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I’m currently gazing out the window at a tree that remains stubbornly wrapped in thick, green foliage. Which is one reason it feels odd to be highlighting holiday light shows, several of which are kicking off their seasons this weekend.

But the holidays wait for no one, and knowing how chaotic schedules tend to become this time of year, it’s worth planning an outing now.

From a synchronized drive-through display in Geneva to cozy forest trails and dazzling garden strolls, there are plenty of colorful options. Keep reading to discover what’s out there.

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You won’t have to go far for unique holiday festivities this year.

Uncharted has turned its Geneva store into the Merry Market, a cluster of festive shops-within-a-shop made for every type of gift giver:

Give yourself extra time to wander — half the fun is finding something you didn’t know you were looking for.

Bonus: Santa visits the Geneva store Nov. 21, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12 for free family photos.

☑️ Referendum round two: Geneva is laying the groundwork for another police station referendum, possibly as soon as April 2027, with a proposal that’s $20M smaller than the one voters rejected in March.

☑️ Sentence handed down: A Kane County judge sentenced Batavia chiropractor David Hanson to the maximum 60 years in prison Tuesday for secretly recording patients as they undressed in his office.

☑️ Hit-and-run: Batavia police have asked for help identifying the driver of a dark-colored SUV that hit an electric scooter at North Avenue and Republic Road on Sunday afternoon and fled the scene.

☑️ Complaints & responses: The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office fielded 12 complaints through its Election Day hotline, from campaign signs to polling place issues, and says all of them were successfully resolved.

☑️ Roundabout ready: Kane County officially opened the $11.5M Bunker Road extension on Monday, completing a new roundabout at Keslinger Road along with a new route to the La Fox Metra station between Geneva and Elburn.

☑️ New treatment plant: The Illinois EPA is considering issuing a permit for a new wastewater treatment plant to serve the LaFox of Campton Hills development — the public has until Nov. 20 to comment.

☑️ Fox River Trail funding: Congressman Foster presented Batavia officials with a ceremonial check for $1.2M in federal funding to help extend the Fox River Trail along the west side of the river near the wastewater treatment plant.

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☑️ Making history: The Geneva girls volleyball team has reached the IHSA Class 3A state tournament for the first time in history after defeating Lake Forest on Monday. They’ll face Nazareth Academy at 4PM on Friday (11/13).

☑️ Farmland preserved: Kane County is acquiring 700+ more acres of farmland through its farmland protection program, which has preserved more than 6,000 acres total for agricultural use as development pressure keeps ratcheting up.

☑️ Post-holiday home: After losing its Webster Street home to demolition, Batavia’s 78-year-old Access Toy Drive needs someone to donate about 7,000 square feet of space by January to keep the tradition going.

☑️ Art for a cause: Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is bringing its public sculpture trail to St. Charles, and it’s looking for local businesses and artists to help bring it to life. Learn more about the initiative.

☑️ Basket brigade: A local real estate team is rallying the community to fill 100+ “Blessing Baskets” with full Thanksgiving meals for Batavia families in need. Get more info and see how you can help out.

✳️ Young Entrepreneurs Market: This Friday evening, 30 young entrepreneurs ages 7-14 will be selling their own products and creations at Start Something Studio and Zen Loft Collective during Downtown Batavia’s Lantern Walk. Learn more and plan your visit.

Plenty of excellent shows to choose from this weekend, including a special “WWII Radio Hour” performance at the St. Charles Public Library featuring 1940s tunes and classic Abbott and Costello comedy sketches.

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Most of us don't give the furnace a second thought until that first cold snap hits.

Before that moment arrives, a few things are worth knowing. Batavia-based State Automatic Heating & Cooling shared eight fall maintenance tips that most homeowners never think about, including:

Winter is coming. You should give this a quick read before then.

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✳️ Whimsical sculptures: Visiting the downtown building that houses Olech Farmers Insurance and the St. Charles Arts Council comes with an unexpected perk — a free outdoor sculpture garden right outside its front door. Learn about the art oasis.

☑️ Year-ground swings: A new indoor golf lounge called The Sixty Fore, featuring two simulator bays and 24/7 member access, is set to open on East Main Street in St. Charles next month.

☑️ Marketing for local businesses: Want to get a head start on 2027 marketing planning? I have a couple of newsletter advertising slots open in January. Reach out here and let’s chat if interested.

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☑️ Holiday Pop-Up | Wed thru Sun until 12/20, 11AM-3PM | SCAC Gallery, STC | Shop unique, handcrafted gifts from local artists and makers. 

☑️ Cultural Fair | Fri 11/13, 3:30PM-5:30PM | Geneva Public Library | Explore 11 countries through interactive booths, passport stamps, and a raffle. 

☑️ Holiday Bazaar | Fri 11/13 & Sat 11/14 | Little Home Church by the Wayside, Wayne | Shop handmade gifts, festive crafts, and tasty treats for the season. 

☑️ Fantasy Book Pop-Up | Fri-Sun 11/13-11/15 | StoryBook Cafe, Geneva | Fantasy book pop-up with the winter menu launch and sugar cookie matcha. 

🎟️ Kane County Card Show | Sat 11/14, 9AM-3PM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | 200 sports card tables, prizes, giveaways, and food trucks. 

☑️ Local Author Fest | Sat 11/14, 1PM-3PM | Geneva Public Library | Meet local authors, discover new titles, and purchase books at this drop-in event. 

☑️ Turkey Raffle | Sat 11/14, 4PM-10PM | American Legion Hall Post 75, Geneva | Spin the wheel for turkeys and prizes, with cash bar and food from Le Cochon. 

🎟️ Film Screening: Bob Dole - A Walk Through History | Sun 11/15, 1PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | A documentary exploring Bob Dole’s World War II service.

☑️ Home-Made for the Holidays | Sun 11/15, 1PM-4PM | LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, STC | Visit local historic sites for handmade decoration demos. 

☑️ Liberty Tree & Patriot Marker Dedication Ceremony | Sun 11/15, 3PM | Kane Co. Judicial Center, STC | Dedication honoring Revolutionary War patriots of Kane County. 

🎟️ Christmas Paint + Sip | Mon 11/16, 6:30PM-8:30PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | Creative workshop to paint a Christmas tree while sipping at the brewery. 

🎟️ Club Arcada Murder Mystery Dinner & Show | Thu 11/19, 7:30PM | Club Arcada, STC | A Great Gatsby themed interactive murder mystery, scavenger hunt, and dinner.

🎟️ Art of Dessert | Mon 11/23, 5PM-8PM | The Graceful Ordinary, STC | Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a dessert auction supporting the St. Charles Arts Council.

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