KCC_Hometown Holiday Happenings_120122

HOMETOWN

2022 Holiday H APPENINGS

Holiday Happenings

St. Charles

Storytime with Santa –St. Charles Park District

Have the kiddos throw on their favorite pajamas and head over to Storytime with Santa! Kids will also get to take their photo with Santa. Tickets are $15 per person.

When: December 20, 6-7pm

Where: Webster Park Community Building

Flashlight

Candy Cane Hike

Solve a puzzle and receive your very own bag of goodies while wandering the woods at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. After your hike along the candy cane path, enjoy warm drinks and craft making inside the Center. Tickets for the hike are $12 per guest, while ages 2 and under are free.

When: December 16, 4-6:45pm

Where: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Creek Bend Holiday Mixer

Join your friends ages 21 and over at this unique celebration held at the Creek Bend Holiday Mixer. Tasty appetizers, wine and craft beer, exploration, games and more await! It’s a perfect chance to relax and enjoy life during the holidays surrounded by nature.

When: Friday, Dec. 2 from 6:30-9:30pm

Where: Creek Bend Nature Center

Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Winter Container Workshop

A fantastically rewarding event helping local green thumbs create the perfect holiday plant container they can enjoy through to March.

When: December 4 from 12-1pm Where: Heinz Brothers Greenhouse

Miracle on 34th Street Radio Show

This well-loved event is coming live to the Steel Beam Theatre, spreading holiday cheer to anyone near. The cost of this event is $22-$28.

When: November 25-December 18, Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm Where: Steel Beam Theater

Shout Section Big Band with Brett Dean

This wonderful musical homage to Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald features several holiday songs made famous by the beloved singers. The cost of this event is $25-$30.

When: Saturday, December 17 at 7:30pm Where: Baker Community Center

Trans Infinity Orchestra

An ode to the Classic Rock Holiday Experience and Trans-Siberian Orchestra featuring spectacular sounds and visual effects. The cost of this event is $25-$45. When: Sunday, December 11 at 5pm Where: Arcada Theatre

Luminare Christmas Show

A concert blend of amazing sights and sounds dedicated to Christmas rock. The cost of this event is $39-$79.

When: Saturday, December 17 at 8:30pm Where: Arcada Theatre

Sing Along with Santa

Raise your voices in song with Santa the weekend of December 17 and chorus in several holiday classics. The cost of this event is $10-$15.

When: Saturday, December 17 at 11am & 2pm, Sunday, December 18 at 11am

Where: Steel Beam Theatre

Geneva

Christmas

Walk Weekend

Santa Lucia, Santa Claus, and carolers ring in the annual Christmas Walk in downtown Geneva where downtown is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland awaiting your visit to play and explore. When: December 2, 6pm — Tree lighting between 6-6:30pm Where: Downtown Geneva

Weathered Ways Farm Winter Wonderland

This year’s Winter Wonderland celebration at Weathered Ways features an impressive array of vendors, crafts, food trucks, hot cocoa and best of all, it’s free!

When: December 3 and 4, 10am-2pm Where: Weathered Ways Farm, Geneva

Weathered Ways Farm Breakfast With Santa Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the farm for a delicious breakfast! Tickets include breakfast and photos with the Claus couple. After the event, take the golden opportunity to shop with local vendors and warm up with hot cocoa.

When: December 4, 10am-12pm Where: Weathered Ways Farm

Fabyan Japanese Garden Winterlights

Grab a friend and take an awe-inspiring nighttime walk through the gorgeous Garden. Registration is required with an $8 cost and kids 5 and under are free.

When: Fridays and Saturdays, November 25 –December 16 from 5-7pm and Saturdays January 7-28 Where: Fabyan Japanese Garden

Santa Comes to Downtown Geneva

Tickets are now sold out. Santa is not at the Geneva History Museum. If you would like to still catch a glimpse of him and wave through the window at the Geneva Visitor Center at 10 S. Third Street, you may do so 10:30am - 3:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays through December 18.

When: Now through December 18

Where: Geneva Visitor Center

Tinker Belz Art Glass Ornaments Class

Hurry up and secure your spot in the incredibly popular blown glass ornaments class at Tinker Belz Art in Geneva. Most classes in November and December are already sold out for this holiday themed glassblowing workshop. In this class you will learn how to decorate clear glass ornaments with thin rods of decorative glass. The cost is $99.

When: Wednesday, December 14 from 6:30pm-9pm

Where: 227 S. Third Street, Suite 108

Batavia

Batavia Holiday House Decorating Contest

This year Batavia’s famous Holiday House Decorating Contest will be judged in four main categories: Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Original, and People’s Choice. Note that all applicants must be

residents of Batavia and all entry addresses will be made public in local media. Vote for applicants online through December 14 and the lucky winners will be announced on December 16.

When: Submit photos by Monday, December 12 at 4pm

Where: Batavia

Celebration of Lights Festival

Join Batavia and kick off the holiday season with the Celebration of Lights Festival. Taking place November 25, the festival will be a deluge of family fun and excitement! Walk down Christmas Tree Lane with 25 trees decorated by local organizations, witness the Mayor’s tree lighting ceremony, take a free hayride (with a food donation to the Batavia Food Pantry), catch a performance from the Batavia Community Band and so much more, all among a breathtaking display of lights.

When: November 25 from 5-7pm Where: Batavia Riverwalk

Batavia Public Library Grinch Month

Drop in at Batavia Public Library for Grinch related activities throughout the month of December, including guessing games and crafts. Activities are free for all!

When: December Where: Batavia Public Library

Aurora

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” at the Paramount

One of the most recognized and beloved musicals of all time has arrived at the Paramount. “The Sound of Music” is a holiday staple with a comfortingly familiar score. Make it a family night in the best way and support a local theater as they put on the production of a lifetime. Tickets start at $28.

When: Present-January 14 Where: Paramount Theater

AURORA, continued

Downtown Holiday Trolley

Invest Aurora is sponsoring the Downtown Holiday Trolley, set to run on Saturdays and making four stops while going through downtown Aurora. It will start and stop at the Aurora Transportation Center on Broadway.

When: Saturdays, 12-3:30pm, November 19-December 17

Where: Aurora Transportation Center on Broadway

Cocoa Crawl

Mugs and buttons are now on sale to buy in order to participate in this year’s cocoa crawl. The event takes place in downtown Aurora on December 2.

When: Fri. Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Downtown Aurora

Santa at the Gazebo

The famous couple Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by the Millennium Plaza in downtown Aurora for photos featuring a free photo download.

When: Saturday, December 3 and 10 from 1-3 pm Where: Millennium Plaza Downtown

Art and Market Aurora

The indoor holiday market will wow customers with artisanal delight and provide a plethora of gift ideas for any persuasion. This event is free.

When: November 19 and December 10 & 17 from

9am-1pm

Where: Society 57

Pet Photos with Santa at the Mall

Gather your furry friends and take the opportunity to pose them with Santa at Fox Valley Mall! Make a reservation online, and photos are available for purchase by Cherry Hill Photo. When: Pet Nights: Select Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm: November 17, December 1, 8 and 15 Where: Fox Valley Mall

Second City’s Holiday Revue: I Saw Mommy Kissing The Second City

Join the famous comedy ensemble for a night of laughs, holiday style. The cost of this event is $38. When: November 25-December 23, Thursdays 7:30pm, Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 2pm & 8pm and Sundays 3pm Where: Copley Theatre

Pet Photos with Santa at the Mall

Gather your furry friends and take the opportunity to pose them with Santa at Fox Valley Mall! Make a reservation online, and photos are available for purchase by Cherry Hill Photo.

When: Pet Nights: Select Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm: November 17, December 1, 8 and 15 Where : Fox Valley Mall

Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park

Steeped in tradition, this holiday market is essential for those ready to shop for the holidays and have fun doing it. It is a rare opportunity and cultural experience infused with family friendly events. This event is free.

When: Thursdays: 11am – 7pm, Fridays & Saturdays: 11am – 9pm, Sundays: 11am – 6pm, Special Hours on Monday (Dec 19) – Wednesday (Dec 21): 11am – 7pm Where: RiverEdge Park

The Holiday Express

Step into a fairytale and ride the Holiday Express at Blackberry farm surrounded by hundreds of holiday lights and seasonal décor as far as the eye can see. The Holiday Express rolls around Lake Gregory and when your journey is at an end, the whole can enjoy a dazzling array of unique holiday themed activities and crafts. The cost for this event is $8.

When: Thursdays, December 1, 8, and 15: 5 to 8pm, Fridays, December 9 and 16: 5 to 8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18: 2 to 7pm. Where: Blackberry Farm

Festival of Lights at Phillips Park

This free, dizzying, drive thru display of holiday is impressively expansive, featuring illuminated snowflakes, Christmas trees and much more! The best part is you can stay warm in your car as you drive through the beautiful presentation.

When: November 25 – December 26

Where: Phillips Park

Elburn

Elburn Christmas Stroll

Join the Elburn Chamber of Commerce for a fun filled night full of holiday activities, crafts and lights!

When: December 3 from 4-7pm

Where: Downtown

Lisle

Wheaton

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights

Take a trip to Cosley Zoo and check ‘zoo lights festival’ off your bucket list! This winter extravaganza features all the staples of an amazing light show experience. This event is free.

When: November 25 - December 30 starting at 3pm Where: Cosley Zoo

Naperville

Naper Lights

Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Illumination:

Return to Morton Arboretum to experience a remarkable and unmatched seasonal light show, now in its tenth year of appearing at the Arboretum. Illumination: Tree Lights will focus on dazzling the senses with elements highlighting color, light, and sound. Wander down a mile long walking path and disappear into a world of wonder, festivity, and brilliance. This year, a light display will feature in the Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden. As you journey through Illumination, be encouraged to roast s’mores by an inviting campfire or grab snacks and drinks from one of the concession tents along the way. Brand new this year, Electric Illumination for 18+ will feature music set to an awe-inspiring display of lights December 16, 29 and 30 from 9:30-11pm. Purchase your tickets in advance for this popular and exclusive event. Please note tickets purchased on-site will be credit card only.

When: November 19-January 7

Where: The Morton Arboretum

Naperville Sunrise Rotary presents Naper Lights, a gorgeous holiday light display for the city of Naperville. The event is free and features everything from decorative light poles to larger-than-life illuminated displays.

When: Present – January 5 Where: Water Street

Holiday Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Invite your kids to search through downtown Naperville businesses for Santa’s elves. Find all of the plush hiding helpers and you’ll have a chance to win prizes! Make sure to print out a checklist. When: November 27 – December 27 Where: Downtown

Elgin

Holly Days

A fun-filled, family-friendly event all throughout the holiday season in downtown Elgin featuring a seasonal beverage crawl, tree lighting ceremony and holiday window murals. When: November 16-December 31 Where: Downtown Elgin

HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Diane Krieger Spivak and Kelley White

Check out these local opportunities to dip, or dive, into your next seasonal project

For some, the holidays ignite a desire to be crafty, and talented artificers will begin perusing the aisles of their favorite craft store, eyes peeled for their next adventurous project to dive into. For others who aspire to be creative, but need a bit of help finding inspiration to create the perfect handmade gift or holiday décor piece, we’ve uncovered a variety of ways to fulfill your desire to complete a holiday project this season. In either case, you’ll be hard pressed to find a gift as heartfelt as one made with your hands, for your loved ones or yourself. Make sure to set time aside to take a page out of their (scrap)book and connect with your inner artisanal calling.

n Pinot’s Palette

Dec. 1 - Adults can make a lighted stacking snowman wine bottle Dec. 2 - Adults can paint your own snowman ornament or an “Old World St. Nick” wood pallet

Pinot’s Palette (630) 338-0278 3823 E Main St, St. Charles pinotspalette.com/stcharles

n Color Me Mine Dec 11 - Caitlin’s special needs class for all ages Dec. 17 - Pajama night all ages 7+

Color Me Mine 630-262-9000 1306 Commons Dr, Geneva geneva.colormemine.com

n Water Street Studios Dec. 6 - Drawing on Slate ages 16+

Water Street Studios (630) 761-9977 160 S Water St, Batavia waterstreetstudios.org

n Fine Line Creative Arts Center

Dec. 8 - Adults can make a Woven Holiday Ornament Dec. 10 - Adults can make chainmail earrings for Christmas Dec. 13 - Adults can make a fused glass ornament

Fine Line Creative Arts Center (630) 584-9443 37W570 Bolcum Rd, St. Charles fineline.org

n Sugar Grove Public Library District

Dec. 3 - Adults can make a Paper Holiday Ornament

Sugar Grove Public Library (630) 466-4686 125 S. Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove sgpl.org

n Batavia Public Library

Dec. 14 - All ages can make a grinch tissue paper craft

Batavia Public Library (630) 879-1393 10 S Batavia Ave, Batavia bataviapubliclibrary.org

n Geneva Public Library District

Dec. 7 - Adults can make a salt dough ornament Dec. 12 - Adults can make a light-up holiday card Dec. 15 - Adults can customize a tote bag or apron Dec. 16 - Adults can paint a wooden tray Dec. 20 - All ages can make colorful mosaic mittens Dec. 21 - Adults can make a Froebel Stars gift Dec. 22 - All ages can make a hot chocolate mug craft Dec. 23 - All ages can make a personal keychain gift Dec. 28 - Adults can make bath bombs and shower steamers

Dec. 29 - All ages can paint fireworks with a fork

Geneva Public Library (630) 232-0780

227 S. Seventh St., Geneva gpld.org

*Kindly check with each establishment for further event information, space availability confirmation and costs of each listed activity.

Everything You Need in One

Place

Experience preventive health and wellness programs and more at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health & Fitness Center. As a medically integrated fitness center we have a variety of services and offerings:

• MyFitRx® medical fitness pathways

• Personal training

• Group exercise

• MOVE virtual programming

• Rock Steady Boxing

• Swim instruction

• Massage therapy

• Nutritional counseling

• Café, Pro Shop and more

Visit us or call 630.938.9000 for more information about membership.

n Abbey Farms

With a large selection of fresh cut fir trees from a Christmas tree operation owned by Father Andrew’s family out of Michigan, and an array of “U-cut” trees available, Abbey Farms is a local must. Enjoy their famous apple cider donuts and hot chocolate inside the Nagel Farmstead Emporium while you wait for your tree. When it snows, sleds will be provided to create easier access to different areas of the farm.

During the “Christmas Joy” season, the Emporium and the Christmas tree lot will be open from 10-6pm, 7 days a week with last entry starting at 5pm. Please check website for updates.

Abbey Farms

2855 Hart Road, Aurora (630) 966-7775 www.abbeyfarms.org

n Sinnissippi Farm and Forest

The holiday spirit is alive and well at Sinnissippi Farm and Forest. From Scotch Pine to Fraser Fir, Sinnissippi has the perfect tree for your living room! Choose and cut your own tree, keeping family traditions alive or making new ones. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the farm on Saturdays and Sundays, along with weekend wagon rides. This is your chance to experience the outdoors and add to your holiday magic!

Sinnissippi Farm and Forest

322 S. Lowden Road, Oregon

Closed Mondays and Wednesdays (708) 710-8354 www.sinnissippitrees.com

n Oney’s Tree Farm

Christmas has been at the heart of Oney’s Tree Farm traditions for over 50 years. Be a part of a legacy and visit Oney’s to experience the magic you can only feel at Christmastime. Take your family (and your leashed pet!) and make your way on an expedition for the best Christmas tree throughout 60 acres and nine different varieties of fresh choices! Oney’s has an option for anyone’s style, giving you pre-cut trees, harvest-your-own, or trees with roots still attached so that you can plant them later! Oney’s hosts Christmas joy at its best! Oney’s is open November 25-December 4 while supplies last.

Oney’s Tree Farm

16608 Route 14, Woodstock (815) 338-4108 www.oneystreefarm.com

ComingSoon! CrystalLake

St.Charles Remodel

Camelot Christmas Tree Farm

Camelot Christmas Tree Farm 16380 Somonauk Road, DeKalb (815) 756-6599

n Richardson Farm

With over 50,000 trees in several different varieties, Richardson Farm knows that when you cut down your own Christmas tree, it will be fresh and vibrant for the holiday season. A free wagon ride on the weekends helps haul your tree from the fields for you, where you can then take advantage of their bailing services and tree shaking. Make sure to enjoy

hot chocolate and coffee after you’ve picked out your evergreen from the fields and peruse fresh wreaths and garlands inside the shop.

Richardson Farm 9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove (815) 675-9729

Christopher Kale Jones was just on the Paramount stage this spring with his group “Under the Streetlamp,” which plays classic hits. You may have also seen him playing Frankie Valli in the national tour of “Jersey Boys.”

Recently, Shaw Media talked with the talented performer, who has returned this winter to play Captain Georg von Trapp in the holiday classic “The Sound of Music.”

n SHAW MEDIA: What’s it like playing Captain von Trapp?

CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES: The captain starts the play recovering from the loss of his wife and trying to run a household the best way he knows how as a retired military captain. He treats his children like little soldiers until Maria brings music and, of course, joy and laughter into his home.

A Q&A with Christopher Kale Jones, who plays Captain von Trapp in the Paramount Theatre’s “The Sound of Music”

By Chris Walker Photos provided by the Paramount Theatre, preview photos of Maria taken by Amy Nelson Photography

Given that this particular piece of theater takes place during the rise of the Nazi party prior to WWII, it’s also gratifying to play a character who was on the right side of history, standing up to a despotic dictatorship, even at the cost of his livelihood and perhaps even the safety of himself and those he loves. It is also an incredibly lush classic love story, which I think Paramount’s patrons will enjoy very much.

n SM: What makes this particular show unique?

CKJ: The scope of what the Paramount Theatre is able to do in a nearly 1,900-seat house with its sprawling proscenium theater is going to set this production apart. It is going to be absolutely gorgeous to watch. Additionally, we have the privilege of performing with a 17-piece orchestra, which is almost unheard of in regional theater and will result in these classic songs sounding better than you may have ever heard them live. Also, I think every piece of theater is affected by the time in which it’s performed, which I hope will allow audiences to hear this story in a fresh and different light.

n SM: What is the family appeal to “The Sound of Music”?

CKJ: Well, first and foremost, the show is about a family, and we have some of the most talented young performers in the city appearing as the children in the Von Trapp family. Also, the music of the show is universal, having woven its way into the cultural consciousness as well as the fabric of the holiday season. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear “My Favorite Things” or “The Sound of Music” or “Edelweiss” around the holidays? Lastly, although the stakes are heightened, I think the issues the family faces have universal appeal: What does a family do when its beliefs are threatened by the society they live in? How important are the arts and fun in family dynamics versus organization and discipline? Can one family make a difference?

n SM: What message would you hope theatergoers take away from this show?

CKJ: With the invasion and possible annexation of parts of the Ukraine by Russia, with the current tension between the Democratic and Republican parties (no matter which side of the aisle you are on) in our own country, and with the recent wealth gap that was brought into stark visibility during the pandemic … I think it’s the perfect time to put on a musical that asks the questions: When is the right time to stand up for what you believe in? Is the health of a family based on your bank account, or the love and music that you share? Can (or should) we try to love each other for what we have in common while holding space for what we disagree on? What part do the arts play in political and cultural conversations? But I hope most that audiences leave having enjoyed some of their favorite music and perhaps holding each other a little closer during our cold Chicago winters!