Holiday Happenings in the Kane County area
Chronicle Media — December 3, 2015
Boy Scout Troop 12 in Batavia is relying on people to be filled with the holiday spirit as part of its annual Christmas tree sale.
THROUGH DEC. 23
Eighth Annual Geneva Giving Trees and 18th Century Créche displays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Geneva History Museum, 113 S. Third Street. The display features 14 Christmas trees decorated by non-profit organizations reflecting their mission and areas of service. Visitors can vote for their favorite with their dollars at the museum and online at www.GenevaHistoryMuseum.org. The winning organization will receive all donations made to their tree, the remaining organizations will split their winnings with the Geneva History Museum, an independent nonprofit museum. The 18th Century Créche (nativity) has been a Geneva holiday tradition since Kate Raftery, founder of The Little Traveler brought it to Geneva in the 1930s. Admission is free to view both holiday displays with donations appreciated.
THROUGH DECEMBER 27
Aurora’s Holiday Festival of Lights, Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, 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. It features 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. The festival will be open from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Donations are encouraged.
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
Sixth annual “Holiday Lights at Mooseheart” will run every evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Nov. 27, and running through Dec. 31. Located on the Mooseheart campus just two miles north of the I-88 Exit on Route 31, one of the largest shows in the Chicago area includes almost 100 displays on a 1.8-mile route through the campus, weekend visits from Santa, and a phenomenal viewing experience, all for only $10 a car. All proceeds benefit the Mooseheart children. Visit mooseheart.org for more information.
THROUGH JANUARY 2
The Morton Arboretum is transformed into a colorful, inspiring experience like no other as visitors are once again invited to walk Illumination’s one-mile path, surrounded by 50 acres of woodlands bathed in theatrical LED lighting in shades of vivid electric blue, hot pink and neon green. Tickets are available at mortonarb.org, the Arboretum’s Visitor Services desk, or by calling (630) 725-2066 ($5 handling charge for phone orders). Advance reservations are highly encouraged as some nights may sell out.
THROUGH JANUARY 3
“Christmas Story — The Musical,” Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Aurora. One of the most watched and beloved Holiday movies ever made comes to life in a full-blown musical production on the Paramount stage. It’s the story of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker growing up in Middle America in the 1940s. With Christmas right around the corner, Ralphie has his bespectacled sights set on one thing – a Red Ryder BB Gun. But at every turn, the young daydreamer hears those five words that are the bane of his existence: “you’ll shoot your eye out.” Information: (630) 896-6666.
DECEMBER 4
A Well-Strung Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1399 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Well-Strung, a string quartet features classical musicians who put their own spin on the music of Mozart, Rihanna, Adele, Vivaldi, and more! Well-Strung performed in Batavia during the second season, and is the most requested group to make a return appearance on the BFAC stage. Information: (630) 937-8930 or email bataviafineartscentre@gmail.com
Geneva Christmas Walk and House Tour, 6 p.m., downtown Geneva. The traditional Christmas Walk includes Santa’s appearance to light the Great Tree and open his Gingerbread House for the season. The House Tour is held on both Friday and Saturday. Five unique homes decorated for the holidays will open their doors to visitors. Information: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, (630) 232-6060
Candlelight Carols-St. Charles Singers, 7:30 p.m., Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. St. Charles Singers’ Yuletide welcome to the holiday season, is traditionally a sell-out at our home venue, Baker Memorial Church. Information: (630) 513-5272 or visit stcharlessingers.com
Members of North Central College’s internationally acclaimed jazz faculty will perform their third annual Christmas Concert “A Jazz Christmas” at 8 p.m. in Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Faculty artists include vocalist Janice Borla, saxophonist Mitch Paliga, trumpeter Art Davis, trombonist Tim Coffman, vibraphonist Brad Stirtz, pianist Chris White, bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Jack Mouse. Tickets are $25/adults and $20/students and seniors.
DECEMBER 4-20
The Second City: Holidazed and Confused Revue, Copley Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Spend your holiday season with the funniest comedy crew in the country: Second City and their hilarious holiday show. These guys are bringing their world-famous skits, songs and laughs to Paramount’s 175-seat Copley Theatre from Dec. 4-20 – and in a theater this intimate, you’re up close and personal with all that Second City fun. Information: (630) 896-6666.
DECEMBER 5-20
Blackberry Farm Holiday Express, 100 Barnes Road, Aurora. All aboard one of the top six most beautiful trains in Illinois. Ride the train through a winter wonderland at Blackberry Farm around the lake and through the tunnel while Christmas holiday music plays. (First three weekends in December.) Information: (630) 897-0516
DECEMBER 5
Cookie Walk and Boutique, St. Patrick’s Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Buy by the pound, purchase pre-packaged or stroll among the tables of a vast assortment of cookies, 10 a.m. to noon. Cookie bakers are also sought. Information, contact Jill Whitledge at (630) 416-6565, Ext. 528, or jwhitledge@stpatricksresidence.org.
Skating with Santa, Rocket Ice Arena, 180 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Celebrate the season and skate with Santa. Participants enjoy private ice time, photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music and hot chocolate. Information or registration call (630) 848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Victorian Holiday Traditions, 3 to 5 p.m., Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Indulge in a guided, holiday-themed tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, classically adorned for the season, and then learn about Victorian holiday traditions in the historic Tavern. For more information, call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.org.
Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m., Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia. Families will be able to see Santa before the entertainment. Santa will talk to each girl and boy, then hand him or her a present. Bring your camera! Breakfast is prepared by the Batavia Lions Club. Ages 2 and up must register. Information: (630) 406-5282 or email kristinb@bataviaparks.org.
Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice Concert, 8 p.m., Crimi Auditorium, Fermilab Arts & Lecture Series, Kirk Rd. & Pine St., Batavia. Master musicians who made their names on the Windham Hill label, pianist Liz Story, singer and multi instrumentalist Barbara Higbie, and guitarist Sean Harkness have created a special show in celebration of Winter Solstice. Information: (630) 840-3351 or visit email fermilab@fnal.gov
Judson University’s Center for Worship in the Performing Arts’ presents an annual Christmas Concert of Worship will bring together the best and brightest among the Judson family for a night of merry celebration at 7 p.m. in Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.
DECEMBER 5-6
Candlelight at the Inn, 3-7 p.m. Garfield Farm and Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road Campton Hills. Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfield’s in their 1846 Brick Inn. Hospitality, food, music, bake sale. Donations accepted. Information: (630) 584-8485 or visit www.garfieldfarm.org.
DECEMBER 6
Geneva Steeple Walk, downtown Geneva area. Listen to beautiful holiday music in the setting of four of Geneva’s historic churches. You will be treated to a variety of folk songs, instrumentals and Christmas classics. Each of the Steeple Walk performances lasts about 20 minutes. You also will learn about the history and architecture of these unique churches. Tickets are $12. Information: Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, (630) 845-9654.
Evergreen Holidays, 4-6 p.m., Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St., North Aurora. Enjoy the beauty of a lighted luminary pathway with 30 decorated evergreens adorning North Aurora’s Riverfront Park for the holiday season. Enjoy family activities such as tree viewing, bonfires, balloon artists, free hot chocolate, popcorn, treats, music and more. There will be a Cookie Walk and other activities for children. Fire pits and heaters keep the area warm. Information: (630) 897-8228 or email info@noarda.org
Christmas at the Farm, Lyon Farm, 7935 Route 71, Yorkville. Experience an old-time Christmas with the kids. The day includes a train display around the Christmas tree and naturally, the kids get to meet, and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. A storyteller will read some holiday classics and enjoy fresh roasted chestnuts. Eight different hands-on holiday crafts will be available.
Tree lighting ceremony, 6 p.m., downtown Elgin. The City of Elgin kicks off the holiday season as Mayor David Kaptain, City Council Members, and Santa Claus will turn on the holiday tree lights. Bring the whole family out and help welcome Santa to town Information: Barb Keselica, Community Engagement and Special Events, City Manager Office, (847) 531-7056 or keselica_b@cityofelgin.org.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River St., Montgomery. The tree lighting and contest will kick off as students from local grade schools decorate the Village Christmas tree with handmade ornaments, 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 photos inside the Village Hall while everyone enjoys musical numbers performed by the students outside on the Park District’s Sound Stage. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be provided throughout the evening by the GMACC. Information: (630) 896-8080.
Aurora University Chorale’s Christmas Concert, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora.The Aurora University Chorale, Chamber Choir, Flute Ensemble, Men’s Quartet and invited guests perform music of the season complete with organ selections from artist-in-residence Dr. David Schrader. Registration is required for this free event. Register online. Information: (630) 844-4924 or email artsandideas@aurora.edu.
North Central College presents two performances featuring Canadian Brass, one of the most popular brass ensembles today. Performing for the last four decades and scoring on the Billboard chart, this brass ensemble performs at 2 and at 6 p.m. in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $50 and $40.
DECEMBER 10-13
Organic Theater Company stages “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” a take on the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” but with a different point of view. Five shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-12 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13 in North Central College’s theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Tickets are $30 and $20.
DECEMBER 7-23
Montgomery Festival of Trees, 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. Information: (630) 896-8080.
DECEMBER 12
North Central College presents five-time Grammy-nominated veteran composer and contemporary jazz pianist David Benoit. His family friendly “Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown” performance with special guest Jane Monheit begins at 8 p.m. in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $55 and $40.
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, 7 p.m., Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. The Air Force Band returns to the Norris for its highly anticipated annual holiday concert. The concert is free of charge and is appropriate for all ages. Each audience member must have a ticket. Free ticket available by calling (630) 584-7200.
DECEMBER 12-JANUARY 23
Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Display, 5-10:30 p.m., Lehnertz Ave. & Lehnertz Circle, Aurora. After WWII soldiers returned to the U.S. to build their homes and their families. Upon their return this community committed themselves to leave a legacy to their children that included the biblical Christmas story. This drive-through display where residents each display a part of the original Christmas story includes lights, sound and all the biblical characters. Lehnertz is recognized as the oldest, totally free traditional Christmas display in Illinois. Fee.
DECEMBER 13
Christmas at the Farm, Lyon Farm, 7935 Route 71, Yorkville. Experience an old-time Christmas with the kids. The day includes a train display around the Christmas tree and naturally, the kids get to meet, and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. A story teller will read some holiday classics and enjoy fresh roasted chestnuts. Eight different hands-on holiday crafts will be available. Chili and hot dogs are available for sale. The Lyon farm and village is operated by the Kendall County Historical Society. Information: (630) 554-3064.
DuPage Symphony Orchestra presents two performances of its “Holiday Concert” at 2 and 4 p.m. in North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center. Tickets range between $20.50 to $10.50.
DECEMBER 18
North Central College presents Canadian vocal quartet The Tenors on its “Under One Sky” tour. The multi-platinum, Juno Award-winning foursome performs at 8 p.m. in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $85, $75 and $65.
–Holiday Happenings in the Kane County area–
