Are you ready for TubaChristmas? 11AM Sat., Dec. 10, in the front yard of US Bank.
Friday
Magical Holiday Windows in Downtown Naperville / All weekend in Downtown Naperville / Experience Magical Holiday Painted Windows – where windows become art – around Downtown Naperville. See where you can find all of the snowman-themed paintings. Click HERE for the map.
NaperLights / Venture along Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville from 4 to 10PM every evening to discover the dazzling display of bright lights for the community from the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. Friday and Saturday evenings (weather permitting), grab a holiday photo with Santa alongside the Great Tree. Ongoing through the holiday season.
WVHS Planetarium Holiday Family Night / 5-7PM Fri., Dec. 9. Join the WVHS Planetarium and the WVHS Early Childhood Learning Lab for a night of holiday fun! Santa is lost and forgot his star map at home. A snowman named Oatmeal and a planetarium wizard named George travel around the world looking for Santa. Along the way, they learn about cultural constellations and celestial navigation. This cute planetarium program called ‘George & Oatmeal Save Santa’ will be showing at 5:30, 6, 6:30, or 7PM. In addition to the planetarium show, make ornaments and holiday crafts in the preschool classroom (located next to the planetarium). Tickets are $4 per person and include crafts with one planetarium show (*select time when purchasing). Purchase online at planetarium.ipsd.org. Enter the event at building door #11. WVHS is located at 2590 Ogden Avenue in Aurora.
Thanks for supporting local enterprise! Enjoy shopping, dining, banking and entertaining at a Naperville business near you.
Saturday
Naperville Art League annual “Gallery of Gifts” of fine art and crafts sale runs Tuesdays through Saturdays through December 23 at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St. One-of-a-kind, affordable art by over 30 local artists includes jewelry, ornaments, greeting cards, wall art, wearable art, home décor, glass art, photography, books, specialty soaps, and more. Gift certificates can be purchased via the website www.napervilleartleague.com and can be used for classes, merchandise or league membership. Gallery hours are 10AM to 5PM Tuesdays through Fridays; 10AM to 4PM Saturdays. Admission is FREE. Thanks for supporting local artists!
Chesterbrook Academy® Preschools plan Winterfest Events / 10AM to 1PM on Sat., Dec. 10. Families are invited to enjoy gingerbread house building, cocoa stations with fun toppings and other treats, as well as a holiday story time where children will hear about different holidays and celebrations. In addition to the fun activities, the schools are hosting food drives for the Northern Illinois Food Bank and asking attendees to bring a nonperishable food donation. Winterfest also will provide the opportunity for families to meet school principals and teachers, and explore classrooms. Interested families can RSVP by calling (877) 959-4182. In Naperville, Chesterbrook Academy Preschools are located at 1587 Oswego Road and at 2015 S. Naper Boulevard. Admission to the event is FREE.
TubaChristmas in Downtown Naperville / 11AM – Front yard of US Bank, Jefferson Ave., at Washington St. in downtown Naperville / Free to attend / Tuba Christmas returns at 11AM Sat., Dec.10, to the front yard of US Bank, Jefferson Ave., at Washington St. in downtown Naperville. Hosted by the Naperville Municipal Band, the holiday song fest with the big brass sound welcomes euphonium/baritone players, Sousaphone players and tuba players. Musicians from 6th grade to adult are invited to participate in the popular tradition that attracts players from Naperville and many neighboring communities. Musicians register from 9-10AM at the Community Concert Center in Central Park, practice from 10-11AM, then perform at 11:15AM. Dress for the weather and enjoy the outdoor concert. Participant registration fee is $10 per musician. Music is $23. Cash only. The performance at 11AM is free to the public.
North Central College vs. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor – D III Football National Semifinal / 2:30PM – Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 455 S Brainard St. Naperville / North Central could make history on Dec. 10 when it is anticipated that for the first time ever the Cardinals will welcome spectators when they host the national semifinals for the NCAA Division III at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. That playoff game will be broadcast at 2:30PM CST on ESPN-Plus. The national semifinals will match the undefeated North Central College Cardinals (13-0) against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (12-1). TKTS: $10 adults; $5 students/Seniors. Go, Cardinals!
Naperville Chorus “Swingin’ Into Christmas with The Pete Ellman Big Band” / 3PM – Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville / Adults $25, Seniors & Students $20 / Get into the holiday spirit with the Naperville Chorus’ concert of “Swingin’ into Christmas with the Pete Ellman Big Band,” featuring jazz and traditional arrangements of Christmas favorites and an audience Sing-Along. Since 1976, the Naperville Chorus has presented concerts both in the holiday season and the spring. This concert will mark the 6th collaboration between the Chorus and the Pete Ellman Big Band as well as the final performance by our Music Director, Jeordano Martinez, who will retire after 35 years conducting the Naperville Chorus. (Note: First performance was Friday.) Tickets at finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.
Enjoy Delightful Rides Aboard Naperville Trolley & Tours / Schedule continues now through Dec. 27 / It’s time to check the list of available public trolley rides and tours for the holidays, now through Dec. 27. Book PUBLIC (individual) and December Holiday Lights. (No tours Christmas Day or after Dec. 27.) Reservation opportunities are now live! Find info about the fun trolley-la-la-la, la-la-la la tours and daytime trips to the Christkindlmarket in Aurora with a two-hour experience on Thursdays, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 21 at www.napervilletrolley.com. Simply find reservation info under “Book Public Tours.” Ask about “Trolley” Christmas ornaments, too.
Sunday
Pictures with Santa and the Leprechaun at Quigley’s / 11AM-2PM – Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville / Free / For more than a decade, “Pictures with Santa and the Leprechaun” has been a popular special event on a Sunday afternoon at Quigley’s Irish Pub. Compliments of Quigley’s, the Leprechaun and the staff join Santa to welcome all ages to bring their cameras to take family photos with the jolly old elf. This year’s photo opportunities take place from 11AM to 2PM Sun., Dec. 11. FREE.
Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert / 3PM – Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville / Free / The Naperville Municipal Band will perform its annual Holiday Concert at Wentz Concert Hall at 3PM at Wentz Concert Hall. The performance is open seating and the public is welcome. FREE.
