Above / Santa Claus was seen recently at the Naperville Train Station checking out all the places to visit in downtown Naperville. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Are you a last-minute shopper? Are you in need of some gift ideas that keep on giving?
More and more, giving a gift of “experience” has been featured to present to folks who have just about everything.
For starters, give Downtown Naperville gift cards to welcome folks to shop and dine in the heart of the City, good any day during regular business hours! Thanks, always for supporting local enterprise!
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 and where to purchase them.
Restaurant Gift Cards, Too!
Stop by just about any dine-in restaurant to purchase gift cards for the New Year. Thanks for supporting the local hospitality industry. Think dinner and the show. Check out locations of more than 400 eateries and treat shops at www.dinenaperville.com.
Enjoy the arts!
Check out upcoming performing arts on the calendar at North Central College. Tickets are available for music, music, music on stage at Wentz Concert Hall.
Other dramas and musicals will be staged such as Shrek at Naperville Central High School in January. Click below for information with times of performances beginning Jan. 9 for two weekends. Tickets are available!
Give a painting experience at Pinot’s Palette
A Pinot’s Palette gift certificate is more than a present. It’s an experience family and friends might never forget! The giftee gets a fun, creative night out—and you get major gifting points. Easy to give, fun to use, and guaranteed memories all around. Even last-minute Gift certificates will be delivered straight to their inbox by the end of Christmas Day!
Check out all of gifting options below!
BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE – e-gift delivered instantly!
Enjoy the First Look / Chicago Auto Show!
Support Turning Pointe Autism Foundation by giving tickets to the Annual Auto Show at McCormick Place set for 6-11PM Fri., Feb 6. Not only will car enthusiasts enjoy the show, ticket purchases will benefit all the programs presented throughout the year at Turning Pointe as well as 17 additional Chicagoland charities. Look for the Turning Pointe ad with a QR code in the December issue of Positively Naperville and “Give the Gift of Glamour”!
Consider a gift of American Legion Membership for Veterans
Searching for the perfect gift for the veteran in your life? An American Legion membership provides access to valuable resources, unwavering support and a network of fellow veterans who are actively making a difference in the Naperville community.
A membership in American Legion Post 43 Naperville isn’t just a card—it’s a gateway to lifelong camaraderie, community service that makes a difference, and access to a network that honors military service.
To join or sponsor a Membership, simply visit www.naperlegion.org/membership-form to sign up or purchase a gift membership.
Naperville Trolley & Tours Holiday Lights
Check out www.napervilletrolley.com for the schedule Dec. 26 through Dec. 28. Ding! Ding!
Celebrate with Little Friends!
The Annual Little Friends Auction again will be held on the first Saturday in March.
This inspiring event brings together friends, advocates, and supporters to champion the mission of Little Friends—empowering individuals with autism, intellectual/developmental, and physical disabilities to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Find all the event details on the Little Friends website. Simply know when considering gift giving, the event is Saturday, March 7, 2026, at The Matrix — 808 Illinois Route 59.
And there’s always cash!
Find envelopes that display the spirit of the season in the card racks of local grocery stores, pharmacies and gift shops. Crisp bills are good if you can find them. But no matter how you present cash, everybody can use a few extra dollars to use as needed.
Several columnists featured in the December issue of Positively Naperville also have presented a few gift ideas here and there. Thanks for reading.
Thanks also every day of the year to all Positively Naperville supporters, advertisers, columnists, photographers, subscribers, printers, distributors and all individuals who contribute to making our community bright. We especially appreciate everyone who aims to identify the challenges that unite us.
There’s still time to send letters to Santa!
Children have been sending letters to Santa for longer than the United States Postal Service has existed to deliver them. Leave letters in the USPS mail box and local letter carriers will be sure wish lists arrive at the North Pole in time for Santa to pack his sleigh, but don’t expect an answer on time before Christmas. And don’t expect every request to be met!
For nearly 250 years, youngsters have left their hand-written holiday wish lists near the fireplace for Santa to see when he comes down the chimney. In 2025, no fireplace is necessary. Just place a stamp on the envelope and address to Santa Claus at 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888.
‘For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas…’ —Charles Dickens
And next year, remember the Santa Mail Box located in downtown Naperville! If letters to Santa are dropped in the special mailbox, kids just might receive an answer from that Jolly Old Elf who has been busy coordinating all his worker elves year round.
Watch as Santa prepares for Christmas Eve
Track Santa as everybody at the North Pole is getting ready for Santa’s big ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aitdufITi4A
Make the present matter by finding gifts that keep on giving all year in the spirit of the season.
We wish you happy holidays and a merry Christmas as well as a healthful and safe New Year! —PN
