The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no shortage of event taking place across the Fox Valley.  

From breakfasts with Santa, to tree lighting ceremonies, seasonal music concerts and a play or two to attend, there’s plenty to please everyone this year.   

And there is always the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” ballet that can charm anyone into the Christmas mood. 

Pick your own pine tree, hop on the Holiday Express, or check out all the lights each city has to offer. 

Here is how the Kendall County are is celebrating the season in November and December.  

Aurora 

Holiday Lights at Mooseheart 

Nov. 25, -Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m. 

Mooseheart Child City, S. Lincolnway (Rt. 31),  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 visit, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies in the fieldhouse FREE for those who have paid the per car entrance fee. Don’t forget your camera. (More details available soon!) All proceeds will be directed to Mooseheart’s operation budget and provide for the high quality residential care and academic/vocational training that their children need. 

 

Holiday Express Special Needs Night 

Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. 

Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora 

Enjoy all the fun of Holiday Express in a low-sensory environment. No waiting in lines. Instead, guests will experience a setup that’s sensitive to special needs families, with reduced lighting and music. Blackberry Farm is ADA compliant, but please note that the hay wagon is non-handicap accessible. Food and drinks available for purchase. 

Just $5 per person — children under 2 are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/facilities/blackberry-farm/.  

 

Second City’s Holiday Review 

Dec. 1 –Dec. 23 

Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd. Floor 2,  Aurora 

Chicago’s famed sketch and improv comedy theater comes to Aurora with “The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show,” an irresistibly festive new show that will have you laughing all the way through the holidays. 

RATED R (leave the kids at home for this one) For tickets and info  visithttps://paramountaurora.com/events/second-city-2017/ 

 

Christmas At Abbey Farms 

Nov. 1 – Dec. 31  

Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Rd., Aurora  

Join in the tradition of hunting for your very own 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. For more information visit https://abbeyfarms.org/. 

 

Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm 

Various Days  

Blackberry Farm, 100 Barnes Rd., Aurora 

Take a magical ride on the Holiday Express train. You’ll see Lake Gregory and Blackberry Farm in all its holiday glory amid the twinkling lights and songs of Christmas. Back in the village, enjoy storytelling of the classics, festive decorations, reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides and a visit with Santa. And don’t miss the famous Adventure Playground – decorated as Candy Cane Village. It all happens on 8 magical days in December. Admission is just $5 per person. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (Dec. 2, 3, 8-10, & 15-17). Fridays: 5 – 8 p.m. Saturdays: 2 – 6 p.m. Sundays: 2 – 6 p.m. Pre-purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket window. 

 

Festival of Lights at Phillips Park 

Nov. 24 – Dec. 26  

Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora 

One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, the Festival of Lights, returns with dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. Staged at Aurora’s gem, Phillips Park, the festival will be open from 5-9 p.m. Sun-Thurs and 5-10 p.m. Fri-Sat., from the day after Thanksgiving to the day after Christmas. Santa will be at the Visitors Center on selected dates and times. (See their web site for more information) Free: donations encouraged. Presented by the Aurora Rotary Club in partnership with the City of Aurora. 

 

Paramount Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” 

Dec. 4, 7 p.m. 

Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora 

A Christmas classic starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Henry Travers. Doors open 6:15 p.m. Movie starts 7 p.m. $1. Purchase tickets at the door. Cash only. 

 

Aurora University Christmas Concert 

Dec. 10, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora 

The University Chorale, Aurora University Chamber Choir, AU Flute Ensemble and special guests perform a widely varying concert of seasonal music, including a sing along of traditional carols. The audience will delight in what has become an AU tradition.  Visit https://aurora.edu/ to register for this free event. 

 

Paramount Movie: Home Alone Double Feature 

Dec. 18, 5 p.m. 

Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora 

It’s a Home Alone double feature! In the rush to make it to the airport for their Christmas vacation, Kevin McCallister’s parents accidentally forget him. It’s there that Kevin must fend off the “wet bandits” and fight for his home, as his family fights to get back.  

In “Home Alone 2,” Kevin’s family remembers to bring him to the airport, but after getting sidetracked, Kevin follows a man he believes to be his dad onto a plane for New York, while his family goes to Florida. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and seating starts at 5 p.m. First movie starts at 6pm. (Very popular, so arrive early.) $2. Purchase tickets at the door. Cash only. 

 

Batavia 

The Fox Valley Nutcracker 

Nov. 25 – Nov. 26 

Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 W. Main St., Batavia 

Fox Valley Ballet is very proud to present The Fox Valley Nutcracker, 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. Kick off your holiday season with The Fox Valley Nutcracker. Visit https://foxvalleynutcracker.com/ for tickets and info.  

 

Montgomery 

Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Dec. 3, 5 p.m. 

Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River St., Montgomery 

Visitors will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive at Montgomery City Hall on a fire truck! Enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa. See the brightly decorated Christmas trees and vote for your favorite. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring your camera! 

 

Festival of Trees 

Dec. 3 – Dec. 21  

Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River St., Montgomery 

The Village Hall will once again host a Festival of Trees that will turn all three levels of the Village Hall into a winter wonderland. Area businesses participate by decorating Christmas trees for everyone to enjoy, and visitors of all ages are invited to vote for their favorite tree. Some of the businesses will even be sponsoring fun raffles and prizes that evening.  

In addition, the Festival of Trees will continue for three weeks, so those unable to attend the kick-off event can still stop by to view the beautiful trees and vote for their favorite during business hours until Dec. 22. 

 

Oswego 

Annual Christmas Walk 

The 2017 Oswego Christmas Walk returns to downtown Oswego on Friday, Dec. 1. This beloved community event offers tons of free family fun and showcases the fabulous, festive offerings of unique downtown Oswego shops for residents looking to shop local as they cross items off their holiday gift-giving lists. 

The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and kicks off this year with a return to tradition: the annual tree-lighting ceremony, once again on the same evening as the Christmas Walk. The Village’s tree will be lit with a theatrical ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. in front of Village Hall, officiated by Village President Gail Johnson and The Grinch. 

All along Main Street, from 5 to 9 p.m., join in on tons of free activities for the young and young-at-heart, including crafts and games to the faux ice skating rink, ice sculpture demonstrations, holiday-themed improv comedy, and strolling carolers. Get your photo taken on Santa’s lap at The Garden Faire beginning at 5:30p.m. take a ride on the Toyland Train, meet a real reindeer, drop off your letters to the North Pole, and take a slide down the giant inflatable sled hill. 

Warm up inside Village Hall, with Christmas stories told by the real fireplace, a hot chocolate fundraiser for the Oswego Senior Center and live music around the piano from Fox River Academy of Music and Art. Then go for a Belgian draft horse-pulled wagon ride along Parkers Mill. 

At 7:30 p.m., make way along the crowded and festive Main Street for the Silent Illuminated Fire Truck Parade, featuring Anna and Elsa and other holiday celebrities. 

As always, Oswego’s holiday festivities continue into the next morning, with the annual Breakfast with Santa, brought to you by the Oswego Rotary Club, the Oswego Family YMCA, and Allied First Bank on Saturday, Dec. 2. Get another opportunity to meet Santa, over pancakes and other tasty breakfast offerings. 

The Cookie Walk tradition, hosted by downtown Oswego businesses, also returns Saturday morning for a uniquely Oswego experience – remember to buy your tins ahead of the event for just $10 at participating shops all along Main Street. 

 

Plano 

Plano Rockin‘ Christmas 

Dec. 1 – Dec. 3  

Downtown Plano 

Plano’s Rockin’ Christmas weekend kicks off with a parade Friday night and continues with live entertainment and a traditional tree lighting ceremony. Downtown businesses will be open late for holiday shopping. Festivities continue Saturday morning with Coffee with the Mayor at the Train Depot and continue through the weekend. 

In the spirit of giving non-perishable food items and donations will be collected throughout the season and delivered to needy area families on Sunday. For more information on helping or to make a donation contact the Plano Chamber of Commerce at (630) 552-7272. 

 

Sandwich 

A Sandwich Christmas 

Dec. 2 – Dec. 3 

Sandwich Veterans Park, 128 E. Railroad St., Sandwich 

Celebrate the season in Sandwich. Enjoy family events like a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas Village, trolley tours, carriage rides, Stone Museum tours, Living Nativity, live performances, smores, games and activities for the kids and a visit with Santa! This is a FREE community event – Hosted by Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Sandwich Association of Merchants and Sandwich Park District. 

 

Holiday Lane Craft Show and Festival of Trees 

Dec. 2 – Dec. 3 

Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Timber Creek Inn & Suites, 3300 Drew Ave., Sandwich 

Experience the magic of a holiday wonderland filled with an assortment of delightfully and uniquely decorated trees. Stroll leisurely through the extraordinary holiday trees represented and decorated by local businesses.  

The Festival includes holiday musical entertainment by local church choirs, school groups and community musical groups scheduled at various times throughout the festival. Admission is free. 

 

A Nutcracker Fantasy 

Dec 16, 2017, 7 p.m. 

Sandwich Opera House, 144 E. Railroad St., Sandwich 

The Allegro Ballet and the Sandwich Opera House invite you to celebrate the season with a true classic! Clara and her family host the annual Christmas Eve party for all their friends and family but this year it was different. Clara’s mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer casts a spell over Clara so when she falls asleep exhausted from her celebrating, she dreams of the most magical place. Candies, chocolate, and coffee characters dance for Clara and treat her like a princess. Clara seems to be visiting the Land of Sweets as the guest of the Sugar Plum Fairy and she escorts Clara to a throne where she can see all the land. As Sugar Plum invites all the candies to dance one final time they all begin to fade away as Clara awakens, surprised to find herself under the Christmas tree. Clara realizes it was all a dream but will always remember the magical place she had a chance to see! 

 

Yorkville 

Downtown Holiday Celebration  

Join the United City of Yorkville at the Holiday Celebration Downtown Events at Riverfront Park for a Holiday Parade starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.  A Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow the parade and end with everyone’s favorite, fireworks!  For more information on the Holiday Celebration Downtown Events, please contact the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department at (630) 553-4357.  

Holiday Parade (5:30 p.m.) The parade will begin at the Eastern end of Hydraulic Ave near the Yak Shack, proceed West down Hydraulic Avenue, and end at Route 47. We ask all parade spectators to view the parade on the North side of Hydraulic Ave along the sidewalk of Riverfront Park. For questions or more information, please contact the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department at (630) 553-4357. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony  (Immediately After Parade, Approximately 6:15 p.m.) The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a long-standing Yorkville tradition with Mayor Gary Golinski and Santa Claus lighting a decorated tree within Riverfront Park for the Holiday Season.   

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place immediately after the Holiday Parade at approximately 6:15 p.m. 

Fireworks Show (Immediately After Tree Lighting, Approximately 6:30 p.m.) The Fireworks Show immediately follows the Tree Lighting Ceremony approximately around 6:30 p.m.  The fireworks will be shot off over the Fox River near Riverfront Park (131 E Hydraulic Ave, Yorkville).  

 

Breakfast with Santa 

Dec. 2 8:30-9:30 a.m. 

Yorkville’s Beecher Community Center, 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville 

The Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Services Associates would like to invite you and your family to join us for Breakfast with Santa! For $6 per person families will enjoy a hot breakfast, games, crafts, activities, and a visit from SANTA! Pre-registration is required and everyone attending must register at https://parks.yorkville.il.us/.  

 

 

 

 

— Kendall communities feeling the holiday spirit —