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.
• Through Friday, Nov. 15
City of Aurora’s annual Gifts from Home
The city government of Aurora’s annual Gifts from Home program offers our hardworking active members of the military a reminder from their hometown during the holidays. Gifts from Home thanks Aurora residents who are actively serving in the military, at home or abroad, with a gift box that includes mixed nuts, Aurora memorabilia, and a card during the holiday season. To register an active member of the military, visit www.aurora-il.org/GiftsFromHome or send the following information to MyAurora@aurora-il.org: 1) Active military member’s name and rank. 2) Complete military address. 3) Branch of service and current station. 4) Home address in Aurora. 5) Name, relationship, and contact information of person submitting. To ensure timely delivery for the holidays, the deadline to submit information is Friday, Nov. 15.
For more information contact City of Aurora Special Events at 630.256.3370.
• Thursday, Nov. 14 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
World Diabetes Day
The Cosmopolitan Club of Aurora, “The Club That Fights Diabetes”, invites everyone to an evening of family fun, with games, light, healthy, snacks, entertainment, free door prize drawing, turkey giveaways every half hour, and information about diabetes awareness and treatment to celebrate “World Diabetes Day”, at the SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton Street, in Downtown Aurora.
• Friday, Nov. 15 • 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Story Time at the Fire Museum
Sponsored in conjunction with the Aurora Public Library, children and their families can enjoy a fun story accompanied by singing, dancing, and other interactive elements. Lasts approximately 30 minutes in the Hayloft. Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway.
Fore more information call 630.256.4140.
• November 15-16 • 7 p.m.
ACC to present “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”
Aurora Central Catholic High School will present a Shakespeare focus at the school, 1233 N. Edgelawn Drive. Scheduled at the school is “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,”. The public is invited. Parking is free. Tickets are $10 for one show or $15 for both. Reserved seats are $15 for a single show or $25 for both shows. Baked goods and popcorn will be available for sale.
For more information and tickets available at the door or in advance call 630.907.0095.
• 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.
• Monday, Nov. 18 • 7 p.m.
Movie Monday: 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.
• 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.
Movie Monday: Superman
The classic film that helped kick start the blockbuster superhero film will be at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard. Tickets purchased at the door, $1 cash only. Doors 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.
• 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 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.
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
• 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, Nov. 17 • noon – 2 p.m.
Special Stars Sensory Gym
Special Stars, Inc. NFP of Montgomery will open a new sensory gym to help children acclimate to new stimuli and helps foster independence. The gym includes swings, ball pits, zip-lines, monkey bars, rock walls and play structures inside Stephanie’s Academy of Dance, 2230 Cornell Avenue. There will be a ribbon-cutting and the public is invited.
For more information call 630.896.8277, or visit specialstarsdance.org.
• 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 host 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.
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.
North Aurora
• Friday, Nov. 15 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Campfire Stories and S’Mores
Individuals can gather around the campfire and listen to some legends and lore as they enjoy roasting marshmallows at scenic Red Oak Nature Center. All participants must register with the Fox Valley Park District. Red Oak Nature Center, 1385 N. River Road.
For ore information call 630.897.1808.
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 is proud to announce their next production, ‘A Twisted Christmas Carol’, 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 two-day Holiday Homecoming event will start Friday at 5 p.m. with Lighting of the Lights on the First Street Plaza. The annual Electric Christmas Parade will take place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street.
For more information visit bit.ly/2O7qKxQ
Sugar Grove
• Saturday, Nov. 16 • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Second Annual Indie Author Day
The public is warmly invited to the second annual Indie Author Day at the Sugar Grove Public Library, 125 S. Municipal Drive. More than 25 authors will participate with a variety of genres represented, including fiction, poetry, children’s materials, memoirs and non-fiction. Books will all be available for purchase and signing, and patrons will enjoy the opportunity to connect with local authors.
For more information visit sgpl.org or send to Shannon Halikias at shannon@sgpl.org, or call 630.466.4686.
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.
Wheaton
• Saturday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Celebrate the 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 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 3 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.
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.