Orchestra

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — A festive performance featuring nearly 200 community performers, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Sleigh Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience

4-11 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Cost info not provided — Sip on festive cocktails and soak in the Christmas decor for a fun holiday season celebration.