Naperville Art League annual ‘Gallery of Gifts’ on exhibit & for sale

(Please note Candidate Meet & Greet Opportunities Welcome & Listing Coming soon: PN has a long tradition of featuring “meet & greet” events for candidates in the City’s nonpartisan elections. Candidates with websites are welcome to simply send who, what, when, where and admission cost (if any), and the event will be included in a calendar of free-to-attend candidate events coming soon to this website. Thank you.) 

Magical Holiday Windows in Downtown Naperville / All during the holiday season in Downtown Naperville, experience more than window shopping with sights of the Magical Holiday Painted Windows – where windows become art. See where you can find all of the snowman-themed paintings. Click HERE for the map.

Find a taste of Ireland and a friendly staff Every Day at Quigley’s

Now / Every Day at Quigley’s… Last month marked 24 years for Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Avenue. On Sun., Dec. 11, Quigley’s staff joined Santa and the Leprechaun for photos and to share what all the regulars call “EDAQ” camaraderie with classic Irish fare, bar bites, cold beverages and all the 2022 World Cup Soccer play. The final World Cup game saw a “fairytale” victory for Argentina (4-2) over France, watched by a packed pub on Dec. 18. Enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And if you wish to check availability to book a holiday party, special event, fundraiser or meeting at Quigley’s, just call General Manager Andy Nosek at (630) 428-4774. Andy!

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.

In the spirit of the season, thanks for reminding family, friends and neighbors about these holiday happenings set to music during this most wonderful time of the year. Cheer on the North Central College football Cardinals, too. Celebrate safely.

Dec. 15 / Happy Birthday, Ray Kinney! Never in a gazillion years when we sat in front of Ray Kinney in 2000 with a proposal for a job order to print PN (Ray said, “No!” by the way. “Minuteman Press is not a web press.” Then he found us a web printer.) did we imagine we’d be sending him good health and best wishes on the day before the North Central College Cardinals played in the Stagg Bowl. 

Dec. 16 / Municipal Officers Electoral Board meets. The hearing regarding the objection of Mayoral nomination petition of Tiffany Stephens will resume at 10AM on Dec. 16, 2022, in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Comprised of Mayor Steve Chirico, Naperville City Clerk Pam Gallahue and Naperville City Council member Paul Hinterlong (longest serving Councilman), the Electoral Board heard evidence on Dec. 12 regarding objections filed on Dec. 2 and 5 against the City Council nomination petitions of Nag Jaiswal and Derek McDaniel and the Mayoral nomination petition of Tiffany Stephens, all of whom filed petitions to run in the nonpartisan municipal election on April 4, 2023. To read the City’s news release, click here.  UPDATE, Noon Dec. 16 / The public hearing was adjourned at 11:36AM after the Electoral Board voted 2 -1 to grant the Candidate’s Motion for Directed Finding. According to the Stephens Finding of Fact, the “Objector failed to prove during his case in chief the candidate did not reside within the City of Naperville during the relevant durational period.”  The order is final and appealable. The hearing is available for online viewing under “Archived Events.” The first hearing held on Dec. 12, 2022, also has been posted in the City’s archive.

Dec. 16 / North Central College football Cardinals suit up for the 2022 NCAA Division III Finals, aka “Stagg Bowl,” in Annapolis, Maryland. UPDATE! Hurray for the Cardinals, the 2022 NCAA Division III National Champions, 28-21! 

Dec. 17 / Claus for a cause! From noon to 3PM Sat., Dec. 17, capture the magic at a “Picture with Santa” event for Naperville Tornado Relief at BaseCamp Pub located at 5750 Lakeside Drive in Lisle. Kids can color, and will leave with a candy cane and holiday pencil. The event is free, but donations will be accepted for Naperville Tornado Relief. Naperville Tornado Relief partnered with the nonprofit M.P. Foundation on a one-year initiative to clean up glass and debris still embedded in yards following the 2021 EF3 tornado that struck Southeast Naperville. Click here to see how tax deductible donations will make yards safe for children to use. Children deserve to walk on grass not glass!

Dec. 17 and so on… / Looking for a special holiday gift that gives back? Consider a gift to the YMCA that supports youth and family programs, a donation to Naperville Tornado Relief (See above mention of “Picture with Santa.”), or contribute to Loaves & Fishes Community Services or any local nonprofit organization that aims to support needs in the community.

Dec. 17 / Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf shops open for holiday shopping through Dec. 23. Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses will close for the winter season beginning Sat., Dec. 17, 2022. The golf shops at both courses will remain open through Dec. 23, with merchandise and gift cards available for purchase. Additionally, gift cards may be purchased online at www.golfnaperville.org, with holiday specials on lessons and golf rounds available through Dec. 24. Golf shops will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 24, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023, reopening Jan. 3, 2023. (Note: Naperbrook usually remains closed until around mid-March. Sometimes the course will open for a stretch of unseasonably warm weather. This year, new turf needs to grow in at Springbrook before reopening where renovations were completed this fall. Expect reopening to be late spring/early summer when a grand reopening will be planned.)

Dec. 18 / Public Lighting of the Giant Menorah for Chanukah is set for 4PM Sun., Dec. 18, at the Riverwalk Amphitheater (corner of Jackson Ave & Eagle St), just a few steps west from the Civic Plaza. The festive one-hour event will be accompanied by Chanukah songs, donuts, hot latkes, drinks, Gelt and more. Chanukah, an eight-day celebration for all time, is highlighted by the kindling of the Menorah each night of the holiday. Chanukah also propagates the universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness. The community is welcome to this free event. Note: Dates for Chanukah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” change every year between late November and December to correspond with the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. Chanukah (Hanukkah) 2022 starts at nightfall on Dec. 18, 2022, and ends with nightfall on Dec. 26, 2022. 

Dec. 19 / Deadline to file petitions for park board and school board candidates in upcoming Consolidated Election on April 4, 2023. From Dec. 12-19, petition packets must be filed for candidates running to serve on the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners as well as boards of education for School District 203 and School District 204. Candidates for both boards of education file via DuPage County, the location of their administration buildings. UPDATE: Four candidates have turned in petition packets to serve three four-year seats on the NPD Board of Commissioners. Candidates are Christopher Jacks, John Risvold, Rich Janor and Mahboube “Michelle” Haghighi.

Dec. 19 / The next regular District 204 Board of Education meeting is at 7PM on Mon., Dec. 19, 2022, at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel. UPDATE, Dec. 20 / In related news, on Dec. 12, 2022, three candidates turned in petition packets to run for three four-year seats on the 204 BOE. Candidates are Justin Karubas, Mark Rising and Catey Genc. 

Dec. 19 / The next regular NCUS District 203 Board of Education meeting is a 7PM on Mon. Dec. 19, 2022, at the District Administration Office on Hillside Road. Find board documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/il/naperville203/Board.nsf/vpublic?open. UPDATE, Dec. 20 / In related news, six candidates turned in petition packets to run for three four-year seats on the 203 BOE. Candidates are Joe Kozminski, Kristine Gericke, Barbara Higg, Gilbert Wagner, Ronald Amato and Melissa Kelly Black.

Dec. 20 / Happy 100th Birthday to Lou Wegner, longtime member of both the Naperville American Legion Post 43 and the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

Dec. 20 / Naperville City Council meeting begins at 7PM Tues., Dec. 20. Find the council agenda and other posted meetings and workshops at naperville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2. Recently-elected District 5 DuPage County Board member Patty Gustin will be recognized for her service on City Council. Recently-appointed City Council member Nicki Anderson will be sworn in to City Council to complete the term left vacant by Gustin.

Dec. 21 / Winter begins at 3:38PM (CT) Wed., Dec. 21, 2022! Dress for the seasonal weather in the Northern Hemisphere when Dec. 21 is marked by the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Then tomorrow look forward to the beginning of a little more sunlight and brighter days.

Dec. 25 / Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night. Peace.

Dec. 25 / Christmas Day at Morton Arboretum / Enjoy free admission to the Arboretum on Sun., Dec. 25, with an advance timed-entry ticket reservation. Connect with nature by yourself or with family on a peaceful and quiet day. Please note: all buildings and the Children’s Garden will be closed. Portable restrooms will be available. Click here to reserve tickets. 

Dec. 29 / Quilts of Valor Presentation at Rosie’s Home Cookin’ is scheduled for 4PM Thurs., Dec. 29. Quilts of Valor will be honoring Veteran Lynn Lowder, the owner of Rosie’s Home Cookin’ in Naperville, with a custom-made quilt for his service with the U.S. Marines. Rosie’s Home Cookin’ is located at 1567 North Aurora Road. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome.

Dec. 29 / Singer Joe Cantafio is set to return at 7PM Thurs., Dec. 29, to Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. Cantafio will entertain with an encore performance on his guitar, taking the audience down Memory Lane, recounting his Naperville experiences that started back in the late 1980s at Exchange Club’s Ribfest. Cantafio also welcomes his audiences to sing along to his favorite songs as he celebrates “50 Years in Rock ‘n Roll.”

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

Dec. 31 / Bubble Bash at DuPage Children’s Museum will be festive and family-friendly from 9AM to 1PM Sat., Dec. 31. The 20th annual New Year’s Eve celebration features music and a museum full of special activities including an interactive photo booth. A special early countdown will be a blast at noon with a choice of bubbles, confetti, live music. A quiet countdown option also is available. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Reservation information is available at dupagechildrensmuseum.com.

Receive warm welcomes every day & New Year’s Eve at Meson Sabika

Now / Enjoy lunch or dinner in the historic mansion at Meson Sabika any wintry day. For information about the annual New Year’s Eve festivities at the popular tapas restaurant, click here. To place advance reservations for lunch or dinner, fundraisers, weddings, holiday private parties or other special occasions now and throughout 2023, visit www.mesonsabika.com. And consider that Meson Sabika Gift Certificates make perfect gifts!