Happy holidays! The merry bells are ringing for the Salvation Army all over town. Which red kettles will be blessed with anonymous gifts of gold coins this year? Already the kettle with the volunteer bell ringer by Casey’s Foods in Naperville Plaza has been successful. Will others follow?
No matter where you live in the world, plan to shop, dine, entertain and give locally this holiday season. Just know that by day and by evening, the gates are open, welcoming you to discover Naperville, too.
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In Naperville, the lights are up to illuminate the city north, east, west and south from the Tollway to 111th Street and all neighborhoods in between for residents and visitors to enjoy. From CityGate Centre to downtown Naperville to Naperville Plaza, find festive decorations galore.
Even the Naperville Trolley is decorated to take sing-a-long parties to tour the lights at night. Trolley-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
The annual Little Friends Parade of Lights stepped off on Dec. 1, following a new route along Main Street in downtown Naperville, to kick off the month of Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Store windows are decorated. Concert spaces are booked. DanceWest’s creation of The Nutcracker performed again at Pfeiffer Hall among many holiday productions on the campus of North Central College.
Whenever possible, support independently-owned businesses that contribute to the unique culture of every city. Look for The Grinch at many participating independents.
In downtown Naperville, 20 snowmen sculptures are displayed as part of an outdoor art exhibit. Each one is artistically decorated with a different theme, welcoming you to think that he or she is the best of show. To vote, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
Look for Sam the Snowman hiding out in store windows, too, in support of Little Friends.
Naper Lights 2012
Meanwhile, peek at the online creation of our city’s grand illumination at Naper Lights 2012. PN welcomes readers to send photos of colorful displays for consideration on our site. Remember to include the name of the subdivision or shopping plaza.
For Naper Lights 2012, click www.positivelynaperville.com/naper-holiday-lights-2012.
For N.E.W.S. about Naperville, Illinois, and many reasons folks choose to come here for overnight stays, shopping, dining, art exhibits, theater and concerts, visit other pages on this website and our community events. Or simply click a specific date on our monthly calendar.
Santa’s helper is preparing for his final day at the Riverwalk Santa House from noon to 6PM Sun., Dec. 23.
New Year’s Eve celebrations—for starters, CityGate Grille, Meson Sabika, Quigley’s Irish Pub and SugarToad at the Hotel Arista— are beginning to fill up the community events calendar. Visit often the next week for updates.
At 6PM Dec. 31, a family countdown at the Moser Tower with 72 carillon bells will take place at Rotary Hill. The Riverwalk Eatery will be open from 5-7PM. Then at 11:30PM, the traditional countdown begins.
Meanwhile, consider that though the choices are many, the holidays need not consume you.
Enjoy the magic and miracles of the season with comfort, joy and peace.
Merry Christmas!
Now go back and find more good news, and start at the very beginning on PN’s Home Page.
Updated Dec. 22, 2012
