It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year… .. in Geneva, IL

by Laura Rush

Holiday cheer fills the winter air as Geneva prepares for its annual Christmas Walk, December 3 and Holiday House Tour, December 3-4.

On Friday and Saturday, five charming homes shine in holiday splendor and open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. The personality of each home will illuminate when local decorators and landscapers work with homeowners to create holiday magic. Our homes for 2021 include something for everyone. From a mid-century charmer to a custom beauty, all five homes are sure to please and leave you with festive decorating ideas. A holiday tea and treat from The Olive Mill or 360° Flavor & Spice are included in your ticket price of $35. Homes can be visited all in one day or over two days, however each home can only be visited once and all are not within walking distance of each other. Proceeds from the house tour are used to transform downtown Geneva into holiday spectacular.

The homes may change each year, but Geneva Chamber’s commitment, for almost 30 years, to present an exceptional house tour stays the same. Tickets can be bought over the phone at 630.232.6060, online at genevachamber.com or visit the website for a list of local shops selling tickets. This event is very popular and may sell out.

Friday evening, amongst the twinkling lights and fresh greenery lined streets, chestnuts are roasting over open fires, carolers are filling the night air with seasonal favorites and a live nativity scene is taking place. Dazzling window displays brimming with gift ideas invite shoppers to stroll through shops as merchants serve traditional holiday refreshments setting the stage for the annual welcome to the holiday season, Geneva’s Christmas Walk.

The evening begins with the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season. The Courthouse lawn becomes aglow with the Great Tree and sparkling light show. Then the countdown begins as the young and young at heart wait with anticipation as Santa Claus arrives, memories and traditions are created in Geneva beginning at 6 pm on Third Street.

Santa will then open his Geneva home at 10 S. Third Street for visits from excited children until 9:30 pm that evening. Until December 19 you can bring your list to the jolly elf Saturday and Sundays from 10:30 am-3:30 pm. Reservations are necessary at genevachamber.com.

Plan some time to partake in a carriage ride offered Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10:30 am-1:30 pm through December 19. The rides begin and end at the corner of S. Third and James streets, travel down Third Street and swing back around to the Courthouse. Relax while enjoying the spirit of the holiday in downtown Geneva. The next weekend, on December 11, we are offering two festive events. Our Cocoa Crawl is a ticketed event that has you visiting businesses offering cocoa creations from 11 am-4 pm. And save some time to Carol on Campbell. Reserve your spot at one of three seating’s that day. Find the what, when and where at genevachamber.com.

Enjoy Geneva right up to the big day. Whether you are shopping, dining, playing or staying….let us show you what makes the holiday season in Geneva special, unique and unforgettable

630.232.6060

https://www.genevachamber.com