Oh, Christmas tree! This colorful tree is aglow at dusk just west of River Road along Oakton Lane. Continue north on River Road and take Raintree to see a delightful neighborhood display.
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 photos and hyperlinks that showcase the community’s bright ideas, virtual and otherwise, by scrolling all the way down this page. Encourage friends to connect in the spirit of the holidays. Photos are from 2020 unless otherwise noted.
Originally Posted / Dec. 9, 2020 — Last Updated / Dec. 13, 2020
Cheers! Happy Anniversary, Meson Sabika! The historic Mansion at Meson Sabika celebrated its first 30 years on Dec. 4. The beautiful location always is a welcomed sight along Aurora Avenue—especially when it’s illuminated for the holiday season. And just wait to see it glow after a snow fall!
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.
Features awaits the little engine that could make it happen…
Early Dec. 10, a caboose followed by a boxcar arrived in front of Features along Chicago Avenue in downtown Naperville. Furnished with heating and safety protocols for outdoor dining, after the little engine arrives and all the power is installed, likely within two weeks, Features will add more seating for dining. Features owner Riff Menza expressed gratitude to the Downtown Naperville Alliance, Dine Naperville and the City of Naperville DPW for help coordinating the arrival of the first two boxcars. Soon downtown visitors will be welcome to enjoy a little “chew-chew” in the warmth of the boxcars in the heart of the community.
Thanks for thinking of small businesses everywhere!
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. Tour the grand illumination and all its bright colors throughout every neighborhood. Thanks to everyone who helps keep the season bright.
Then shop small to make a big difference…
Celebrate safely. Thank you.
Events posted here are open to the public, providing plenty of happenings featuring local culture, social engagement and community spirit in Naperville, Illinois.
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.
Have a meaningful, prayerful, healthful and happy holiday season. Give a call to someone in your thoughts. Peace to all individuals of good will.
-PN
Come on downtown!
Feel the chill in the air under the December 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! Downtown Naperville gift cards may be purchased in person at the following downtown locations:
- Downtown Naperville Alliance – 55 S. Main Street, Suite 367 (gift cards sold Monday – Thursday from 9am – 3pm)
- J. McLaughlin – 216 S. Main Street
- Karisma Boutique – 232 S. Washington
- Trails & Tides – 120 Water Street
Begin the 2020 countdown all throughout town
FYI…Naperville Municipal Elections are coming soon! Eleven Naperville residents filed petitions to campaign for one of the four four-year seats and they’re now in ballot order. From Dec. 14-21, hopefuls will file to serve the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners and the School District 203 and School District 204 Boards of Education. The Consolidated Election is April 6, 2021.
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!
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.
Shop small, local and sing along…Trolley-La-La-La
Shop the Naperville Trolley & Tours Store online during the holidays… 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 Tours are on hold for 2020, find a big attitude of gratitude when shopping small at the Trolley Store any day! Thank you!
Flash back to Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, 2020; flash forward mindful that local nonprofits welcome support every day. Naperville’s nonprofit community is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for unmet needs. Giving locally is where dollars assist 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. Also! Until Wed., Dec. 16, the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery is a drop off place for much-needed new unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army.
Thanks for supporting the arts—visual, performing & culinary…
Quigley’s Irish Pub is ready to go for take-out, Tuesday through Sunday. Check out Family-Size Meals at www.quigleysirishpub.com.
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 is busy in the Riverwalk Café from Dec. 2 thru Dec. 23, welcoming pre-registered families outside the Riverwalk Café. Check registration availability at napervilleparks.org/santasworkshop. Cost is $10/residents and $15/nonresidents. Spots are limited.
Happy Chanukah! Naperville’s Chanukah 2020 will begin the evening of Dec. 10 and end the evening of Dec. 18. Sing along now… Shalom Children! In the night our candles glow…They shine for everyone to know… God still watches over us… Just like years ago…
Ho! Ho! Ho! Hope for Santa sightings this holiday season
Team Doyle Hulsey Santa Sleigh touches down Dec. 10-21. Families, friends and neighbors just might hear those sleigh bells tingling when the Team Doyle Hulsey Santa Sleigh rolls through Naperville neighborhoods beginning on Thurs., Dec. 10 and continuing nightly, regardless of the weather, until Mon., Dec. 21. Just what to your wondering eyes should appear but 12 Nights of #TDHSanta Claus!
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 for 2020)
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.
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 Holiday Concert (Dec. 2020) *** (Canceled for 2020)
Check out take-out menus 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.
ALERT! Final City Council Meeting of 2020. 7PM Tues., Dec. 15. Stay Tuned. Click here to find the agenda for Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.
ONE DAY TO REFUEL, REFOCUS, & RESTART / FREE event returns virtually from 10AM to 2:30PM on Dec. 16, 2020. Dealer Inspire’s REFUEL is a special, one-day free 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. To learn more about this event and to pre-register at no charge, visit the Refuel website dealerinspire.com/refuel. Note also that Cars.com will be matching up to $25,000 in donations for Loaves & Fishes. Donations made at loaves-fishes.org and marked as “REFUEL” will be matched.
Winter Solstice 2020 in Northern Hemisphere is Mon., Dec. 21. Celebrate the shortest day of the year mindful that the days begin to get longer on Dec. 22. Cheers to changing seasons!
Happy Christmas Day! Celebrate the magic of Christmas on Dec. 25, 2020, with wonder and peace. Joy to the world!
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!
The Great Burnout Bonfire, 5:44PM Sun., Dec. 27, 2020 / The Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown will host “The Great Burnout of COVID 2020” at 5:44PM Sun., Dec. 27, at a local park. To learn how to participate in the event that aims to bring the community together with hope for the future, visit www.covidburnout.org to find extensive information about the needs in this community. Services provided by NAMI DuPage and Loaves and Fishes Community Services are featured. Donations welcome.
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!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Dublin Time with a little luck at Quigley’s Irish Pub. Countdown at 6PM (3-8PM Dec. 31, 2020) Stay tuned for final details.
Ring out the old and ring in the New Year / Millennium Carillon Countdown (11:30PM Dec. 31, 2020) Canceled for 2020.
Carillon Chimes To-Go: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home with Special Recording of the Bells Striking Midnight and Playing Auld Lang Syne / Note that City Carillonneur Tim Sleep recorded a video of the Carillon bell, Big Joe, striking midnight, followed by the bells playing “Auld Lang Syne” so that anyone can add this special element to their celebration of the New Year at home. The 2020 New Year’s Eve video begins with the Westminster announcement, then Big Joe strikes midnight, followed by a Royal Peal and Auld Lang Syne. The video is available here and also will be posted on the NaperParks and Millennium Carillon Facebook pages.
Live carillon concert immediately after midnight to welcome 2021 / Tim Sleep will play a concert including tunes such as “Try to Remember,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” along with some Scott Joplin Piano Rags and a few Viennese waltzes. Listen from both sides of the river and in the adjacent parking lots where plenty of room allows folks to responsibly social distance if they want to come to the Carillon at midnight.
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.
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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 touch-free delivery to your door.
Thanks again for reading!
2020 Updates & Bold Shout-outs…
Instead of mixing, mingling and connecting in this active community, just about every December 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.
The Naperville Park District meets via Zoom at 7PM Thurs., Dec. 10, to adopt its budget for the upcoming year. A draft of the Naperville Park District’s proposed 2021 Budget is available at www.napervilleparks.org/files/2021BudgetBookLRes.pdf. Participate remotely by accessing the Zoom meeting link found at https://go.boarddocs.com/il/naperville/Board.nsf/Public.
And the Naperville City Council meets one more time for 2020 on Dec. 15. It’s always time to pay attention to local public government meetings. Local matters most.
Since September 2001, Positively Naperville has been on a mission to focus on the bright side with good hyperlocal news—and never more than at Christmastime. 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!
Have a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.
