The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com recently released the updated Housing Market Ranking with Rockford claiming the top spot as the number one real-estate market in the U.S. With a population of about 147,000 residents and a metro area of about 339,000, Rockford is a vibrant city sitting along the Rock River, featuring countless museum attractions, spaces to enjoy nature, iconic eateries and much more.

Rockford is among Illinois’ growing economies with various developing industries including health care, aerospace and logistics. Additionally, it is home to the Chicago Rockford International Airport, which is among the fastest growing cargo airports in the world and flies over 100,000 passengers to popular destinations each year.

Sitting 90 miles from Chicago and Milwaukee, Rockford has been a popular area to settle for new homebuyers searching for affordable homes while still being connected to large city life and active neighborhoods.

The Housing Market Ranking is based on the status of the real-estate market, economic health and quality of life in metro areas across the U.S. This ranking is a testament to Rockford’s thriving communities and progress.

To see a full list of the Housing Market Ranking, click here.

According to NASA, the winter solstice will be taking place this year at 9:27 p.m. on Dec. 21, making that the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight.

So, what does the winter solstice represent? Not only does it mean that Illinois will be seeing just under nine hours and eight minutes of daylight on Dec. 21, it also means that the Earth’s axis is currently furthest away from the sun.

Because of this, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere also represents the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. During the summer solstice in Illinois, the Earth’s axis will be at its closest point to the sun in its yearly rotation.

You might be wondering if that means that the winter solstice is also the earliest sunset and latest sunrise of the year? Good question, but no. Since the calendar is not a perfect reflection of the Earth’s movements through space and time, the earliest sunset of the year occurred earlier this month.

However, the days are still becoming shorter, because the sunrise is occurring later and later, and will do so until early January, when the sunrise will occur at about 7:18 a.m.

In Cahokia, which is near the Mississippi River across from St. Louis, indigenous people built multiple temple mounds or pyramids, much like the Aztecs built. Among these stood an interesting structure known today as “Woodhenge,” which had large wooden posts, positioned in a circle.

On the winter solstice, the sun aligns with the Woodhenge and a temple mound in the distance.

This as well as other archeological evidence has led researchers to make the assumption that the Cahokia people, like many indigenous people, revered the sun and considered it a deity. It is also thought that they made careful observations of the solar system and held rituals honoring the sun for the upcoming agricultural year.

In Cahokia, the Winter Solstice will be observed at Cahokia Mounds on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 7 a.m. Visitors should gather at the reconstructed Woodhenge, which is approximately one-half mile west of Monks Mound (the largest mound), on Collinsville Road. While waiting for the sunrise, an archaeologist will explain the discovery of the Woodhenges, their function, and the Mississippian culture that built them. Out of respect to indigenous culture, there will be no rituals or ceremonies performed. The present Woodhenge was built in its original location in 1985, following years of excavations that led to the locations being revealed of the large posts.

The Winter Solstice is a mysterious event due to many people not knowing about its history or significance, and we may never truly know what it meant to the indigenous people.

Did you know that Illinois has rich holiday traditions that have been celebrated for years? The holiday season, for many people, is a time to enjoy gatherings and festivities with family and friends. Here are a few holiday traditions throughout Illinois to celebrate the season.

• Holidays at the Dawes House in Evanston – The Dawes House, located in Evanston, overlooking Lake Michigan, is an extravagant Chateauesque mansion. It was the home of Charles Gates Dawes, the former United States vice president under Calvin Coolidge and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. There are tours at the house as well as walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown and lakefront.
• Home for the Holidays in Oak Park – Celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way by visiting downtown Oak Park. Home for the Holidays, an annual free event, offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits from Santa, hot chocolate, carolers singing holiday favorites, and a holiday classic movie showing at the Lake Theatre. The entire event and all the activities are free.
• Santas around the World: Exploring Winter Holiday Traditions in Naperville – At the Naper Settlement in Naperville, celebrate the holidays by learning about the origins of several holiday traditions, and the lore surrounding the celebrations of the holiday season.
• Holiday Lights at Bunker Hill Historic Area in Bunker Hill – Enjoy a large display of thousands of lights at the Bunker Hill Historic Area.
• Winter Nights at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Featuring “The Nutcracker” in Springfield – Enjoy ballet performances, craft tables for children, ice skating in Union Park, a display of lights and special effects, and free admission and free parking during special hours.
• Vintage Holidays in Long Grove – Celebrate the magic of the season in Long Grove. Experience a holiday walk with shopping, lights, photo stations, carriage rides, visits with Santa and caroling around town.
• Old Capitol Holiday Walks in Springfield – Enjoy the festivities of the holiday season in Downtown Springfield. Take in dazzling lights, local shops, and holiday magic.

Do any of these holiday traditions sound fun? Celebrate the season by considering attending one of these events!

Do you still have more presents to get for your family and friends? Holiday markets and festivals in Illinois are a fantastic option to shop for holiday presents, to enjoy a heartfelt experience with loved ones, and to find unique items and gifts. Illinois has several holiday markets and festivals throughout the state. Here are some of the best of the best:

• Christkindlmarket Chicago – With market locations in Aurora, Chicago and Wrigleyville, this German-themed outdoor holiday market is fun for all ages. The market has both international and local vendors. There is lots of shopping, live entertainment, and unique food and beverages.
  • The Aurora and Chicago market locations are open from Nov. 17 – Dec. 24.
  • The Wrigleyville location is open from Nov. 17 – Dec. 31.
• Belleville Christkindlmarket - This market is similar to the Chicago Christkindlmarket, featuring European and handcrafted items, food, and beverages. This year is the market’s 10^th anniversary in Belleville.
  • It is open on weekends from Nov. 24 – Dec. 23.
• Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light – The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago holds an annual celebration with a grand tree, a forest display of more than 50 trees, and displays to represent the holiday traditions from cultures across the globe.
  • The event is open now until Jan. 7, 2024.
• Old Capitol Holiday Walks – In downtown Springfield, celebrate the holiday season by taking a walk around and seeing lights, shops and holiday magic.
  • This event is open from Nov. 25 until Dec. 23.

With a variety of options available, we hope you take the time to visit a holiday market or festival in Illinois this year!

Have you begun your holiday shopping yet? If you’re considering shopping local for presents this month, you could help out a small business in Illinois by making a purchase.

Here are some gift options, all made in Illinois, which can be shipped:

• A holiday box from Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Chicago – Any grill masters in your life will highly appreciate this LBS holiday box with andouille beef sausage, seasoning, and sauce ($69.99).
• Galena gift basket from Galena Canning Company, Galena – Get seven flavors of dips, sauces, and flavors ($69.99).
• An inspirational sign from Farmhouse Signs & Co., Taylorville – Remind your loved ones of how much they mean to you with an inspirational sign ($34).
• A “Be Jolly” candle from Wooden It Be Lovely, Springfield – Gift your loved ones the scent of baked cookies this holiday season. All proceeds go toward helping women in the program gain work experience and heal from poverty and addiction ($29.50).
• Essential oil blends from Einnim, Oak Park – It offers a variety of aromas, like sweet and spicy, and fresh and calming ($15).
• All-natural dog treats from Bear’s Bites, Peoria – It offers a Monthly Bite Box for dogs with flavors like chicken, beef and pumpkin ($39).

For more gift options, check out https://www.enjoyillinois.com/illinois-made/illinois-made-holiday-gift-guide/