Hello! Throughout the year, the Naperville Riverwalk provides the natural setting for many annual charity walks, concerts and special events, right in the heart of downtown Naperville.
The Riverwalk Foundation contributed funds for the American flag as well as the pedestrian path between the Naperville Township parking lot and Jaycees Park. This location between Jackson Avenue and Water Street attracts visitors to cross the DuPage River in downtown Naperville where more than 150 shopping and dining experiences help create the vibrant heart of the community every day of the year.
This post is chock full of photos and briefs that help depict a small sampling of community spirit. Follow local protocols. Be safe. Check out the season.
Happy Holidays!
STOP! Click here to see updated list of holiday photos with 2020 December events, many virtual. Otherwise, continue through PN’s November/December calendar of traditions before recent updates.
2020 Updates & Bold Shout-outs…
For 2020, instead of mixing, mingling and connecting in this active community, just about every event has been postponed until 2021 or is on hold at the moment while everybody fights against COVID-19. As “virtual” events and other outdoor events take the place of local traditions, this page will be updated.
Since September 2001, Positively Naperville has been on a mission to focus on the bright side with good news. Grab your comfortable walking shoes and head Downtown Naperville to plan to window shop ’til you drop. Find plenty of treasures in local shops in between delicious meals at eateries around town, sure to ignite smiles.
Remember! Help keep the community safe. Stay home when not feeling well. Follow local advisories and protocols that request that you wear a face mask or bandana upon entering a business or restaurant. Cover coughs and sneezes.
Most importantly, help protect physical and mental health of everyone around you.
Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away your commonsense.
Hold onto hugs for future giving. Keep a 6′ social distance. Take walks and appreciate the changing season. Call family and friends.
Have faith, hope and charity to fulfill unmet needs of less fortunate with appreciation for all critical care providers and first responders.
Be safe and continue vigilance. Follow best practices. Play it safely so all businesses can thrive again. Aim with enthusiasm to get all small businesses open again!
Then celebrate safely. Thank you.
Longstanding events posted here are open to the public, providing plenty of happenings featuring local culture, social engagement and community spirit in Naperville, Illinois.
For information regarding sending news for consideration to PN, please CLICK HERE.
Note! At this time, many events remain in limbo and marked “TBD,” depending on success of the fight against COVID-19. We’re trying to keep up with cancellations and reschedules.
Other events will be added to this post throughout the day/month.
Thanks for supporting the arts provided by the Naperville Municipal Band, at North Central College and in our schools when they begin again. Live on stage performances are not happening now.
With news that coronavirus infections are on the rise, we are forever mindful that the only thing predictable about COVID-19 is unpredictability. We pray for everyone’s complete recovery.
Have a meaningful, prayerful, healthful and happy holiday season. Peace to all individuals of good will.
-PN
Events are listed in order by month, not necessarily by day.
Dine Naperville via choices at www.dinenaperville.com.
Come on downtown!
Take some “feel good” time to treat yourself to some new finds. Downtown Naperville is ready to get you fit and dressed for the holidays, with plenty to do in between meals at local eateries that’ll whet every appetite. “Exercise, eat right and be your best self,” say downtown merchants. Follow local protocols. Stay healthy! Click here to find out what’s happening throughout downtown Naperville where DNA Gift Cards always are welcome!
November (Check gone, but not forgotten)
West Suburban Irish Quiz Nights at Quigley’s Irish Pub (7PM First Tuesday of most months / Now runnning virtually.)
360 Youth Services Annual Gala (Nov. 7, 2020) Champions for Youth at 6PM! Click here to find out more about changing lives and inspiring hope...
Downtown Naperville is twinkling with its Grand Illumination (Early November 2020)
Veterans Day (Traditionally at Veterans Park at 11AM on Nov. 11, aka “11-11-11”) Yes! As always! Follow local protocols. Take a moment to pause and reflect.
Municipal Elections! Petitions for hopefuls seeking one of four seats on City Council were due during regular business hours from 8AM Mon., Nov. 16, through 5PM Mon., Nov. 23. Consolidated Election is April 6, 2021. (Update… Click here to story featuring ballot order of 11 candidates running to serve)
Quigley’s Irish Pub, Established Nov. 17, 1998 (Toast the first 22 years with a pint!)
Bill Jacobs Volkswagen in Naperville will host ID.4 Advance Showing Thurs., Nov. 19. Stop by Bill Jacobs at 9AM to see the new electric vehicle. Bill Jacobs is located at 2211 Aurora Avenue. (Canceled)
Carillon Tribute Concert to recognize World Pancreatic Cancer Day at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk / Nov. 19, 2020 (6:30PM Thurs., Nov. 19) *** (Find details of Carillon performances here.)
JAZZ QUILT will be performed at 7PM on Thurs., Nov. 19/ Watch this one-of-a-kind virtual special night of music, a fundraising jazz concert to benefit local nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals in need with mental health issues as well as victims of domestic abuse. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville.
Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise Naper Lights (Weekends through the Holidays) along Water Street for 2020
Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving Dinner Is Served! – Downtown Restaurants Serving Meals To Go!
Lions Club 5K Turkey Trot goes virtual on Thanksgiving Day (Thurs., Nov. 26, 2020)
Complimentary Thanksgiving “TO-GO” Dinner at Meson Sabika / All 2,000 dinners were reserved by Nov. 1, 2020. Thanks to everyone at Meson Sabika! (Thurs., Nov. 26, 2020) ***
Little Friends Parade of Lights in downtown Naperville (7-9PM Fri., Nov. 2020) Regrettably canceled. Yet the Grand Illumination is aglow!
Riverwalk Santa House, Webster at Jackson *** (Typically opens to public Thanksgiving weekend and runs until Dec. 23.) For 2020, Santa’s Naperville Workshop will be coming to the Riverwalk Café from Dec. 2 thru Dec. 23. Guests will view Santa through the window, including a live conversation with Santa for each pre-registered guest. Residents can register online beginning at noon Mon., Nov. 23 at noon; nonresident registration begins at noon Tues., Nov. 24 at napervilleparks.org/santasworkshop.
North Central College Arts Calendar (Check out what’s virtual!)
December
Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1, 2020 / Local nonprofits welcome support on this day dedicated to raising awareness and funds for needs. Giving locally is where dollars assist unmet needs of family, friends and neighbors. Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Little Friends, Inc., 360 Youth Services, Naperville Responds for Veterans, SamaraCare, KidsMatter and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation are among hundreds of local agencies that work every day for the community. Thanks for planned giving throughout the year as day-to-day needs never cease completely.
West Suburban Irish Quiz Nights at Quigley’s Irish Pub (First Tuesday of most months – Now a virtual good time!) (7PM Tues., Dec. 1)
Municipal Election Lottery! Hopefuls seeking one of four seats on City Council participated in ballot placement on Dec. 1, 2020, for the Consolidated Election is April 6, 2021. (Update…Link here to story featuring ballot order of 11 candidates running to serve)
City Council Review Draft Land Use Master Plan via Zoom. 7PM Tues., Dec. 1. Stay Tuned. Meanwhile find the project web page at www.naperville.il.us/projects-in-naperville/master-plan-update/. FYI: Mask Mandate failed to pass.
Santa’s Naperville Workshop (December) (Click her for memories of Santa House hours, Santa breakfasts, photo ops & more with vintage images of PN’s favorite Santa Helpers through the years.) Considering safety protocols, for 2020 the Riverwalk Santa House will be dark. Instead, Santa’s Naperville Workshop welcomes pre-registered families outside the Riverwalk Cafe. Advance registration only from Dec. 2 thru Dec. 23. Residents can register online beginning at noon Mon., Nov. 23; nonresident registration begins at noon Tues., Nov. 24 at napervilleparks.org/santasworkshop. Cost is $10/residents and $15/nonresidents. Remaining spots are limited.
Win a Stingray to benefit Turning Pointe Autism Foundation on Dec. 3, 2020 / To support this important work with a $100/raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2020 Stingray Corvette or to see official rules, visit www.TurningPointeAutismFoundation.org.
Cup of Cheer House Walk Hosted by Naperville Garden Club (Thursday & First Friday) 2020 event canceled. Now taking applications to showcase home for 2021.
Naperville & Lisle Townships TRIAD Drive-Thru Visit with Santa on Dec. 4, 2020 / Enjoy a picture with Santa while staying socially distant in your car and leave with a special holiday gift bag from TRIAD. Line up from noon to 2PM on Fri., Dec. 4, 2020, at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 Parking Lot, 908 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540. FREE, but reservations are required. Register by emailing Julie Smith at smithju@naperville.il.us, or calling (630) 420-8479. Include name, address, phone number and email.
Pictures with Santa & the Leprechaun at Quigley’s Irish Pub (Dec. 2020) *** Dog & Family Photos, 11AM to 1PM, Sun., Dec. 13, 2020 (Bring your own camera. Bring your own holiday attire. To follow safety protocols, Santa will stand behind everybody.) Regrettably canceled.
Mayor’s Interfaith Community Breakfast hosted by the YMCA at Fry Family Y goes Virtual. (7AM Fri., Dec. 4, 2020)
Anyone at a loss for what to put on a Christmas list, consider, “Something you want. Something you need. Something to wear. Something to read.”
Naperville Municipal Band hosts Tuba Christmas in front of US Bank (11AM First Saturday) *** (Canceled for 2020)
Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise Naper Lights (Weekends through Holidays) along Water Street. Come visit Jolly Old St. Nicholas from 6-8PM Fridays and Saturdays.
Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert (Dec. 2020) *** (Canceled for 2020)
5th Annual Breakfast with Santa at Catch 35 in downtown Naperville (Dec. 2020) www.catch35.com/santas-breakfast-2017-catch-35. Watch for details for 2020. Meanwhile, order take-out for pick up or delivery from Catch 35.
Hometown Holidays Shopping, Local Shopping, Shopping! Gift Cards create great gifts! Thanks for supporting your local merchants. Many offer online shopping and front-door delivery.
North Central College Arts Calendar (Check out what’s virtual!)
PN’s Online Calendar of Upcoming Events
Last call! December 31, 2020 / Wrap up the year!
New Year’s Eve Morning at DuPage Children’s Museum (Dec. 31, 2020) Click here for the 2020 event for kids, Hands-on New Year’s Eve at Home / Bubble Bash in a Box!
Shop, Shop, Shop! Find bargains galore in every store throughout downtown Naperville! DNA Gift Cards do apply! So wrap up the old year by shopping locally!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Dublin Time at Quigley’s Irish Pub. Countdown at 6PM (3-8PM Dec. 31, 2020)
Ring out the old and ring in the New Year / Millennium Carillon Countdown (Dec. 31, 2020)
Thanks for linking up and reading PN. Many stories and photos featuring this active community are saved in the PN archive. Always check the date and year and cherish the memories. Dig into our files saved in the cloud. Try using the “search” tool to find posts about the “Riverwalk,” “Naper Settlement” or the “DuPage Children’s Museum,” for example.
Whenever possible, your support of the local business community is appreciated greatly. Many local enterprises also offer online shopping with delivery to your door.
Remember N.E.W.S… ‘Tis the best season to purchase Gift Certificates and Gift Cards to Naperville shops and eateries.
Thanks again for reading!
Last updated, Dec. 5, 2020
