You've found the ultimate guide to the holidays in Rock Island! Let us show you the best festive events and attractions. For Rock Island aficionados and curious cats, our guide is your ticket to holiday discoveries.
This season, the Kwik Star Festival of Trees brightens the holiday spirit with dazzling displays of uniquely themed trees that cater to a variety of tastes. Featuring a charming holiday atmosphere, the Lighting on the Commons transforms the town center into a winter wonderland with its stunning light displays and shimmering decorations. And the Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful selection of handcrafted gifts and festive treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rock Island
- Kwik Star Festival of Trees (Davenport)
- Lighting on the Commons (Moline)
- Christmas at Augustana
- Julmarknad (Christmas Market) (Bishop Hill)
- Christmas at the Village (Davenport)
- Winter in Bloom
- Christkindlmarkt
- Winter Wonderland
- Black Nativity
- Holiday Inn
See these and even more events listed below!
Rock Island Holiday Light Displays
Kwik Star Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest.
Description:
The Quad City Arts Festival of Trees features over 150 designer displays, fun-filled attractions, and the largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest.
Where: Davenport | More Info: Kwik Star Festival of Trees
Lighting on the Commons
What to Expect:
Community celebration with Santa, horse-drawn rides, live music, and fireworks.
Description:
Lighting on the Commons is a free annual community event celebrating the holiday season with Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, children's craft activities, and a famous Lighting Ceremony with fireworks.
Where: Moline | More Info: Lighting on the Commons
Rock Island Holiday Markets and Shopping
Julmarknad (Christmas Market)
What to Expect:
Traditional Swedish holiday activities and exhibits.
Description:
Julmarknad, or Christmas Market in Bishop Hill, features Swedish folk characters, traditional holiday decorations, and a Christmas gift sale. Visitors can see Tomten, the Swedish elves, roam through the town, and sample freshly baked cookies from the 1860s Bjorklund Hotel kitchen. The event includes a Christmas Cookie Walk, visits with Santa, and a Chocolate Walk, with new exhibits showcasing Swedish Christmas traditions and the Bishop Hill Colony's rag rug industry.
Where: Bishop Hill | More Info: Julmarknad (Christmas Market)
Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Local artisans showcasing handmade crafts and seasonal items.
Description:
The Quad City Christmas Arts and Craft Fair in Rock Island, Illinois, features local artisans showcasing handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal items. Visitors can explore a variety of vendors offering everything from jewelry to home decor.
Where: Rock Island | More Info: Christkindlmarkt
Evanston Winter Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Month-long event with diverse handmade crafts.
Description:
The Evanston Winter Arts and Crafts Expo features over 140 selected artisans showcasing original, handmade works including jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, and mixed media.
Where: Evanston | More Info: Evanston Winter Craft Fair
Rock Island Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Augustana
What to Expect:
World-class ensembles performing in a festive holiday concert.
Description:
Join the Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, and Augustana Concert Chorale as they come together to celebrate the holiday season with a 90-minute performance featuring traditional and contemporary music.
Where: Rock Island | More Info: Christmas at Augustana
Black Nativity
What to Expect:
Soulful retelling of the Christmas story with a city-wide gospel choir.
Description:
Langston Hughes' Gospel Song-Play returns to Intiman Theatre in an all-new, reimagined production. The Christmas story gets a soulful retelling with actors, dancers, soaring vocalists, and a rousing city-wide gospel choir. The poetry and vision of Langston Hughes combine with gospel renditions of your favorite carols, allowing audiences to raise their voices and sing along.
Where: Rock Island | More Info: Black Nativity
Rock Island Other Holiday Activities
Winter in Bloom
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with Santa, carriage rides, and kids' activities.
Description:
The Winter in Bloom event at the Hauberg Estate features beautifully decorated trees, a visit from Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and activities for kids, including crafts and games. Cookies and cocoa are available, and a cash bar is also present.
Where: Rock Island | More Info: Winter in Bloom
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Comprehensive resource fair with diverse community and district offerings.
Description:
The Rock Island-Milan School District's Fifth Annual Winter Wonderland Resource Fair offers a variety of resources for students and families, including job opportunities, college preparation, mental, emotional, and physical wellness assessments, and more. The event will feature over 38 district and community resources, representatives from local organizations, and activities like food, fun, and giveaways.
Where: Rock Island | More Info: Winter Wonderland
Holiday Inn
What to Expect:
Flexible meeting space with up to 10,000 square feet.
Description:
Located in downtown Rock Island's arts district, the Holiday Inn Rock Island - Quad Cities offers 172 guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini refrigerators, and Keurig coffee makers. The hotel features over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, an indoor pool, and on-site restaurants. It is near major attractions like the Rock Island Arsenal and Modern Woodmen Park.
Where: Rock Island | More Info: Holiday Inn
Christmas at the Village
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with various activities and entertainment.
Description:
Christmas at the Village features shops, restaurants, and bars open, with children's activities, Trolley rides, Ice Sculpting, Live Window Scenes, and Holiday characters. The event includes Kettle corn, Hot chocolate, and Fireworks at 9:00 PM, with Santa at the Village Firehouse.
Where: Davenport | More Info: Christmas at the Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Davenport (1 miles)
- Moline (3 miles)
- Bettendorf (3 miles)
- East Moline (7 miles)
- Muscatine (25 miles)
- Clinton (31 miles)
- Galesburg (40 miles)