Rock Island Tree Lighting
Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 18, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026
5–7 p.m.
Ceremonial Tree Lighting: 6 p.m.
Holiday activities, shopping and entertainment take place before and after the tree lighting.
Location
Arts Alley | 1719 2nd Ave., Rock Island, IL 61201 Additional festivities take place at the Green Lawn (1801 2nd Ave.), nearby downtown businesses and Modern Woodmen of America (1701 1st Ave.). All activities are located in Downtown Rock Island.
Fees/Admission
Free admission! Food, beverages, holiday trees, wreaths and merchandise will be available for purchase. Donations to the River Bend Food Bank are encouraged but not required.
Contact Information
Contact Information:
Rock Island Downtown Alliance | 309-903-7432
Send Email
Description
Kick off the holiday season at the Rock Island Tree Lighting, happening from 5–7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Downtown Rock Island!
Celebrate the start of Deck the Downtowns with an evening of festive lights, holiday caroling, photos with Santa, local shopping, seasonal treats and family-friendly activities throughout Arts Alley, the Green Lawn and surrounding businesses.
The ceremonial tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. in Arts Alley (1719 2nd Ave.), where Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris will officially illuminate the City's holiday tree.
Holiday Activities
🎄Tree Lighting | Arts Alley
Join Mayor Ashley Harris for the ceremonial lighting of Rock Island's holiday tree at 6 p.m.
🎅 Photos with Santa | Green Lawn
Bring the family for festive photos with San “T” Clause on the outdoor deck at Blue Collar Bagels.
🛍️ Holiday Pop-Up Shops | Arts Alley
Shop handmade goods, sweet treats and unique gifts from local vendors, including Brick and Motor Boutique, Catalpa Natural Cleaning Services and Gobsmacked Chocolates.
🌲 You-Pick Tree Farm | Green Lawn
Find the perfect holiday greenery with freshly pre-cut trees, wreaths and seasonal decorations from Timber Lane Tree Farm of Fulton, Illinois.
✉️ Letters to Santa | Quad City Arts
Stop by the gallery to write a letter to Santa! Letters will be collected and delivered to Santa at Festival of Trees.
☕ Hot Cocoa & Holiday Treats
Warm up with hot cocoa, hot dogs and seasonal specials available for purchase at Blue Collar Bagels, or enjoy festive beverages at The Iconic Event & Reception Venue.
❤️ Modern Woodmen Food Drive | 1701 1st Ave.
Help spread holiday cheer by donating to River Bend Food Bank! Drive through the Modern Woodmen courtyard to enjoy the holiday lights and drop off donations at the food bank truck. Donors will receive a small box of cookies and can enter to win a suite rental for a 2027 Quad Cities River Bandits home game.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Deck the Downtowns is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor GreenState Credit Union, Print Sponsor Stecker Graphics and Media Sponsors iHeartMedia and WQAD.Keep the Holiday Fun Going!
The Tree Lighting is just the beginning! Deck the Downtowns continues Nov. 18 through Jan. 1, bringing festive storefront displays, the Downtown Rock Island Train Hunt, the Dec. 6 Holiday Market and more seasonal celebrations to downtown.Discover all the holiday happenings at downtownrockisland.org/deck-the-downtowns.
