Good morning, Rockford.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley started a renovation at Northeast Family YMCA in Loves Park to expand the fitness center by 4,000 sqft and provide round the clock access to members.

Led by Schmeling Construction and 1919 Architects, the $800K project is set to complete by January end.

Riverview Inn & Suites hosted its first Santa’s Wonderland Workshop today at Cliffbreakers event center, where families enjoyed complimentary crafts, games and photos with Santa (even in snow) as the hotel aimed to spread holiday cheer.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, Marshmallow’s Hope won a $5K grand prize and a $500 bonus at the Masked Karaoke Trivia Contest—an event that brought local nonprofits and businesses together to support free counseling for young people.

Machesney Park will judge its holiday decoration contest starting Dec.

13, with winners announced at the Village Board Meeting on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Homeowners must have their decorations up by Dec. 12 to win a Target or Meijer gift card + a $25 card for The Parks Ciminos Kitchen.

Children enjoyed a cultural twist on the season Sunday at the Ethnic Heritage Museum in Rockford.

The event featured crafts, guided tours of six ethnic exhibits, and live performances (including songs in English and Spanish).

Rockford families have three holiday light displays to enjoy: the Festival of Lights at Sinnissippi Park from Nov.

28 — Dec. 31, All Aglow at Nicholas Conservatory from Nov. 29 — Jan. 11, and Illuminated at Anderson Japanese Gardens featuring light displays and dining options Dec. 4 — Jan. 4.

Members of the Roscoe VFW held a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at Riverside Park on Sunday.

The event, a tradition since the late 1980s, featured a prayer, wreath placement, rifle volley and Taps at 11:58 a.m. along the Rock River to honor those lost.

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.