Above / Stop by participating independent businesses and grow your heart three sizes as you hunt for the Grinch from Dec. 1-24. Pick up a playing card at Anderson’s Bookshop, follow directions, then after you’ve visited eight local independents, enter the card in the raffle for a chance to win a prize on Dec. 28.
Friday
Naperville Garden Club Cup of Cheer House Walk, Holiday Market and Tea – 9AM | $35-$55. The general public, with no ticket, may shop the Holiday Market on Dec. 1 from noon to 4PM.
North Central College’s Harold and Eva White Activities Center – 325 E. Benton Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Tour four homes decorated for the holidays and visit the Holiday Market to shop and to enjoy tea or coffee in your commemorative teacup and indulge in home-baked cookies. Thursday, November 30 is ‘preview day’ with a limited number of tickets sold to insure no waiting in line. Tickets are $55. Friday, December 1 tickets are $35. Thursday and Friday tickets are available at www.napervillegardenclub.org, Nona Jo’s (410 W. Fifth Ave.), and both Oxford Bank locations (1260 Book Road and Rt. 59 and 83rd St.) Friday tickets are available at Naperville Bank and Trust (1205 S. Naper Blvd.) and The Growing Place (25 W. 471 Plank Rd.)
Christmas Cheer Luncheon and Cookie Sale – 11:30AM | $10
Wesley United Methodist Church – 21 East Franklin Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Christmas Cheer Luncheon and Cookie Sale hosted by the Wesley United Methodist Women. The luncheon menu includes hot turkey almondine; cranberry salad; pasta salad and cookies. The luncheon tickets are $10. Cookies may be purchased in 1/2 pound ($5) or one pound ($10) assortments. You may select your own assortment or choose pre-selected boxes. Tickets available in the church office. Call (630) 355-1834. This annual fundraiser has been a way to welcome the holiday season for over 40 years.
It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play – 7PM | $5-$10. $5 Students and Senior $10 Adults
Naperville North Performing Arts Center – 899 N. Mill St. Naperville, IL 60563
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers his life one fateful Christmas Eve. With help from a lovable angel, George has a change of heart and understands the true spirit of the holidays. December 1 & 2 at 7PM and December 3 at 4PM. Tickets are $5 for Student & Seniors, $10 for Adults. Tickets available at www.nnhsarts.com and at the door.
Saturday
The Guild of St. Patrick’s Residence Christmas Cookie Walk and Boutique – 9AM | Free
St. Patrick s Residence Nursing and Rehabilitation – 1400 Brookdale Rd. Naperville, IL 60563
On Saturday, December 2, the Guild of St. Patricks Residence will host its annual Christmas Cookie Walk & Boutique from 9AM to 11AM. You may purchase cookies pre-packaged or stroll among the tables to select your own holiday assortment. Back by popular demand will be a LIMITED SUPPLY of the ever-favorite English toffee made by the Carmelite Sisters of St. Patricks. Cookies and Toffee will be sold by the weight. We are looking for cookie bakers to share your favorite holiday cookies with us.
Gingerbread Junction Craft Fair – 9AM-3PM | $3
Thayer J Hill Middle School – 1836 Brookdale Rd. Naperville, IL 60563
Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts? Don’t miss out on this holiday shopping tradition! Hill Middle School’s PTSA will hold its annual Gingerbread Junction Craft Fair with over 60 artisans displaying vintage designs, doll clothes, headbands & bows, hand-crafted jewelry (silver, beads, clay), pottery, watercolor art prints, stained glass, wood art, knits, fabric & quilts, holiday decor, candles, handmade soaps, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the school’s amazing annual holiday bake sale for some delicious goodies.
Merry Tuba Christmas – 11:15AM
Jefferson at Washington in Downtown Naperville – Naperville, IL 60540
Organized by the Naperville Municipal Band and led by Conductor Ron Keller, a big brass band of tubas, euphoniums and Sousaphones will fill the air with holiday tunes, Christmas carols and other seasonal favorites. The sound of music highlights the history of this wonderful Merry Tuba Christmas tradition. (Afterward, the musicians will head to the Food Court at the Fox Valley Mall for a repeat performance of the upbeat concert at 12:30PM.)
Then take note! The annual Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert is set for 3PM Sun., Dec. 12, on stage at the Wentz Concert Hall. www.napervilleband.org.
Throwback Family Photos at Oswald’s / Noon-2PM | FREE
Naperville Plaza, Washington at Gartner – Naperville, IL 60540
The public is invited to join in the hilarity with an appointment between Noon and 2PM on Sat., Dec. 2, then Sun., Dec. 3, when Oswald’s Pharmacy in Naperville Plaza will host Alfresco Booth for “Throwback Family Photos.” Click here for complete details about making an appointment for this fun experience. The photo shoot with a photo is free of charge, providing opportunities available to purchase cards for the holidays. A nonperishable donation of a personal healthcare product is requested to benefit Loaves & Fishes Community Services. Thank you.
Note! After the photo shoot at Oswald’s, stop by Casey’s Foods where every Saturday during regular hours from 8AM-7PM comes with a special at the Butcher Counter. Casey’s Pork Tenderloin is only $4.98 for plain or $5.49 per lb. for Teriyaki or Thai Marinated. From our kitchen, consider Grilled Veggies only $4.99 per lb. While Supply Lasts!
Little Friends Parade of Lights! – 7PM
Downtown Naperville
The Little Friends Parade of Lights will take place on Saturday, December 2. This popular annual holiday parade and tradition is brought to you by Little Friends in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to celebrate the Season. Bundle up and enjoy an evening of festivities, brightly lit floats and musical entertainment. The Parade will step off from Jackson Avenue, at Mill Street, heading east to Main Street, ending at Main Street and Van Buren Avenue. The parade will travel thru the heart of downtown under the beautiful twinkling lights. Parade viewing will be sparkling anywhere along the parade route! (The parade main stage will be at Jackson and Webster).
A Swingin’ Christmas – 7:30PM | $20-$25. $20 Student/Senior
Wentz Concert Hall – 171 E. Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60563
The Naperville Chorus, Jeordano Martinez, Music Director presents: A Swingin Christmas With the Pete Ellman Big Band. All your holiday favorites performed with a jazz motif. This is a concert sure to please with many of your favorite Holiday classics such as White Christmas, Let It Snow, and A Christmas Medley all performed by the Naperville Chorus and accompanied by Pete Ellmans Big Band. Pete Ellmans Big Band was formed in 2009 and is well known throughout the Western Suburbs. The Naperville Chorus is partnering with Toys for Tots for this event, so help to make this a very special holiday for someone in need by bringing a new, unwrapped gift to the concert and there will be a receptacle to place your toy on the way in. For tickets, call the NCC Box Office: (630) 637-7469 or visit www.NapervilleChorus.org.
Sunday
Photos with Santa and the Leprechaun – 10AM and 2PM | Complimentary
Quigley’s Irish Pub – 43 E. Jefferson Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Stop by for family photos with Santa and the Leprechaun, a fun tradition at Quigley’s staged back in the Cigar Room by the hearth. Have a pet? Arrive early and from 9:45AM until 10AM pet photos will be taken outside on the patio. Note also that a breakfast menu is available from 10AM to Noon every Saturday and Sunday at Quigley’s. For more info, visit www.quigleysirishpub.com. Cheers!
MARIO the Maker Magician – 2:30PM and 5:30PM | $15-$20. Ideal for ages 3-10 and their families
Madden Theater – 171 E. Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
MARIO the Maker Magician (mariothemagician.com) back in Naperville by popular demand! David Blaine calls Mario ‘the best kids magician in the world!!’ As seen on Sesame Street and NBCUniversals Sprout Channel, Mario is more than just a performer. He is also an inventor who creates his own props. He is known for his dedication to the Maker Movement and STEAM initiatives and his integration of DIY electronics and robotics into his performance. Regardless, he never sacrifices the old-school slapstick vibe that audiences so love. Its vintage meets the future. Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin for the modern age, with a mad inventor twist. Mario is an award winning performer with over a decade of full time experience performing for family audiences. He is the subject of indie documentary film, Building Magic, and was a part of the tight-knit creative team behind David Blaine’s first ever North American tour in 2017. Tickets at mariothemakermagician.brownpapertickets.com.
Naperville Men’s Glee Club Christmas Concert – 3PM | $10-$12. Credit card purchase online only. Cash or check at the door.
Knox Presbyterian Church – 1105 Catalpa Naperville, Il 60540
Start your holidays on a musical note with the Naperville Mens Glee Club at their Christmas Presence Concert at 3PM on Sunday, December 3 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane, Naperville. The annual Holiday songfest will include Advent selections, traditional Christmas tunes with sing-along opportunities, and a chance for children to chip in with rhythm instruments and unbounded enthusiasm. They’ll be featuring Tim Sleep, Knox Organist, and soloist Mary Elliott for an afternoon of sublime entertainment to kick off the season in style. Tickets may be purchased online and printed at napervillemensgleeclub.org or they may be purchased from any Glee Club member. They may also be purchased by phone at (630) 448-0518 or at the door (cash or check only). Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.
