Everyone here at Positively Naperville wants to thank our readers and local partners. We’ve loved capturing your local stories. May all the days of 2026 be filled with health, happiness and paying attention to plenty of “positive” news!
This weekend we’re working to produce pages for the January issue that goes to press on Monday. Longtime readers likely recall we always wait until after the New Year to print our January publication in order to avoid being tossed out with holiday wrappings and decorations. Look for distribution of the January issue to begin Jan. 7.
We’re also mindful things are happening this weekend throughout this community. And we’re already looking forward to this year when the 250th anniversary of the Independence Day will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. What’s more, in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and other historic events in 1776, Naper Settlement is planning USA 250 Special Programs. And, of course, the Naperville Municipal Band will play time-honored tributes during Thursday evening summer band concerts in Central Park. Stay tuned!
Thursday – Happy New Year!
Downtown Naperville Gift Cards help make every 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.
Friday & Saturday
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. Kreger’s will be grilling Jim’s Classic & the Blackhawk for lunch Friday. With brats on the grill, let Mary Jo know that you know Kreger’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.
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 (Though closed Jan. 1), 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 toward the next West Suburban Irish Quiz Night… It begins at 7PM Tues., Jan. 5. 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.
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!
Naperville’s Music Box invites visitors to explore sight & sound
An upright piano is the key to this new attraction to the sculpture and art exhibits throughout downtown Naperville.
Enjoy shopping, dining and celebrating downtown with many happy returns all along Main Street, Jefferson Avenue, Washington Street, Jackson Avenue and Van Buren Avenue.
Discover all that’s new including Naperville’s Music Box (next to the Apple store in Main Place on Jefferson Avenue) as well as shops and restaurants around the corner.
Perhaps somebody knows how to play the piano with the tune that goes with the words to “Downtown,” made popular by Petula Clark back in the mid-1960s.
So go downtown
Where all the lights are bright, downtown
Waiting for you tonight, downtown
You’re gonna be alright now, downtown
Venture over the Main Street Bridge and find more located along Water Street.
Click here for some of the highlights in the heart of the Central Business District…
Saturday
Community Job Fair
10AM to 1PM at Fort Hill Activity Center – 20 Fort Hill Drive Naperville, IL 60540
KidsMatter, in partnership with the Naperville Park District, presents the annual Community Job Fair! Come to this year’s Community Job Fair to learn about career opportunities of all types. Dozens of companies will be on-site, looking for someone just like you! You can try a mock interview, work on your resume, talk about financial literacy and explore various careers — all at the Job Fair. New this year are panel discussions happening throughout the morning, with industry experts across career clusters recognized in Illinois. No registration is necessary for this free event. Mark your calendars and come check out all the opportunities at the Community Job Fair! For questions, please contact KidsMatter Director of Programs at 630-605-0904 or sherilyn@kidsmatter2us.org. For details, kidsmatter2us.org/events/community-job-fair.
Sunday
NCAA Football Division III – Finals
Kickoff at 7PM – 52nd Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, Sunday, Jan. 4, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio. TV ESPN. University of Wisconsin River Falls vs. North Central College. Go, Cardinals!
Folks in Naperville can join the cheers at local sports bars when the 52nd Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl goes live on ESPN. Kick off is set for 7PM Sun., Jan. 4. Stay tuned!
Follow the schedule for all North Central College sports at northcentralcardinals.com/coverage. Cheers!
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!
Thanks for supporting the hospitality industry right here in Naperville. Bon Appetit!
Find ‘What We Need’ during treks along the Riverwalk…
Cheers!
Make every day count while appreciating the good things, big or small. Here’s to good tidings, good news, good health and good graces.
And if recent events find wedding plans in your future, consider news of the annual Wedding Showcase at Naper Settlement, planned this year from 10AM to 3PM Sat., Jan. 17, 2026.
Happy New Year!
