If you’re looking for a spectacular outdoor display this season, you don’t have to travel far.

In Geneva, the greater Chicago area, and beyond, many of the most popular regional light shows have returned for 2025 — and several are just a quick hop from the Tri-Cities. From synchronized drive-through displays to cozy forest trails and dazzling garden strolls, you’re likely to find a fun option for whatever you’re into (spiked hot cocoa, anyone?).

Check out this list to plan out your holiday adventure.

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At Fox Valley Ophthalmology, caring for the Tri-Cities means bringing the latest breakthroughs in eye health directly to local patients — including the Light Adjustable Lens™, the first lens that can be customized after cataract surgery.

This new approach lets you “test-drive” your vision and fine-tune it with your doctor in the weeks following surgery, creating a level of personalization that simply isn’t possible with traditional fixed lenses. It’s a game-changer for anyone ready to reclaim crisp, confident vision — on their own terms.

From advanced cataract care options to LASIK, glaucoma treatments, retina services, and family eye care, Fox Valley Ophthalmology continues to offer the best vision care in the Tri-Cities.

☑️ Senior synergy: In a recent city meeting, St. Charles officials supported reinstating the city’s long-inactive Senior Services Commission to better support a growing senior population and improve coordination of existing programs.

☑️ Chimney coming down: Batavia officials approved demolition of a historic but deteriorating chimney above Pal Joey’s on North River Street after engineers deemed the 110-foot structure unsafe.

☑️ Calmer communication: St. Charles officials introduced the Blue Envelope Program, a new resource that helps officers and autistic drivers communicate more calmly and clearly during traffic stops.

☑️ Ongoing investigation: As the prosecution of the Batavia chiropractor accused of secretly videotaping patients continues, the Kane County state’s attorney’s office has launched a dedicated webpage to keep people updated on the evolving case.

☑️ Real ID rules: Starting February 1, Illinois travelers flying without a REAL ID will have to pay a $45 TSA fee for alternative identity verification at airport security.

☑️ Event closures: Geneva will close portions of 3rd Street and restrict parking this weekend to support the Christmas Walk, Holiday House Tour, and Steeple Walk events downtown. Get the details.

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☑️ Local artist profile: Local author, teacher, and organizer Cathy Borders leads a wide range of creative work that supports local authors, strengthens the Fox Valley writing community, and fuels her own evolving projects.

☑️ Final chapter: According to social media posts, Flyleaf Bakery Cafe will close at the end of December, leaving the future of the Batavia Public Library café space unclear.

☑️ Batavia’s First Lady: The Batavia Chamber has named longtime educator, volunteer, and community leader Linda Schielke as its 2025 Citizen of the Year for her decades of service to Batavia. Read more about her journey and impact.

☑️ Bears are back: Geneva’s Illuminate Space released two Bears-themed “give-back” candles inspired by the owner’s lifelong fandom and this thrilling football season — with all proceeds benefiting the Chicago Bears’ charity, Bears Care.

☑️ Holiday fun hub: Downtown Batavia is getting its own little slice of the North Pole this December as Zen Loft Collective transforms into a festive holiday pop-up with a mini market, twinkling lights, creative photo ops, live music, treats, and more.

✳️ Seasonal magic: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva will celebrate the season with Carols in the Chapel on Friday (12/5) and a live performance of A Christmas Carol on Saturday (12/6) — two free community events filled with music, storytelling, and holiday spirit.

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If you’re into Christmas carols, a cappella shows, or orchestra music, make sure to look closely — there are plenty of special holiday performances happening locally this weekend.

And don’t forget to swing by Preservation’s Christkindl Market on Saturday and Sunday to see local vendors offering handmade goods and festive food.

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Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Holiday Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s 2025 Holiday Almanack & Look Book for upcoming events and festive new products.

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🎟️ Holiday Cookie Walk | Fri 12/5, 4:30–6:30PM | UUSG, Geneva | Browse and purchase homemade cookies by the box during Geneva’s Christmas Walk.

☑️ Mrs. Roper’s Holiday Romp | Fri 12/5, 6–9PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Dress as Three’s Company characters and shop, enjoy trivia, and win prizes.

🎟️ Miracle on 34th Street | Fri 12/5, 7:30PM + More Dates | Albright Theatre, Batavia | Heartwarming holiday play where Kris Kringle defends the true spirit of Christmas.

🎟️ Candlelight | Sat 12/6 - Sun 12/7 | Durant-Peterson House, STC | Historic holiday tours and pageants with old-fashioned treats by candlelight.

☑️ Whoville Breakfast Bash | Sat 12/6, 9–11AM | United Methodist Church of Geneva | Free breakfast with games, crafts, music, and Grinch story time.

🎟️ Breakfast with Santa | Sat 12/6, 9–12PM | Northwestern Medicine Field, Geneva | Crafts, photos with Santa, and a holiday breakfast buffet.

🎟️ The Nutcracker | Sat 12/6, 1:30PM & Sun 12/7, 2PM | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | Clara’s holiday ballet classic featuring Alma Dance Theater and local performers.

☑️ Holiday in the Hills | Sat 12/6, 3–6PM | LaFox Rd, Campton Hills | Free family fun with Santa, crafts, live music, treats, hay rides, and more.

☑️ Elburn Christmas Stroll | Sat 12/6, 4–7PM | Downtown Elburn | Tree lighting, caroling, crafts, treats, a visit from Santa, and more holiday activities.

☑️ Making Spirits Bright | Sat 12/6, 5–7PM | North Aurora Riverfront Park | Kick off the season with a holiday light parade, Santa, crafts, and community fun.

☑️ Advent Lessons & Carols | Sun 12/7, 4PM | St. Charles Episcopal Church, STC | Choral service featuring readings, carols, and a reception after.

🎟️ Syrup Making Class | Tue 12/9, 5:30PM | Maple Leaf Coffee House, STC | Learn to make peppermint or gingerbread syrups with step-by-step guidance.

Reminder: Tri-Cities Central is running a special holiday-season fundraiser for Anderson Humane — every little bit helps! You can contribute here.

Now, let’s meet this week’s delightful featured pets:

Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s Adoptables page or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word!