Above / And what to my wondering eyes should appear? See it to believe it during Naperville Trolley tours… Trolley-la-la-la La-la-la-la! Watch Santa Claus waving from the second story window at the “Believe” house, located on the corner of Williamsburg and Vicksburg in Hobson West.
Thanks to everyone who contributes to our city’s grand illumination N.E.W.S. and all the happenings in downtown Naperville! Ding! Ding! Thanks, also, for all the minimalist decorators! All season’s greetings are appreciated. —PN
Keeping track of Santa and his many helpers in Naperville is a challenge. He’s everywhere! He’s everywhere! In fact, even before Positively Naperville was launched in September 2001, we’d been collecting photos of that jolly big elf in the bright red suit. Our most recent Santa photo was after a Naperville Trolley Holiday Tour hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown on Dec. 6, 2023.
But first, before we get ahead of ourselves, we’re hopeful families, friends and neighbors gather together to celebrate the wonders of the season with an attitude of gratitude and hope for peace.
Special thanks to everyone who works during the holidays, especially on Christmas Day, so folks can travel safely to share the spirit of the season.
Did you know? The downtown Holiday Light Parade the day after Thanksgiving started as a Sunday afternoon community event.
Beginning in 2003, Jolly Old St. Nicholas officially arrived in this City along the DuPage River at the end of the Little Friends Hometown Holidays Parade on the Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving. These days, the community event is known as the Holiday Parade of Lights and it’s held on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving.
Yet, even dating back to 1831, well-behaved children of early settlers waited with anticipation for Father Christmas to find them with good cheer by Christmas morning. Ho. Ho. Ho.
Did you know? Indoor Naperville Municipal Band concerts began in 1969 at Pfeiffer Hall for the band that’s been around since 1859.
Did you know? Santa visits & breakfasts have been around for years.
What’s more, whether at the Santa House along the Riverwalk, Santa Breakfasts, holiday parades, Toys for Tots collection parties, mansion tours at Naper Settlement, complimentary photo sessions at local businesses or bell ringing for the Salvation Army, jolly old St. Nick has made the rounds in Naperville for years. And he’s always shining in the spotlight, eager to pose for pictures with the young at heart!
Did you know? This ‘Faith’ house is making the season bright for Santa’s visit from 5 to 9PM Sat., Dec. 16, 2023.
With the legendary spirit of St. Nicholas living deep our hearts, this post includes a few of Santa’s helpers PN caught on 35mm film years ago and more recently on digital.
This small sampling of PN’s collection of Santa’s helpers, in no particular order, is just another example of folks you might know creating simple joys. Thanks to all who share the giving spirit from one season to the next. God bless us every one.
Did you know? The Naperettes dance team first kicked its way threw downtown Naperville back in the 2003 Hometown Holidays Parade.
“It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmastime.”
—Charles Dickens
Did you know? Before the advent of Jolly Holly Days, Naper Settlement used to host ‘Christmas Memories’ with Father Christmas and Scrooge.
In 2014, NaperLights moved to Naper Settlement. Then a few years ago, the bright lights inspired by Rotary/Sunrise began shining along Water Street. Santa is expected in the big red chair on Fri., Dec. 23, 2023, for last-minute gift requests.
Did you know? Quigley’s Irish Pub is known for hosting Pictures with Santa & the Leprechaun in early December.
Did you know? Sometimes bell ringers for The Salvation Army resemble Santa Claus.
Did you know? Thanks to gifts from a generous community, Riverwalk Civic Plaza was dedicated on Sept. 7, 1981.
For 2023, Chanukah (used interchangeably with Hanukkah) began on Dec. 7 for eight days, ending in the evening of Dec. 15, 2023. Christmas Day, commemorating a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, is Dec. 25.
Did you know? A giant menorah will spread the light at the corner of Webster and Jefferson on the 7th Night of Chanukah.
Spread light just after dark at 4:30PM Wed., Dec. 13, during a car parade that will begin at the Abrams Center for Jewish Life, 651 Amersale Drive. Then head to Nichols Library, 130 Webster Street, for an indoor reception with refreshments. At 6PM, a giant menorah will be lighted at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Webster Street, in front to Nichols Library. Mayor Scott Wehrli will present a brief message.
Thanks to all the giving hearts on behalf of the child in everyone during this wondrous holiday season. Merry Christmas!
