Festive Christmas Time in Naperville Illinois
Santa Claus and Holiday Entertainment in Southwest Suburb of Chicago
Nov 23, 2008
Downtown Naperville gets decked out with lights and decoration for the holidays. In an effort to attract shoppers to downtown Naperville for Christmas shopping, the Naperville Alliance and downtown merchants are sponsoring holiday events, including a parade, Santa Claus, music and entertainment. Following are some of the highlights of Christmas Time in Naperville Illinois.
Hometown Holidays
On Friday, November 28 the Naperville Alliance kicks off the holidays with the Little Friends Electric Light parade and the Grand Illumination of the downtown lights. The parade is at 4:30 and the Grand Illuminations is held at 5:30 pm. Santa Claus will appear in the parade and visit with children at the Santa House until 8 pm. Gina Glocksen, an American Idol finalist, will appear in the parade and perform a few holiday favorites afterwards.
Merchants in Naperville will host various holiday events over the weekend. According to the Downtown Naperville website, Santa Claus will be visiting stores including Eddie Bauer, Barnes & Noble, Wolf Camera, Two Bostons and Jill's Childrens Portrait Boutique over the weekend. Check the Naperville website or individual stores for additional information about hours and dates.
Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement consists of 18 historical structures in a village setting that depicts the life and customs from the era of Naperville's founding in 1831 to the 20th century.
- Santa's Secret Workshop. On Saturday, November 29, the kids enjoy a fun filled afternoon at Santa's workshop here they can learn about holiday traditions, make a gift for their parents, write a letter to Santa, listen to holiday stories and snack on cocoa and cookies. Parents can let the children spend the afternoon at the workshop while they go shopping. The workshop is for boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grades from to 4:30 pm. $25 per child.
- Breakfast with Mrs. Claus. On Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13, from 8 - 10 am, Mrs. Claus will entertain children with activities, songs and stores. A continental breakfast is included. The event is for children ages 2-8, accompanied by an adult. Up to three children per adult. $15 per child. and $10 per adult.
- Victorian Holiday Traditions. On Saturday, December 6, there is a special one hour tour of the 1883 Martin Mitchell Mansion. The Victorian mansion is all decked out in traditional Victorian Christmas splendor. Visitors can sip tea and enjoy sweet treat while discovering the history of holiday traditions, such as the Christmas tree ships and ornaments. 10 am - noon. $30 per person.
See the Naper Settlement website for additional information about their programs.
Naper Settlement, 523 South Webster Street, Naperville, IL 1-630-420-6010
Winter Window Walk
Walk through downtown Naperville to see the store windows all decorated for the holidays. December 6-31.
Free Holly Trolley
The free trolley shuttles people through downtown Naperville. The trolley operates on November 28-31, December 6-7, December 13-14 and December 20-21.
Ice Carving Demonstration
On December 13-14 the ice carving demonstration will be held on the grounds of US Bank (corner of Jefferson and Washington) from 10 am to noon.
Santa House
Santa House is open on December 5 -24 at Jackson & Webster.
Holiday Performances
- 500 Clown Christmas. Performance at Melley-Sallow Hall at North Central College from December 19-23.
- Youth Symphony of DuPage on December 7 at Pfeiffer Hall.
- Holiday Carillon Concert on December 7 , 13, 14, 20.
- The Nutcracker by Dancewest Ballet on December 12 at Pfeiffer Hall.
- DuPage Symphony Orchestra on December 13-14 at Wentz Hall.
Naperville is located about 30 miles from Chicago, Illinois.
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