Kane County Calendar of Events Nov. 8 – Nov. 25

THROUGH NOV. 12

French Market, Sundays, parking lot of the Metra Train Station at Fourth and South streets, Geneva, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The market brings farm fresh produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, jewelry, handbags and more to downtown Geneva.

THROUGH NOV. 18

The Drowning Girls, Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 Water Street Mall, Aurora, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Bessie, Alice, and Margaret have two things in common: they are married to George Joseph Smith, and they are dead. Surfacing from the bathtubs they were drowned in, the three breathless brides gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths. Information: (630) 897-9496.

THROUGH DEC. 31

Christmas at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Roard, Aurora. Join in the tradition of hunting for an Abbey-Farms-grown Christmas tree or select a fresh pre-cut fir tree from Father Andrews’ family in upper Michigan! Whether it’s Christmas trees, the Pine Tree Cafe, the yummy bakery or a tractor ride Abbey Farms is the place to grow memories and traditions. Information: (630) 966-7775.

NOV. 8

Ray LaHood at Aurora University, Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora, 7:30 p.m. Former U.S. transportation secretary and Congressman Ray LaHood discusses partisanship in politics, moderated by Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune chief political reporter. Register online for this free lecture.  Information: (630) 844-4924.

NOV. 9

Through the Eyes of Veterans: Images & Stories of Vietnam, Waubonsee Community College Downtown Campus, 18 S. River St., Aurora, 7 p.m. Vietnam veteran Jim Davidson of North Aurora will take you through his tour of duty as a combat infantryman and helicopter door gunner from 1968 to 1969. Serving in the Army with the 101st Airborne Division, Jim documented his experience in photographs of the countryside, equipment, base camps and battles from the air. Information: (630) 801-7900.

NOV. 9-11

Christmas Collective, Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Come explore this unique 3-day pop up market held annually to showcase local retail and shopping in Batavia.  The market is holiday-themed and full of vintage, and one-of-a-kind items from downtown retailers and selected artisans. Information: (630) 761-3528.

NOV. 10

Frank Caliendo, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 8 p.m., Paramount Theatre | 23 E. Galena Blvd. Aurora. The comedian, actor, and impressionist Frank Caliendo has been making people laugh his entire life. He is well known for his impressions of famous personalities. Information: (630) 896-6666.

NOV. 11

Aurora Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, downtown Aurora,  23 E. Downer Place, Aurora, 10:15 a.m. The City of Aurora recognizes the dedication of local military service men and women that have served our country at the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Nov. 11. The parade steps off at the corner of Benton and Broadway at 10:15 a.m. ending at the GAR Memorial Hall, where the “Honoring All Who Served” ceremony takes place. The ceremony will conclude with a military rifle salute at 11 a.m. Information: (630) 256-3370.

North Aurora Honors Veterans, North Aurora Veteran’s Memoria, 11 N. Willoway Dr., North Aurora, 2 p.m. This annual Veteran’s Day event is held to commemorate, remember and honor veterans for their service and commitment to protecting our country and our freedom.

Santa’s Arrival Parade, Spring Hill Mall, 1072 Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee, 10 a.m.-noon. Santa arrives in style for the parade, followed by cookies and milk, balloon artist, face painting and more in Center. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to F.I.S.H. Food Pantry of Carpentersville.

Community Blood Drive Sponsored by Hampshire Police Department, 215 Industrial Drive, Hampshire, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. To schedule a donation time, stop in the station, call (630) 360-4769, call/text Camille from Heartland at 847-305-9998 or sign-up online at www.heartlandbc.org. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins welcome!

Veterans Day Ceremony and Gallery Reception, St. Charles Municipal Campus, 7 S. 2nd Ave.

St. Charles, 10:30 a.m. at Freedom Shrine. Reception hosted by the Arts Council (light food/drink immediately following. All are welcome. Information: www.stcharlesartscouncil.org or call (630) 443-3794.

NOV. 12

Geneva Women’s Club 43rd Annual Holiday Craft Show, Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $5, children under 12 free. This unique event offers all hand crafted and unique crafts just in time for holiday gift giving needs.  Information: www.genevawomensclub.org

NOV. 13

The Russian Revolution at 100, Aurora University’s Tapper Recital Hall, 1315 Prairie St., Aurora, 7 p.m. The Russian Revolution ranks among the most pivotal events in world history. This year it turns 100, but it remains the subject of heated debate even a quarter century after the collapse of the Soviet Union to which it gave birth. Information: (630) 844-4924.

NOV. 14

The Art of Natural History Communication with Emily Graslie, Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora, 7 p.m. Graslie, Chief Curiosity Correspondent at Chicago’s Field Museum, is creator, host and writer for The Field Museum’s educational YouTube series, “The Brain Scoop,” Graslie and her team created more than 170 videos which have been viewed 18 million times by learners from all over the world. Information: (630) 844-4924.

NOV. 15

Wine & Canvas at the Farm, Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Rd.,  Aurora, 6:30 p.m. Pinot Noir meets the palette as an instructor guides guests through a custom canvas creation. Bring a bottle of a favorite wine, snacks, a few friends and enjoy a lively, social and creative night out. Includes instructor and materials. Must be 18.

NOV. 17

Winter Lights Aurora!, Downtown Aurora, South Stolp Ave. and East Downer Place,  Aurora, 6-9 p.m. The merriest and cheeriest of seasons starts with Winter Lights in Aurora! Join the fun as we kick off the holiday season with pop-up shops, food trucks, Santa & Mrs. Claus, costumed characters, live reindeer, parade, tree-lighting, award presentations and fireworks! Bring a camera and dress for the weather. Information: (630) 256-3370.

NOV. 18

Mooseheart Holiday Lights 5K, Mooseheart Child City & School, 155 S. International Dr., Mooseheart, 5 p.m. Kick-off the Holiday Season for the run/walk to benefit the school. Information: (630) 966-2200.

NOV. 22-JAN. 7, 2018

Elf the Musical, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Based on the hilarious 2003 Will Ferrell movie, Elf is one of those rare holiday shows that will have both kids and adults lighting up with laughter, humming tunes like “A Christmas Song” and “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” for days and rediscovering what it means to be a family. Information: (630) 896-6666.

NOV. 24-25

Holiday Homecoming, Between 6th Street & 4th Avenue, Main Street, St. Charles. Holiday Homecoming is a two-day event downtown St. Charles that includes holiday movie, visiting Santa at Santa’s house, horse-drawn sleigh rides, all followed by an electric parade at night. The best part is that everything is free. Information: www.downtownstcharles.org/events/holiday-homecoming or call (630) 443-3969.

NOV. 24-26

Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, free (donations welcome). One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois returns with dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. This signature winter event is a drive-through of more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays, many of which are animated, and are illuminated by tens of thousands of bulbs. Information: (630) 408-5381.

NOV. 25-26

The Fox Valley Nutcracker Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 W. Main St., Batavia. A Fox Valley holiday tradition that showcases students and families from local dance studios alongside professional dancers, in the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker. Featuring beautiful dance, lavish sets, festive costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Information: (630) 937-8930.

NOV. 25-DEC. 31

Holiday Lights, Mooseheart Child City, South Lincolnway (Rt. 31), 5-9 p.m. The lighted route is approximately 1.8 miles and has more than 80 lighted displays to view. Features include: Santa visit, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies in the fieldhouse free for those who have paid the per car entrance fee. Information: (630) 966-2200.

NOV. 26

Batavia’s Celebration of Lights Festival, Batavia Riverwalk, 100 S. Island Ave., Batavia, 4-7 p.m.  Celebration of Lights Festival offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family. Start your holiday shopping at the craft market. Take a wagon ride. Get your picture taken with Santa. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please contact the Batavia Park District office or check the schedule of events at their web site. Information: (630) 897-5235.

NOV.29

40 years Preserving Open Space, Garfield Farm and Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills, 7 p.m. Celebrate 40 years to the day Campton Historic Agricultural Lands was founded to own and preserve the museum’s acreage and its impact on the regions land preservation. Information: www.garfieldfarm.org org or call (630) 584-8485.

 

–Kane County Calendar of Events Nov. 8 – Nov. 25–