Here come Holiday festivities
November 9, 2012 1:08PM
Santa will be making the rounds soon to local malls and shopping centers as we get closer to the holiday season. File photo | Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 10, 2012 1:03PM
Aurora
Winter lights holiday walk: A free family-friendly event is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 on Downer Place, Stolp Avenue and Galena Boulevard downtown. The festivities include art, music, lights, complimentary refreshments and the lighting of the city’s official holiday tree. Watch ice sculptor Joe Gagnepain stroll through luminaria-lit streets listening to holiday carols. The Fox Valley Festival Chorus performs holiday favorites at 5:30 p.m. at the Millennium Plaza on Stolp Avenue. The city of Aurora’s official holiday tree will be lit for the first time at 6 p.m. at North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd. Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Miss Merry Christmas and Jack Frost winners, will help Mayor Tom Weisner light the tree. Bring a camera, Santa will be available for photos at the Art and History Center after the tree lighting. Learn more at www.aurora-il.org.
Geneva
Holiday open house: Gibby’s Wine Den, 1772 Randall Road, hosts its annual holiday open house at 1 p.m. Nov. 18. Sample gourmet foods and wines paired with a traditional holiday meal. The fun includes a fashion show by Special Occasions; holiday hair and make up from Montage Salon; frozen desserts from Kimmer’s Ice Cream; and decorating tips from Celebration Design. Enjoy wines and craft beers at the bar, while listening to live music from James Schlicher, raffle prizes, a free gift with purchase and Corkhead Points on all purchases.
St. Charles
Holiday Homecoming: The lighting of the lights ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Nov. 23 as the First Street Plaza kicks off the holiday season. The Electric Christmas Parade will follow at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 24. New this year is a Christmas tree lot along the east side of First Street, and free holiday movies at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and 10:30 a.m. Nov. 24 at the Arcada. Other activities include sleigh rides, and visits with Santa at Santa’s house. Learn more about Holiday Homecoming events at www.DowntownStCharles.org/Holidays or call the Downtown St. Charles Partnership office at 630-443-3967.
