Aurora
• Through 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.
• Through January 19, 2020
Beauty and the Beast
The tale as old as time will be shown in musical form at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard.
For more information 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 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.
• December 13-15, 20-22
A Christmas Carol
For the 25th consecutive year, The Riverfront Playhouse will present its own original version of a Christmas Carol. Adapted from the classic Charles Dickens story by Riverfront veteran Jack Schultz. Riverfront Playhouse, 11 S. Water Street.
For more information call 630.897.9496 or visit riverfrontplayhouse.com.
• Friday, Dec. 13 • 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gingerbread Engineering Workshop
The family can get together and build a gingerbread house. Includes a basic Gingerbread House kit, hands on assistance, and someone else to clean up. Kits are $20 each. 18 W Benton Street.
For more information visit scitechmuseum.org.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 9 a.m. – noon
Santa and his Reindeer
Aurora Bank and Trust will be host to a visit with Santa and his reindeer. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. Refreshments and face-painting will be included. 2287 W. Galena Boulevard.
For more information call 630.684.9199.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 6 p.m.
West Aurora 33rd annual Madrigal Dinner
West Aurora High School’s music department will perform its 33nd annual madrigal dinner in the great hall (student cafeteria) at the school, 1201 W. New York Street. Tickets for the Saturday seating are $25, tickets for the dessert performance are $15. Included in the dinner will be twice-baked potato, roasted vegetables, fresh-baked bread, dinner salad and cheese cake with beverages. Seating is available in groups of six to eight persons.
For more information and tickets, visit wachoir.org.
• Sunday, Dec. 15 • 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fox Valley Jazz Big Band
The fun seasonal concert will feature the music of Stan Kenton and USAF Airmen of Note arranger Mike Crotty. Jazz vocalist Julie Ann Caselli will join the band on some fantastic holiday arrangement of classic hits. The Venue Aurora, 21 S. Broadway Avenue.
For more information visit themusicvenue.org.
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
• 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 to start at 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be activities, including, food trucks, Santa light parade at 4:30 p.m., ice-carving, and tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m..
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.
• Due by Thursday, Dec. 12 • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Toys for Tots Season
Holiday gifts for the Marine Toys for Tots Program can be dropped off at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River Street and the Police Department, 10 Civic Center Dr. Anyone wishing to contribute new, unwrapped gifts , toys, games, sports equipment, children’s books, may drop them off by December 12.
To learn more about Toys for Tots visit toysfortots.org.
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.
Plano
• December 6-8
Rockin’ Christmas in Plano
Plano’s Rockin’ Christmas weekend will start with a parade Friday and continue with live entertainment and a traditional tree-lighting ceremony. Festivities will continue Saturday morning with coffee with the mayor at the Train Depot 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and continue though the weekend. Non-perishable food items and donations will be collected throughout the season and delivered to needy families Sunday. Downtown Plano, Main Street.
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 at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. 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.
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.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 • 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
Brunch with the Grinch
All the Whos in Whoville surely will flock to Cantigny to meet the Grinch at the annual Brunch with the Grinch. There will be a great brunch spread, the Grinch movie will be shown, and kids can visit with the Grinch! Red Oak Room, Cantigny Golf Clubhouse, Red Oak Room, 27w270 Mack Road. Cost is ages 11 and up, $38; ages four to 10, $33; ages three and under, $5. Choose from a 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. seatings. All reservations must be made online. at cantigny.org.
Yorkville
• 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.