Aurora
• Through December 12
Neighborhood Festival Funding Grant
The city government of Aurora offers financial assistance to organizations planning neighborhood events in 2020. Funding, which is limited to $1,500 per applicant, is made available to assist groups which will be host to public events designed to educate, benefit, organize, and/or connect Aurora residents. The deadline to apply is December 12, for events planned for January 1 through June 30, 2020. The deadline for events taking place from July 1 through December 31, 2020 is March 1, 2020.
For more information and to request an application call 630-256-3400 or send to dhakala@aurora-il.org.
• Thursday, Nov. 21 • 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
American Diabetes Association Dinner Experience at BLVD
A night out can be enjoyed with friends at a five-course dinner while supporting a great cause. The American Diabetes Association at BLVD Kitchen will have an amazing dining experience. BLVD Kitchen, 525 Station Boulevard.
• Friday, Nov. 22 • 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Winter Lights Aurora
Attendees can start the holiday season with pop-up holiday shops, Santa and Mrs. Claus, costumed characters, parade, tree-lighting at the G.A.R. Memorial Museum, 23 E. Downer Place, award presentations, and fireworks, Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop at Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 16, for photos after the Winter Lights parade. Downtown Aurora, S. Stolp Avenue and E. Downer Place.
For more information call 630.256.3370.
• Sunday, Nov. 24 • 3 p.m.
12th annual Aurora Community Thanksgiving Celebration
Twelve Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faith communities from Aurora, North Aurora, and Naperville, will participate with speakers and musical groups. Theme: “One Aurora: Community. Diversity. Empathy.” The event host will be Interfaith Aurora, an ecumenical group, and The Orchard Community, a group of artists, innovators, and thinkers. A reception will conclude the celebration. Society 57, 100 S. River Street.
• Monday, Nov. 25 • 7 p.m.
The Godfather
The Godfather often ranks as one of the best movies of all time. Stellar acting, fascinating dialogue and beautiful cinematography lift this film to unbelievable heights. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard. Tickets purchased at the door, $1 cash only. Doors will open 6:15 p.m., movie starts 7 p.m. Concessions available for purchase.
For more information regarding movies call 630.896.6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.
• November 29 to December 26
Phillips Park Festival of Lights
Everyone can drive through one of the largest free light shows in northern Illinois. The Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive has more than 25,000 cars every year to view dozens of displays totaling more than 200,000 individual lights. The Festival of Lights has raised more than $1 Million in donations that go to non-profit organizations in Aurora. Visitors to the Festival of Lights at Phillip Park are advised to enter from Smith Boulevard going south past 6th Avenue.
For more information call 630.256.3730 or visit aurorafestivaloflights.com.
• Monday, Dec. 2 • noon
Aurora Noon Lions Club, Auroran William W. Bennett presentation
The presentation will be about former Auroran William W. Bennett (1919-2011) a Marine combat engineer during World War II, at Luigi’s Pizza, 732 Prairie Street. The public is invited. Parking, admission, and lunch are free. Yorkville author Brent A. Peterson account of Bennett’s South Pacific service is in “Once Upon A Lifetime: The Epic True Story of Corporal William Wesley Bennett, USMC.” Bennett served with Company D, second battalion, in Saipan, Tinian, Tarawa, and Solomon Islands.
For more information call 815.325.0707.
• Monday, Dec. 2 • 7 p.m.
Movie Monday: It’s a Wonderful Life
The holiday favorite will be on the big screen at Paramount’s Classic Movie Mondays. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard. Tickets purchased at the door, $1 cash only. Doors will open 6:15 p.m., movie starts 7 p.m. Concessions available for purchase.
For more information regarding movies call 630.896.6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.
• Thursday, Dec. 5 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
The family can enjoy a magical and memorable experience with thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations, and happy holiday music. Blackberry Farm, 100 Barnes Road.
For more information call 630.892.1550.
• Friday, Dec. 6 • 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cocoa Crawl – December First Friday
It will be a great opportunity for all ages to have the experience and fun of First Fridays while enjoying a holiday event in the downtown community. To enjoy the second annual Cocoa Crawl, guests must purchase both a blue Cocoa Crawl mug and button. First Fridays will open multiple venues to include art and music. A handful of food trucks will be at the rear of Water Street Square.
For more information visit auroradowntown.org/first-fridays-faq.
Batavia
• Sunday, Dec. 1 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Celebration of Lights
The season will be celebrated at the Batavia Riverwalk, which will have free hayrides, food, holiday craft activities inside City Council Chambers, and at the Depot Museum, main level. Santa and the tree will be illuminated at 5:45 p.m..
For more information, please contact the Batavia Park District office at 630-879-5235 or check the schedule of events at www.bataviaparks.org.
• December 13-15
Winterfest Art Market
A unique holiday shopping experience for everyone will be available by visiting Water Street Studios, 160 S Water Street. The holiday season will include supporting artists and artisans and have holiday shopping gifts wrapped up. There will be an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
For more information visit waterstreetstudios.org.
Elgin
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Winter Wonderland
This year’s Winter Wonderland event will have many fun activities in downtown Elgin, including, sleigh rides, letters to Santa, city government of Elgin official tree-lighting ceremony, live reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and food trucks. DuPage Court and Elgin Artspace Lofts.
For more information visit elginwinterwonderland.com.
Geneva
• November 18, 23, December 16
Fox Valley Snowdrifters Ski Club meeting
The Fox Valley Snowdrifters Ski Club will meet at the Old Towne Pub and Eatery, November 18, at 201 W. State Street. Examples of the new ski club logo apparel will be unveiled and available to order in time for Christmas. Information on the February bus trip to Michigan will be announced at the meeting. A dinner is planned for November 23 at the Villa Verone in Geneva. The Christmas meeting/party will be Monday, Dec. 16 in the Pine Room at the Bliss Creek Golf Course in Sugar Grove.
For more information call Joan at 630.567.6407.
• Friday, Dec. 6 • starts at 6 p.m.
Geneva tree-lighting
The evening will begin with the arrival of Santa Lucia at 6 p.m. followed by Santa Claus arriving on a horse-drawn carriage and the illumination of the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn.
• December 6-7
Holiday House Tour
Geneva’s annual Holiday House Tour will feature five architecturally-unique homes decked with boughs of holly and festive Christmas décor. Homes are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35 each and include a traditional holiday tea at the First Congregational Church, 327 Hamilton Street from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information visit genevachamber.com.
Lisle
• November 23 to January 5, 2020
Morton Arboretum Tree Lights
The Morton Arboretum will feature a one-mile paved path amid immersing lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in Winter. Visitors can enjoy seasonal music, marvel at ever-changing, interactive lighting designs, and warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink or roast marshmallows for s’mores. Closed: November 25, 28. December 2, 9, 16, 24-25. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53.
For more information call 630.968.0074 or visit mortonarb.org.
• December 7 and 8
Lights of Lisle Festival
One of the most beautiful and memorable holiday events will be the Lights of Lisle Festival, which will be held in Downtown Lisle. There will be activities, including, food truck, Santa light parade, ice-carving, and tree-lighting ceremony.
Lombard
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Jingle Bell Jubilee
Downtown Lombard will come alive with holiday cheer! At 5:30 p.m. there will be a lighting ceremony at the Lilacia Park, 150 South Park Avenue. There will be hot cocoa, carolers, and Santa.
For more information visit www.villageoflombard.org/168/JingleBell-Jubilee.
Montgomery
• Sunday, Dec. 1 • 5 p.m.
Annual Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Montgomery’s annual Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony at Village Hall, 200 N. River Street, will have festive music performances from students in schools, followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in fire trucks with sirens blaring. After the lighting of the Christmas tree, children can visit Santa and take some great holiday pictures with him.
For more information visit ci.montgomery.il.us.
• December 1 – December 23
Festival of Trees
The Montgomery Village Hall will be host to the Festival of Trees that will turn all three levels of the Village Hall into a decorated holiday delight. Businesses participate by decorating Christmas trees for everyone to enjoy, and visitors of all ages are invited to vote for their favorite tree. The Festival of Trees will continue through December 23 during normal business hours.
For more information visit ci.montgomery.il.us.
Mooseheart
• November 29 – December 31 • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holiday Lights at Mooseheart
Holiday Lights at Mooseheart is one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays! The lighted route is approximately 1.8 miles and has more than 80 lighted displays to view! Features include: Santa’s visit, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies in the fieldhouse free for those who have paid the per car entrance fee. Mooseheart Child City, S. Lincolnway (Route 31).
For more information call 630.966.2200.
Naperville
• Thursday, Nov. 28 • 8 a.m.
22nd annual Naperville Noon Lions 5K Turkey Trot
The Naperville Noon Lions will be host to its 22nd annual Turkey Trot at Naperville Central High School, 440 Aurora Avenue. Runners, walkers, running strollers, and special needs walkers/runners are welcome. Complimentary breakfast for all registered runners will follow the run. All proceeds will help be a benefit to the Lions programs for individuals with vision and hearing disabilities in the Naperville/Aurora area who cannot afford the type of service.
For more information call 630-364-3922. To register visit napervilleturkeytrot.com.
• Friday, Nov. 29 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Little Friends Parade of Lights
The popular annual holiday parade and tradition is brought to the community by Little Friends in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to celebrate the Season! It will be an evening of festivities, brightly-lighted floats, and musical entertainment. Immediately following the parade Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with kids inside the Santa House until 9 p.m. on the Riverwalk. Jackson and Webster.
Norway
• Saturday Nov. 30 • starts at 9 a.m.
Go-Kart, Mini-Bike swap meet
The Go-Kart, Mini-Bike swap will be at the Norway Community Center Building, E. 2603rd Road, Sheridan. Cost for ages 10 years and up is $4 or $2 with canned goods. Vender set-up will start at 7:30 a.m. and cost for a 10-foot by 10-foot space is $20 cash. The event is across the street from the Concept Haulers Motor Speedway go-kart track.
For more information send to jwschutt@hotmail.com.
Oswego
• Friday, Dec. 6 • 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Walk
The festivities include a Seussian twist on the traditional tree-lighting ceremony, Toyland Train rides, ice-carving demonstrations, strolling carolers and characters, holiday music, kids crafts and games, delicious food vendors, the Silent, Illuminated Fire Truck parade, all on Main Street.
For more information visit www.oswegoil.org.
Sandwich
• December 6-7
World Premier of ’A Twisted Christmas Carol”
Indian Valley Theatre’s (IVT) next production, ‘A Twisted Christmas Carol’, is the newly-written comedy written by Phil Olson. IVT was asked personally by the playwright to be one of eight community theatre groups across the U.S to produce this Texas spoof of Charles Dickens’ classic story, ‘A Christmas Carol’ … only Texas style. Sandwich Opera House, 140 E Railroad Street.
For more information visit indianvalleytheatre.com or send to info@indianvalleytheatre.com.
St. Charles
• November 29-30
Holiday Homecoming
The event will feature free seasonal activities, including Christmas carols, holiday movies, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The main event will be lighted parade floats that will shine on Main Street between 6th Street and 4th Avenue. Free showing of The Grinch; free horse-drawn trolley rides; live holiday window displays; electric Christmas parade. Holiday Homecoming, 2 E. Main Street.
For more information call 630.443.3967.
• November 30 to December 1 • Saturday noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kane County Flea Market – last of the season
Admission $5 each day, free parking, children under 12 free. Food served all day. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road.
For more information visit kanecountyfleamarket.com or call 630.377.2252.
West Chicago
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Frosty Fest
West Chicago’s downtown will be transformed into an old-fashioned Winter vignette complete with a grand tree-lighting, horse-drawn sleigh, live reindeer, Victorian carolers, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be a Frosty 5K Run/Walk, which includes a free Kids Fun Run for children ages 10 and under.
For more information call 630-293-2200.
West Dundee
• Sunday, Dec. 8 • noon to 4 p.m.
SEC Arts and Craft Show
Artisans at Schweitzer Woods forest preserve, 16N900 Sleepy Hollow Road, will sell nature-theme items or natural and organic products. Refreshments and evergreen floral arrangements will be for sale to benefit the center. The event is free to the public. Vendor tables are available for $25.
For more information and vendor info call 815.356.6605.
Wheaton
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Season Holiday Festival
Families and children of all ages can enjoy attractions, including Mistletoe Market, horse-drawn sleigh rides, face-painting, live reindeer display and of course a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Event is free, but a small fee applies to some activities. Parking is $5. per car.
Yorkville
• Saturday, Nov. 23 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Winter Wonderland Festival and Visits with Santa
The fun, family event will be at the Circle Center Grade School’s fourth annual Winter Wonderland Festival, 901 Mill Street. The school will be bursting with holiday cheer with carnival games, bake sale, shopping circles, concessions, and, of course, Santa Claus, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Most activities and purchases, excluding the shopping circles, require tickets.
For more information and pre-sale tickets go to yorkville.il.us/register.
• Saturday, Nov. 23 • 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Riverfront Park – Holiday Celebration Downtown
The United City of Yorkville at the Riverfront Park will have a Holiday Parade starting at 5:30 p.m.. A Tree-lighting ceremony will follow the parade and end with fireworks!
For more information call 630-553-4357.
• Tuesday, Nov. 26 • 7 p.m.
Kendall Arts Guild meeting
The next Kendall Arts Guild (KAG) meeting will be at 215 Hillcrest Avenue. There will be an update on the KAG Gallery at the Farmers Daughter shop in Sandwich.
For more information call Joan at 630-567-6407.
• December 7-8, 14-15, 21 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Chapel on the Green Christmas in the Village
The Chapel will be host to the “Christmas in the Village” display of vintage Department 56 ceramic buildings and accessories. Three rooms will have dozens of pieces displayed in creative settings. The series was introduced in 1976 and has grown in popularity over the years. On display will be items from the Original Snow Village and the Dickens Village.
For more information call Joan at 630.567.6407.
Would you like your upcoming activity considered for inclusion? Send the event details, name, date, time, and a paragraph description plus the event contact number and/or Web site address to me at neighborhoodactivities@comcast.net. Please send minimum two weeks prior to the event date.