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Special Winter Events 

Lights & Flights Craft Beer Festival

LOCATION:  Peck Farm Park, Geneva

DATES:  December 12, 2026 4-7PM

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DETAILS: 

Join us for the 2026 Lights and Flights Craft Beer Festival, where the magic of the season meets the bold flavors of craft brewing! This one-of-a-kind winter celebration will light up your December with dazzling holiday lights, craft beer tastings and delicious food! Each guest will 15 sample pours along with a commemorative glass to take home. VIP tickets gain access to the event 1 hour early and receive a commemorative pint glass. Click on the tabs below to choose your experience for this inaugural event!

This festival is part of Winter Wonder Lights, a monthlong celebration at Peck Farm Park. To learn about more events that all ages can enjoy, please go to the Winter Wonder Lights page

FEE: $55/ticket & $15 for designated driver 

Geneva

Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl

LOCATION:  Businesses throughout Geneva

DATES:  November 7, 2026, 11AM - 3PM

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DETAILS:  Stroll through shops and restaurants at our Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl! Experience a variety of Geneva shops and restaurants from 11AM-3PM.

FEE: $22/ticket 

Geneva

Gingerbread House Creation

LOCATION:  Baker Community Center, St. Charles 

DATES:  December 12, 2026, 10AM

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DETAILS:  Goody gumdrops! Create the ultimate architectural masterpiece while listening to holiday tunes during this fun D-I-Y event. Using a made from scratch house frame, graham crackers, frosting and colorful candies, you and your child will be all smiles decorating and celebrating with this holiday tradition. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult.

FEE: $30/reservation 

St. Charles 

Sundaes with Santa

LOCATION: Baker Community Center, St. Charles 

DATES:  December 14, 2026 at 4:30PM or 5:45PM

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DETAILS:   How does Santa stay jolly all year long? He indulges in his favorite foods - hot chocolate, milk & cookies, and ice cream! Build your own sundae with frosty, fun toppings from the North Pole. Make paper chains to count down to Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve and do the Freeze Dance with St. Nick himself. Santa will visit with families at their tables and make time for photos. He’ll share a special gift before heading back to the North Pole. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. One adult may accompany multiple children from the same household. Advance registration required.

FEE: $18/person 

St. Charles 

Caroling with the Cows 

LOCATION: Primrose Farm, St. Charles 

DATES:  December 11 from 5PM - 8PM & December 12, 2026 from 3PM - 6PM

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DETAILS:   Gather your family and friends to get into the holiday MOOOd! Celebrate the holiday season singing carols to the farm’s cows, sipping hot cocoa, eating delicious treats, exploring the farmyard and browsing the NEW winter maker’s market. Embrace music, history and farming with this one-of-a-kind experience. Dress for the weather. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

FEE: $10/person 

St. Charles 

Breakfast with Santa

LOCATION: Courtyard Banquets, Warrenville

DATE: December 5, 2026 from 8:30AM-10:30AM

DETAILS:   Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's stopping by for a jolly breakfast and a merry morning of festive fun! We will enjoy a breakfast buffet at Courtyard Banquets, visit with Santa, crafts, musical entertainment, basket raffles and a letters to Santa station. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservations early! Children must be accompanied by an adult and everyone attending must register. 

FEE: Ages 2 & Under are FREE

Ages 3-10 $19 R/NR $24 

Ages 11+ $27 R/NR$32 

Warrenville

Splashing with Santa

LOCATION: Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora

DATE: December 12, 2026 from 9AM - 11AM

DETAILS:   Splashing with Santa is guaranteed to be a one of a kind experience! Families will enjoy swimming and splashing in the Leisure Pool and watch as Santa makes his grand exit via the water slide! Santa’s elves will be on site helping children make holiday themed craft. Refreshments will be available.

All Ticket Sales are final and nonrefundable. Children under 2 years old (1 or younger) are free. All other participants age 2 or older (including adults) must purchase a ticket to enter the event. Ages under 12 years old must have a companion of 16 years or older.

FEE: Early Bird $13 R/NR $15, Day of $15 R/NR $17 

Aurora

Winter Wonderment

LOCATION:  Lisle Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio Street, Lisle

 

DATE: December 12, 2026 from 3PM - 6PM

DETAILS:   Enjoy our Christmas holiday celebration that combines some family favorite activities and events!

Join us as we....

  • Make Cookies with Mrs. Claus

  • Enjoy a special visit and photo opportunity with Santa

  • Make a craft with our elves at their workshop

  • Hunt for candy canes

  • Play reindeer games

  • Enjoy special goodies from our Holiday Café (add'l fee)

FEE: $20/child with registration and $25/child at the door 

Lisle

Woodland Santa Holiday Workshop

LOCATION: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr, St. Charles

DATE: December 6, 2026, 10AM - 11:30AM

DETAILS:   Watch Santa arrive pulled by his dashing huskies, and then spend some time helping him get ready for his Big Day. Write a letter to Santa. Make an ornament. Have your picture taken with the Big Guy himself! Santa arrives at 10:15am. For ages 2+. This activity will be held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

FEE: $12/person ages 2+

St. Charles

Christkindlmarket

LOCATION: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora

DATES: November 20 - December 24, 2026

DETAILS:   The Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities.

HOURS: 

Christkindlmarket Aurora is open Thursdays to Sundays*
Thursday: 11AM – 7PM
Friday through Saturday: 11AM – 9PM
Sunday: 11AM– 6PM

*See below for special hours

 

Special Opening Hours: 
Day before Thanksgiving (November 25): 11AM - 7PM
Thanksgiving (November 26): 11AM – 4PM
December 21-23: 11AM – 7PM

Aurora

Lightscape

LOCATION:  Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 County Line Road, Glencoe

DATES:  November 13 - January 3, 2027

DETAILS:   Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected.

FEE: Prices vary from advance, day of and member/non-member

2 & Under are FREE

Children 3-12 years $16-$23

Adults $29-$39

Glencoe

Christmas Walk

LOCATION:  Downtown Geneva

DATE: December 4, 2026 at 6PM

DETAILS: Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva!   Our annual Christmas festival will begin Friday, December 1st at 6 pm with the first candy cane of the season being presented to the mayor, the arrival of Santa Lucia who lights the Great Tree, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. The evening’s events continue with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, a live nativity and special offerings from Geneva merchants.

FEE: FREE

Geneva

Letter from the North Pole

DATES: November 23 thru December 11, 2026

 

DETAILS: Ho! Ho! Ho! Add to the excitement of Christmastime’s holiday magic with a letter from Santa Claus, all the way from his workshop at the North Pole. Letters will be mailed after December 11.

FEE: $6/person

St. Charles

Dinner with The Grinch

LOCATION:  Baker Community Center, St. Charles

DATES:  December 8 & 9, 2026 at 6PM

DETAILS:  Create magical memories with the WHO-liday’s most lovable villain. Smiles, mischief and laughter guaranteed! Decorate your very own miniature Christmas tree. Enjoy a delightful dinner of pizza, salad, grinch snacks and more. Bring your camera for Grinch selfies. Be warned: Your heart might just grow 3 sizes! All ages welcome. This activity will be held at Baker Community Center.

FEE: $40/person 

St. Charles

Gingerbread Barn Raising at Winter Wonder Lights

LOCATION:  Peck Farm, Geneva

DATES:  December 6, 2026 from 4-6PM

DETAILS:  Get your own gingerbread barn and start decorating! Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday music, while you and the family decorate your gingerbread barn to take home. Start a new holiday tradition! Registration includes your very own gingerbread barn, plus frosting, and assorted candies for decorating! One registration covers the whole family (up to six people per barn). Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will take place at the Orientation Barn at Peck Farm Park.

FEE: $72 R/NR $92

Geneva

Holiday Movie Night: The Grinch (2018)

LOCATION:  Playhouse 38, Geneva 

DATE:  December 21, 2026 from 6PM-8:30PM

DETAILS:  Join us for a special night of holiday magic as we watch The Polar Express on the big screen! Each child will also receive a Golden Ticket! Hot chocolate will be served, and additional snacks and non-alcoholic & alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. 

FEE: $15/person

Geneva

Snow Stroll Down Peppermint Path 

LOCATION:  Lisle Community Park, Lisle 

DATE:  December 1-31, 2026 from 5PM - 10PM

DETAILS:  Join us as we unveil the festive lights of Peppermint Path in Lisle Community Park, including some new, festive additions! Enjoy hot chocolate, provided by St. Joan of Arc, as we celebrate the magic of the season amongst the sparkling holiday decorations along the path near Van Kampen Stage.

From December 1-31, take a self-guided 'Snow Stroll' on the Peppermint Path, and capture magical moments at our various festive photo ops and lighted displays anytime between 5:00-10:00pm.

FEE: FREE

Lisle 

Breakfast with Santa

LOCATION:  PARC, Plainfield 

DATE: December 5, 2026 9AM or 10:30AM timeslots

DETAILS: Santa is making a special stop at the Plainfield Park District to have breakfast with all the good children! Each participant receives a breakfast ticket, one-on-one visit with Santa, and a craft! Don't forget your camera to capture your meeting with Santa! Each person attending must be registered. 

FEE: $18/person & children under 2 are FREE

Plainfield

Santa's Express 

LOCATION:  Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin

DATE:  December 14, 2025, 4:20PM-5:20PM or 5:35PM-6:25PM 

DETAILS: 

All Aboard for Holiday Magic at the Fox River Trolley Museum! Celebrate the season with a nostalgic, joy-filled train ride that’s sure to warm hearts of all ages. Step into the magic aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and travel along an authentic rail line from 1896. Before departure, enjoy a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate. Santa Claus himself will make a merry appearance – greeting each family and snapping cheerful selfies.

• Transportation is NOT included.
• Please indicate who you will be sitting with. Once the train is seated, there will be no switching trains at the site.
• Everyone must have a ticket due to fire code.
• Boarding begins at the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve.
• No refunds once tickets are purchased.
• Seats are limited to the first 60 people.
• An adult must accompany the children on the train.

FEE: $38 R/NR $43

South Elgin

Grinchmas on the Green

LOCATION:  Village Green, Chicago Street, Plainfield

DATE: November 28, 2026, 4:30PM - 6PM

DETAILS:   Celebrate the season and experience Village Green aglow with holiday lights and sights at the annual Grinchmas on the Green November 29.

FEE: FREE!

Plainfield

An Almost Winter Day

LOCATION:  SEBA Park, 151 Water Street, South Elgin

DATE:  November 22, 2025 from 2PM - 5PM

DETAILS:    Join South Elgin Parks and Recreation for the 24th annual An Almost Winter Day.  Make s'mores, decorate cookies, enjoy craft projects, get a balloon animal, drop-off a letter to Santa (and get a reply from the North Pole), Snowball slingshot, ice sculptor and tree decorating contest. 

Pictures with Santa is 2PM - 4:45PM (bring your camera)

Village Tree Lighting is at 5PM at Panton Mill Park 

 

Parking is available in the North lot, Panton Mill, County Park, and Willard School parking lot.

FEE: FREE 

South Elgin

Oswego Holiday Express

LOCATION:  810 Prescott Lane, Oswego 

DATES:  December 11-13, 2026 

2PM, 4PM & 6PM Time slots 

DETAILS:   Join us for a beloved holiday tradition! Dress in your coziest pajamas and warmest clothes, and embark on a magical journey to the top of the world. Mrs. Claus will welcome you, you’ll savor hot cocoa from the Village Grind, and you’ll have the chance to meet Santa! 

FEE:  2PM Session: $20 R/ $30 NR

4 PM & 6PM Session: $25 R/ $35 NR

Oswego

Holiday Homecoming Electric Christmas Parade

LOCATION:  Downtown St. Charles

DATE:  November 28, 2026, 5:30PM

DETAILS:  St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is one of the Midwest's most spectacular holiday events. Join us for a magical celebration that marks the beginning of the holiday season in St. Charles.

Be captivated by the Electric Christmas Parade on Main Street, between 6th Street and 4th Avenue. Enjoy the beautifully illuminated parade entries, the high school marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!

FEE:  FREE

St. Charels

Woodridge Winterfest

LOCATION:  Kagann Plaza at the Village of Woodridge

DATE:  November 22, 2025, 3PM - 7PM

DETAILS:  Celebrate the Magic of the Season at Woodridge Winterfest! Join us for a festive evening as we light up our dazzling 20-foot Christmas tree and fill the night with holiday cheer. Create heartwarming memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop unique gifts from 20+ talented vendors at the maker’s market, and savor tasty bites from food trucks. Enjoy festive music, a cozy children’s craft area, and meet beloved characters like Anna, Elsa, and Rudolph. With something for everyone, Winterfest is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Proudly hosted by the Village of Woodridge, Woodridge Park District, Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge Special Events Committee, and Woodridge Volunteer Corps. Don’t miss this magical community celebration!

FEE:  FREE

Woodridge 

Breakfast with Santa 

LOCATION:  Shannon Hall, Batavia

DATES:  December 12, 2026, 8:30AM - 9:30AM OR 10AM - 11AM

 

DETAILS:  Celebrate the holiday season with a festive breakfast and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Santa will talk to each child and hand them a small gift. Please sign up each family member who plans to attend. Please know this event sells out FAST!

FEE:  $18 per person

Batavia 

Polar Express Storytime Train

LOCATION:  Geneva Train Station

DATES:  December 5-6, 2026, 9:30AM - 12PM & 1:30PM - 4PM

DETAILS:  All aboard the Polar Express Storytime Train! Travel to the North Pole to pick up Santa & his friends. Then travel back with us to Geneva and have lunch/dinner. After we eat, each child will have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap, give him their wish list, and have a picture taken. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their holiday spirit!. Please note: this event is listed in the Fall brochure, which is out in late July. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

FEE:  

Ages Newborn - 11 months are FREE

Ages 1-17 years: $40 R/ NR $47 

Ages 18+ years: $45 R/NR $53 

Geneva

Winter Wonderland Express with a visit from Santa

LOCATION:  LaFox Metra Train Station

DATE:  Decmber 5 & 6, 2026 at 10:15AM

 

DETAILS:  Celebrate winter your way by hopping aboard the Winter Wonderland Express with your friends and family. Enjoy a magical experience full of holiday cheer and be greeted by a special guest. Savor a delicious pizza & salad meal, topped off with a sweet treat.

A parent must register for this event. One parent may accompany multiple children from the same household. Trip departs from and return PROMPTLY to LaFox Metra Train Station. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure for each train ride. Fee includes train ticket, lunch, dessert and holiday fun. Advance registration required. No refunds after November 2.

FEE:  FREE for kids under 1 & $59/person

St. Charles

Santa's Naperville Workshop

LOCATION:   Paddleboat Quarry Rentals, 441 Aurora Avenue, Naperville 

DATES:  November 30-December 20, 2026, 5PM - 8PM

 

DETAILS:  You're invited to visit Santa! Registration Required.

FEE:  $12 R/ $18 NR per family

Naperville

Santa's Hotline

LOCATION:   phone call 

DATE:  Calls are made on December 6, 2026 from 6PM - 8PM

 

DETAILS:  Make this holiday season even more special for your child with a personal phone call from Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus! Santa or Mrs. Claus will address each child by name, ask for gift ideas and have a magical and memorable conversation. Registration is free.  Registration is per family. Please make your reservation early as limited spots are available! 

FEE:  will be on website on registration date, 10/20/26

Naperville

Journey to the North Pole

LOCATION:   Eaton Preserve, Plainfield

DATES:  December 12 & 13, 2025 from 5PM - 9PM

 

DETAILS:  Bundle up for a wagon ride to the North Pole! Sing along to seasonal songs while sipping hot chocolate, and enjoy a visit with Santa and his Elf. Each child receives a snack and bell for the event.

FEE: $15/person

Plainfield

Sugar Plum Tea

LOCATION:  Prisco Community Center, Aurora 

DATE:  December 5, 2026 from 1PM - 3PM

 

DETAILS:  Our Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Dress in your holiday best and enjoy an elegant tea party with delectable treats from the Land of Sweets, holiday music, and a mini Nutcracker performance from our dancers. After the show enjoy photo opportunities with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker dancers! Both child and adult need to register. Fee includes tea party and performance.

FEE: $20 R/NR $25

Aurora

The Great Gingerbread Bake-Off

LOCATION:  Eola Community Center, Aurora 

DATE:  December 4, 2026 from 6PM - 7:30PM

 

DETAILS:  Enjoy family bonding and some friendly competition during an extra sweet holiday activity. Families will have 90 minutes to “build” and decorate their best gingerbread house to present to our panel of judges for the chance to take home fun prizes. Registration includes families of up to 4. Gingerbread kits and all the fixings will be provided. Register by December 3 for discounted pricing! Day of registration will be $32. Adults must register for the event too.

FEE: $24-$32/person

Aurora

Santa Express

LOCATION:  Museum at Lisle Station Park, Lisle 

DATES:  December 5 at 10AM or 12PM and December 6 at 1PM

 

DETAILS:  Santa will travel from family to family to find out what they want for Christmas and to take photos. Stories will be read and carols will be sung. A treat and goodie bag will be handed out at check-in for the ride.

FEE: $24 Res / $32 NR for everyone ages 1+

Lisle

Dickens in Dundee 2025

LOCATION:  Dundee Depot Market and Visitor's Center, Dundee 

DATES:  December 5, 2025 from 5:30PM - 9PM and December 6, 2025 at 6:30PM

 

DETAILS:  

Dickens in Dundee was formed in 1988. It began as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim’s crutch in local stores. With the support of local businesses, this event has grown significantly and attracts people from all over the Dundee area.

This year’s Dickens in Dundee will take place on Friday, December 6th from 5:30-9:00 pm, with a Holiday Lights Parade to follow on Saturday, December 7th at 6:30 pm.

𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄:

Friday, December 5

𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌:
Dundee-Crown Chamber and Varsity Treble Choirs perform
𝟓:𝟒𝟓 𝐏𝐌:
Tree Lighting Ceremony by The Christmas Schooner Cast of the Dundee Township Park District Theater
Then.........Santa Arrives!!
𝟔-𝟖 𝐏𝐌:
Those Funny Little People Toy Making Elves
Living Windows (along River St. and Main St.)
𝟔-𝟗 𝐏𝐌:
* Visits with Santa (FREE apple cider and cookies will be served)
* The Frozen Robins Caroling Quartet
* The Frozen Fab Four (Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf)
* FREE Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* LIVE Reindeer Display by Santa's Village
* Eastside Cafe will offer warm, adult beverages for purchase on site in the white tent. (FREE hot chocolate will be served as well)

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆:
In addition to street parking, there are parking lots located:
- At 311 Barrington Ave (behind the building)
- At Main St/Rt 72 next to Dairy Queen/Dundee Music
- Behind Duke's BBQ/the Caboose - 112 Railroad St. (Use Hill Street Entrance)
- At the AT&T parking lot at the northwest corner of Jackson & Water Streets
HANDICAPPED/ACCESSIBLE Parking will be available in front of 220 N. River St. where marked with signage.

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Saturday, December 6
𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - Riverside Parade of Lights
Please join us for a magical night along the riverfront for our 3rd Annual Riverside Parade of Lights. 

The 2025 Parade Marshall for the Riverside Parade of Lights is Joe Minoso from the hit TV show Chicago Fire!

The Parade kicks off in West Dundee on S. Lincoln Ave. (just south of N. 6th St.), travel north to, and across, the Main St. bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water St. to East Dundee (ending at Railroad St.)

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦: (These are approx. times based off of previous years)
6:30 PM - Kicks off in West Dundee
6:45 PM - Travels down the Main St. bridge in Carpentersville
7:00 PM - Approaches East Dundee

**** 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 ****
𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗘:
In addition to street parking, there are parking lots located:
- At 311 Barrington Ave (behind the building)
- At Main St/Rt 72 next to Dairy Queen/Dundee Music
- Behind Duke's BBQ/the Caboose - 112 Railroad St.
- At the AT&T parking lot at the northwest corner of Jackson & Water Streets

𝐇𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐀 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓:
Hot cocoa will be offered by Eastside Cafe for purchase at $2 a cup (Cash only) at the BIG WHITE TENT at the corner of Water St. and Barrington Avenue.
Also, Donations will graciously be accepted for the D300 Food Pantry. Eastside Cafe will match all donations received.

FEE: FREE

East Dundee

Holiday Fun with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who

LOCATION:  Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora

DATE:  December 19, 2026, 10AM - 11:30AM

 

DETAILS:   Join the Grinch and Cindy Lou for cocoa & cookies, crafts, and Whoville Bingo! Fun for the whole family at the Vaughan Center. All ages welcome. All attendees must purchase a ticket. and all children must be accompanied by and adult during the event. Children under 2 are free. All ticket sales are final.

FEE: Early bird: $10 (Child 2Y+) / $5 (Adult)
Day Of: $15 (Child 2Y+) / $10 (Adult)

Aurora

Donuts with Santa

LOCATION: ARRCC Community Hall & Kitchen, Naperville 

DATE:  December 5, 2026, 9AM - 10AM OR 10:45AM - 11:45AM 

DETAILS:    Participate in a holiday story told by Santa, enjoy delicious DeEtta's Bakery donuts and take pictures with the man in red. Please bring your own camera. Infants under 12 months of age are free. Everyone must register including adults and infants.

FEE: Not on website yet*

Naperville

Gingerbread Drink & Decorate

LOCATION: Fox Valley Winery, Oswego

DATE:  December 1, 3 & 9, 2026 at 6:30PM

DETAILS:  Take a gingerbread break this holiday season. Leave the kids at home for this adult only evening of candy coated, creative, exterior decorating. Each registration includes a complimentary “holiday spirit”.

FEE:  $36 R/$46 NR

Oswego

Holly Jolly Days

LOCATION: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster, Naperville 

DATES:  December 6-8, 13-15, & 19-20, 2024 

Fridays: 3pm - 7pm 

Saturays & Sundays: 1pm - 6pm

 

DETAILS:   

Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more! Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to holiday stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. And end your visit with a special family photo at our Victorian Christmas photo stop at the Paw Paw Post Office. Don't forget to send a letter to Santa while you're there for an extra touch of holiday magic! New this year, several of our historic buildings will be lit for the holiday season.

Please note:  All children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults must be accompanying a child. Santa will not be at Naper Settlement for this event. No food or beverages will be for sale.

FEE:  $6 per person and children under 4 are FREE

Naperville

Hot Cocoa with Anna & Elsa

LOCATION: Blackberry Farm, Aurora 

DATES:  December 5, 12, 19, 2026 at 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM & 5:30PM

 

DETAILS: Join your favorite Frozen Sisters, Anna and Elsa, for a hot cocoa party complete with sing-a-long and photo opportunities. Each registered attendant is also invited to enjoy all Holiday Express has to offer. You will not want to miss the train, visit with Santa and all of the festive decorations! All attendees ages 1 and up (including adults) must purchase a ticket. All ticket sales are final.

FEE:  $16/person 

Aurora

Deck the Paws with Santa

LOCATION: Blackberry Farm, Aurora 

DATES:  December 3 & 10, 2026, 6 - 8PM

 

DETAILS:    Get ready to capture paw-some memories this holiday season! Bring your dog to meet Santa and watch them strike adorable poses for the camera. Each dog will have a private visit with Santa and receive a goody bag, while adults can enjoy refreshments. Don’t forget to bring your own camera to capture the memories!

FEE:  $15/person 

Aurora

Storytime with the Grinch

LOCATION: Blackberry Farm, Aurora 

DATES:  December 6, 13, 20, 2026 at 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM, 5:30PM

 

DETAILS:   Visit with the Grinch and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. There will be story time and photo opportunities. Each registered attendant is also invited to enjoy all Holiday Express has to offer, come early or stay after depending on your ticket time, Holiday Express runs 2-7pm. You won’t want to miss the train, visit with Santa and all of the festive decorations! Everyone ages 1 and up need to purchase a ticket.

FEE:  $16/person 

Aurora

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