Experience the holiday season in Naperville through a range of festive events. Look forward to Naper Lights, Trolley Light Tours, live music performances, and local dining options, offering enjoyment for all from December 19 to 21.
Note / This week’s “Things to Do” went live on Thursday while most of the recent snow was melting in the overcast warmth of a 50-degree heatwave. Then came Dec. 19 with its big drop in temperature. And the community experienced a bright sunny day on Friday as pictured here…
Thanks, PN readers, for taking a scroll of this weekend’s happenings…
Friday
Chicago Sinfonietta Holidays of Hope
7:30PM Friday, December 19 at Wentz Concert Hall – 171 East Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
This season, trade your screens for strings. Don’t Miss Duke Ellington’s jazzy Nutcracker Suite. A joyful twist on the traditional holiday concert — where jazz meets classical, and everyone’s invited. At the heart of it: Duke Ellington’s swinging take on The Nutcracker, transforming Tchaikovsky’s classic into a big-band celebration along with a global program of festive music, from a Hanukkah symphony, a piece with Latin American flair, and favorites like Sleigh Ride. Tickets at chicagosinfonietta.org.
Friday & Saturday
Downtown Naperville Gift Cards help make season bright!
Downtown Naperville Gift Cards are valid for use at more than 150-plus downtown shops, spas, restaurants and Hotel Indigo. Designed to celebrate every season, gift cards may be purchased in any amount from $10-$500. Check out the downtown directory for the full listing of establishments accepting gift cards. Note also, Downtown Naperville Gift Cards are available for purchase at the Downtown Naperville Alliance, 131 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite 223, 9AM-3PM Monday thru Friday, during the holiday season.
Kreger’s Brats and Sausage Haus!
10AM to 3PM Fridays and Saturdays at Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus – 606 N. Ellsworth Naperville, IL 60563
Since 1893, Kreger’s has been a cornerstone of the community, now serving as a wonderful stop for lunch, conversation and camaraderie every Friday and Saturday. With brats on the grill, let Mary Jo know that you know Bill’s wurst is the best. Find 22 fresh flavors as well as fresh made salads, fresh cooked buns, pickles, desserts and more. Pre-order at (630) 355-4418. And be reminded Kreger’s sauerkraut slaw is tasty atop a brat or all by itself! Thanks for supporting your local sausage dealer. www.kregersbrats.com.
Naperville Art League Gallery of Gifts – Holiday Sale
Runs through December 20 at Naperville Art League – 508 N. Center St. Naperville, IL 60540
Original art is for sale by local artists at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery including jewelry, wall art, wearable art, ornaments, decorations and more. Be sure to watch out for Santa hanging out in the gallery. Hours: 10AM to 5PM Tuesday-Friday and 10AM to 4PM Saturday. Runs through December 20. Find more info at www.napervilleartleague.com.
Naper Lights Hosted by Naperville Sunrise Rotary
4 to 10PM at Water Street and Naperville Municipal Center – 120 Water Street
Naperville, IL 60540
A Free Winter Wonderland. Enjoy this free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound as you stroll through Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville! Hosted by Naperville Sunrise Rotary. Thanksgiving through New Year 4PM – 10PM.
Saturday
NCAA Football Division III – Semi-Final – Congratulations, Cardinals!
Kickoff at 3:30PM – Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on the campus of North Central College. North Central College Cardinals vs. John Carroll University Blue Streaks (Located in University Heights, Ohio) in the first- ever match up between the Cardinals and Blue Streaks in football. UPDATE! Cardinals (41) win over the Blue Streaks (21).
Get ready to stream on Jan. 4, 2026… www.espn.com.
Bundle up to watch what’s next for the North Central College Cardinals as the Semi-Final victor again heads to the Stagg Bowl. In the other NCAA Division III Football Semifinal on December 20, 2025, Wisconsin-River Falls (48) beat Johns Hopkins (41). The Stagg Bowl features the 2025 NCAA Football Division III Finals that will be played and broadcast live on ESPN Sun., Jan. 4, 2026, from Canton, Ohio, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (FYI: Drive time to Canton from Naperville is about 6 hours, 45 minutes, give or take.)
Epic Theatre Company’s Let It Be Christmas
Nine performances, December 12-21 at Community Christian Church – 1635 Emerson Lane Naperville, IL 60540
Let it Be Christmas (The Gospel According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George, and Ringo) is Epic Theatre Company’s original rock-opera nativity story, told in two acts. Follow Mary and Joe down “the long and winding road” to Bethlehem while our full band and fab ensemble uses the timeless music of the Beatles to tell the greatest story of all time. All performances of Let it Be Christmas are held at Community Christian Church’s “The Yellow Box” in Naperville. Tickets on sale at letitbechristmas.org.
Naperville Holiday Lights Trolley Tours
Times vary thru December 28 throughout Naperville
Hop on the Naperville Trolley and enjoy a festive tour of the city’s best holiday light displays! For the past 30 years, this FAMOUS Trolley Tour has been the tradition of many residents and visitors alike! Let us drive you as we Trolley-la-la-la past many beautifully decorated homes for the Holidays in December while you sit back and enjoy time with your friends and family. Pricing for public Dec. Holiday Light Trolley Tours: December 12-28: $30+$4.50/driver gratuity = $34.50 per person (plus online booking fee.) NOTE! Sold out until after Christmas. If you want to go on a tour Dec. 26 thru Dec. 28, look at public tour calendar online and purchase tickets at napervilletrolley.com.
Holly Jolly Days
1-6PM December 20-21 at Naper Settlement – 523 South Webster St. Naperville, IL 60540
Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more. Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Roast chestnuts over an open fire at the Log House. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to Christmas stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. End your visit with a special family photo at our Victorian Christmas photo stop at the Martin Mitchell Mansion. Tickets and info: napersettlement.org/hollyjollydays.
Reminder! ‘Tis the season to be vigilant in fraud prevention!
Local banks and the Better Business Bureau are sending out alerts asking for you to remember that your bank will never contact you and ask for personal information or online banking credentials such as usernames, passwords or PIN numbers.
PN also has been receiving stories from friends and other callers that sound like fraud. If you receive any suspicious or unexpected calls, texts, emails or letters claiming to be related to your bank accounts, be advised to contact your bank immediately to verify the communication. Or visit your local banking center. Be vigilant and safe.
Sunday
Happy First Day of Winter!
Enjoy the great outdoors every day!
Experience many reasons for the season where bright lights illuminate the holidays at the Civic Plaza at the entrance to the Riverwalk Covered Bridge as it crosses over the DuPage River at Webster Street toward Jaycees Park and Water Street. Remember the final day of Hanukkah 2025 ends at sunset, Mon., Dec. 22. The eight-day festival began at sunset on Sun., Dec. 14, 2025, with the lighting of the Menorah starting with the shamash (center candle), then lighting the other candles as pictured, adding one more each night until all eight are aglow on the final night.
The creche displayed at Civic Plaza represents the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth in the manger with Mary and Joseph in the little town of Bethlehem. Tours through local neighborhoods will find that many illuminated displays include the manger, Mary, Joseph, and the three wise men with angels singing on high.
Paint and Sip at Pinot’s Palette
Afternoon & Evening at Pinot’s Palette – 175 Jackson Ave Suite 123, Naperville, IL 60540
Pinot’s Palette presents the perfect way to celebrate! Whether it’s a girls’ night out, a date night, or just a “me” night, this one’s all about slowing down, laughing lots, and creating something you’ll love to display all year long. Reserve your seat today and treat yourself to a little holiday escape. For prices (they vary), information and party planning, visit www.pinotspalette.com/naperville/events. Open just about every day, Pinot’s Palette, now in its 16th year, is located at 175 Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Great gift idea for a family outing and for the holidays!
Enjoy Every Day at Quigley’s Irish Pub
11AM Daily at Quigley’s Irish Pub – 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville
Quigley’s Irish Pub features live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The pub also offers a variety of spaces for all types of special events and fundraisers. Meanwhile, stop by for honest pub fare and an Irish Coffee or enjoy a cold pint in the friendly pub EDAQ, Every Day at Quigley’s. Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, Quigley’s celebrates with a champaign toast at 6PM (Midnight Dublin Time) and closes at 8PM Dec. 31. Sláinte!
Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for any day
11:30AM to 9PM at Mesón Sabika – 1025 Aurora Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Find a choice in dining rooms and private spaces at Mesón Sabika to sample Spanish tapas and delicious sangria for lunch and dinner every day. Located just west of downtown Naperville at 1025 Aurora Avenue, Mesón Sabika has been serving the community since 1990. Built in 1847, the historic mansion with eight air-conditioned dining rooms is set in a beautifully landscaped four-acre estate, providing a welcoming sight with plenty of parking for lunch, dinner, special events, benefits, weddings, meetings and family gatherings throughout the year. Gift Certificates are always available. And reservations now are being accepted for New Year’s Eve! Cheers!
Look for Holiday Bears throughout downtown Naperville until Dec. 31
Keep track of the downtown mascots such as Santa Paws hiding in store windows and on shelves inside businesses featured on the Scavenger Hunt form. Find the map listing with locations, then identify at least 20. Fun adventure continues from now through Dec. 31. (PN Photo)
Choices to whet every appetite north, east, west and south!
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner / Featuring approximately 400 eateries, Naperville serves up tastes to please all ages and budgets in between shopping, bowling, pickleball, golf, swimming, concerts and all the activities that keep families and friends busy. In fact, consider that folks may even dine out at a Naperville eatery every day of the year without eating at the same place twice!
Finally…Holiday good times and Christmas Eve!
Find a listing of restaurants that will be featuring holiday specials, including breakfasts with Santa at dinenaperville.com. And consider Downtown Naperville at https://downtownnaperville.com/events/christmas-eve-christmas-day-restaurants/. What’s more, restaurants such as Angeli’s located at 1478 E. Chicago Avenue (Phone: (630) 420-1370) and Che Figata, 2155 CityGate Lane (Phone: (630) 579-3210) will be open Christmas Eve and now are accepting reservations.
