Cheers! Happy 30th Anniversary, Meson Sabika, on Dec. 4, 2020! The historic Mansion at Meson Sabika always is a welcomed sight along Aurora Avenue—especially beautiful when it’s illuminated for Thanksgiving and even more attractive after all the finishing touches for the holiday season. And just wait to see it glow after a snow fall! (Meson Sabika is giving 30 percent of sales on Dec. 4 to American Red Cross.)

Holiday lights after dark create many reasons to count simple blessings all around town. If you’re thinking about an old friend, pick up the phone. Let folks know they’re in your thoughts.

Find plenty of hyperlinks to many festivities, virtual and otherwise, by scrolling down this page. Encourage friends to connect.

Throughout the year, the Naperville Riverwalk provides a 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. For 2020, not so much when orders are in place that ask folks to stay home.

This post is chock full of photos and briefs that help depict a small sampling of community spirit. Follow local protocols. Check out the season. Celebrate safely.

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 hyperlocal news. Grab your comfortable walking shoes and head to parks and shopping destinations throughout town. Find plenty of treasures in local shops in between delicious meals with choices at nearly 300 eateries, sure to please every appetite.

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.

Have a meaningful, prayerful, healthful and happy fall season. Give a call to someone in your thoughts. Peace to all individuals of good will.

-PN

Events are listed in order by month, not necessarily by day.

Come on downtown! 

Feel the chill in the air under the autumn sunshine. Downtown Naperville is ready to offer fitness, style and new fashions for the changing season, 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!

Wrap up Thanksgiving weekend…Begin 2020 countdown

Naperville Municipal Elections! Petitions for hopefuls seeking one of four seats on City Council were due by 5PM Mon., Nov. 23. Eleven Naperville residents filed to campaign for one of the four four-year seats. The Consolidated Election is April 6, 2021. (Update…Link here to story featuring candidates and a little history about the upcoming campaign season.)

Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise Naper Lights (Weekends through the Holidays) along Water Street for 2020 

Check out places with take-out for the holiday season…  Downtown Restaurants Serving Meals To Go!

SANTA, ELVES & SNOWMEN TOO! Find joy and ho-ho-holiday characters throughout downtown Naperville in every direction! Encourage kids to drop off their Letters to Santa in our mailbox on Main (and await a personalized note in return).  Elves are hidden in many business windows and Rosie the Snowmen is painted on many downtown windows too. Just for the fun of it, come find them all!

Little Friends Parade of Lights in downtown Naperville (Nov. 2020) Regrettably canceled. Yet the Grand Illumination is aglow all along Main Street! Come on down for Small Business Saturday, Sunday, too. In fact, Naperville’s local businesses, small and large, welcome shoppers every day!

Meson Sabika features catering specials and a tapas menu for orders to go every day at www.mesonsabika.com.  Follow prompts and safety protocols for pick up. Also, from now through December, for every $100 purchased in gift certificates, receive an additional $20 complimentary gift certificate, good from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2021.

Check out Small Business Saturday specials all weekend

Shop the Naperville Trolley & Tours Store online during Small Business Saturday Nov. 28-29… For every Naperville Trolley Ornament purchased, get one free Naperville Trolley Koozie. Ding! Ding! FREE Naperville Delivery (shipping available for out-of-town orders) Koozie will be added by the Trolley Chick, so just order the ornament(s). One free koozie per ornament purchased! While Holiday Trolley-La-La-La Tours are on hold for 2020, find an attitude of gratitude when shopping small business at the Trolley Store any day! Thank you!

December 2020

(Note some events are scheduled annually on the same day of the week, not necessarily the same date. That’s why some may seem out of order.)

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.

Naperville Art League’s “Gallery of Gifts” holiday sale, now thru December 23 at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St. Gift certificates available via the website www.napervilleartleague.com and can be used for classes, merchandise or league membership. Hours are 10AM to 5PM Tuesdays through Fridays; 10AM to 4PM Saturdays. Admission is Free. Facemasks and social distancing are required. Parking is convenient and curbside delivery is available.

West Suburban Irish Quiz Nights at Quigley’s Irish Pub (First Tuesday of most months – Now a virtual good time!) (7PM Tues., Dec. 1)

ALERT! 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/. Also, click here to find the agenda for Tuesday’s City Council Meeting that also includes “Pass the ordinance adopting the 2021 Annual Budget in the amount of $502,423,551 (Item 2 of 2).” 

North Central College Fine & Performing Arts Calendar (Check out all that’s virtual!)

Riverwalk Santa House, Webster at Jackson *** (Typically opens to public Thanksgiving weekend and runs until Dec. 23, but not for this year.) For 2020, Santa’s Naperville Workshop will be coming to the Riverwalk Café from Dec. 2 thru Dec. 23, welcoming pre-registered families outside the Riverwalk Cafe.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. Spots are limited, so register early.

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.

Mayor’s Interfaith Community Breakfast hosted by the YMCA at Fry Family Y goes Virtual.  (6:30AM Fri., Dec. 4, 2020)

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.)

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.”

Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise NaperLights (Weekends through Holidays) along Water Street.

Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert (Dec. 2020) ***  (Canceled for 2020)

See about Santa at Catch 35 in downtown Naperville (Dec. 2020) www.catch35.com. Watch for holiday 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 “A Celtic Family Christmas” at 7PM on Dec. 11, 2020, and all that’s virtual to support the arts!)

ONE DAY TO REFUEL, REFOCUS, & RESTART / FREE event returns virtually from 9AM to 4PM on Dec. 16, 2020. Dealer Inspire’s REFUEL is a special, one-day event that brings the community together to unplug, gain new perspectives, get healthier, and be inspired by celebrity speakers. Set yourself on the right path for 2021.

AND JUST BEYOND NAPERVILLE BORDERS… Mini Christkindl Market at Schnitzel Platz at 729 North Avenue in Glendale Heights. Find vendors, German pretzels, hot cocoa, Gluhein and beer near the huge nutcracker under the big tent next to the restaurant. Follow safety protocols and shop for holiday treasures from local vendors. Thanks for shopping locally in support of small businesses everywhere. Hours are 5-10PM Fridays, 2-10PM Saturdays and 1-6PM Sundays through Dec. 20, 2020.

PN’s Online Calendar of Upcoming Events 

Happy Christmas Day! Celebrate the magic of Christmas on Dec. 25, 2020, with wonder and peace. Joy to the world!

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 with a little luck 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 (11:30PM Dec. 31, 2020)

Please note a more comprehensive, but certainly not all-inclusive, list of things to do on New Year’s Eve will be posted on this website soon. 

More EVENTS by Category on Navigation Bar

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. Dig into our files saves in the cloud. Try using the “search” tool to find posts about the “Riverwalk,” “Naper Settlement” or the “DuPage Children’s Museum,” for example.

Dine Naperville via choices at www.dinenaperville.com.

Your support of the local business community is appreciated greatly. Many local enterprises also offer online shopping with delivery to your door.

Thanks again for reading!

Last updated, Nov. 28, 2020