If you’re still figuring out how to ring in the New Year, we’ve got you covered with some solid options across Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles.

Whether you’re into afternoon festivities before settling in at home for the evening (I’m with ya!) or going full-steam ahead through midnight, hopefully you’ll find something that’s up your alley.

Here’s a roundup of several local events, which is by no means an exhaustive list — as always, feel free to suggest events to be added.

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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.

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☑️ STC policy push: During this week’s council meeting, several St. Charles residents pressed city officials to clearly limit ICE activity on city property amid discussion about enforcement tactics, legal risk, and Illinois’ new immigration law.

☑️ Blacksmith shop: Geneva’s Historic Preservation Commission unanimously denied a third request to demolish the historic blacksmith shop at 4 East State Street, keeping the structure intact unless the decision is appealed to city council.

☑️ Batavia budget: Batavia approved its 2026 budget and 2025 tax levy, raising the city property tax by about 13% and adding a new home-rule sales tax to fund public safety, infrastructure, and long-term community projects.

☑️ Waterfront vision: Geneva officials began exploring a proposed riverfront event venue at 28 North Bennett Street, approving an early planning step while leaving funding, design, and parking questions up for future discussion.

☑️ Leadership transition: Norbert Holtkamp will take over as director of Fermilab in Batavia on January 12, bringing decades of experience to guide the local lab’s largest-ever neutrino project and future modernization efforts.

🔒 Digital deception: According to a police report, a Batavia resident lost nearly $650K in a cryptocurrency scam after meeting someone who claimed to be an investor on the dating app Bumble.

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☑️ Holiday housekeeping: The City of St. Charles announced its holiday trash pickup schedule, free Christmas tree pickup in early January, and holiday lights recycling through mid-January. Get the details.

☑️ Community connections: Batavia police and firefighters teamed up with Chip In Batavia and local donors to help 24 students shop for holiday gifts for themselves and their families during this year’s “Shop with a Cop program”. See photos from the event.

☑️ Dog rescue: Firefighters rescued a husky from an icy pond near St. Charles by crawling out onto the ice early Monday morning after neighbors heard it barking and spotted its head above the water. Read more and see photos from the rescue.

☑️ State runner-up: The St. Charles North girls swimming and diving team placed second in state under the leadership of coach Rob Rooney.

🔒 Unsung heroics: Tri City Health Partnership in St. Charles continues to provide free medical and dental care to uninsured Kane County residents, serving hundreds each year through donations and a large volunteer network.

✳️ Christmas magic: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva invites the community to celebrate Christmas with a full lineup of services and festive events on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including a children’s pageant, caroling, candlelight service, and Christmas morning chapel gathering.

An unusually packed winter weekend of music is in store for us — including nearly a dozen Christmas-themed performances across the Tri-Cities.

I’m already strategizing about how to most effectively combine Bears-Packers viewing with some late-night live music on Saturday…

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Kurt B wasn’t kidding around when he left a review for Dragon Fire Coffee’s Black Dragon Blend:

That pretty much says it all. And remember, it’s roasted daily in Warrenville and they offer free local delivery in the Tri-Cities.

☑️ Batavia expansion: Rosewood Farms — a popular community farm in Sugar Grove that sells naturally grown produce and hosts events and classes — has opened a new location at 12 S. Water Street in downtown Batavia.

☑️ New daycare: A Geneva committee recommended approval for a new daycare center near Delnor Hospital (including zoning variations) that would require demolishing the existing chiropractor facility. The proposal now heads to City Council.

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🎟️ Winter Solstice Mindful Movement | Sat 12/20, 9–10:30AM | Barbara Belding Lodge, STC | Guided movement practice for strength, breathwork, and renewal.

☑️ Santa’s Pajamas + Pancakes Party | Sat 12/20, 11AM–3PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Enjoy free pancakes, Santa photos, and cozy holiday PJ fun.

☑️ New Age Solstice Supper Club | Sat 12/20, Doors 5PM | New Moon Vegan, Batavia | Channel ’60s–’70s vibes with dinner and live music.

☑️ Christmas Luau | Sat 12/20, 4PM–Close | The Beach Hut Tiki Bar, STC | Tropical Christmas party with drinks, contests, ugly sweaters, and festive vibes.

🎟️ Adult Improv Holiday Showcase | Sat 12/20, 7PM | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Festive, unscripted comedy from local adult improv performers.

☑️ Marge & Darn’s Holiday Market | Sun 12/21, 10AM–3PM | Blackberry Township Building, Elburn | Shop local makers, enjoy festive fun, and enter a raffle.

☑️ Scoop-a-Palooza: 19th Birthday Bash | Sun 12/21, 1–7PM | Batavia Creamery | Celebrate 19 years with treats, tastings, a raffle, and family fun.

🎟️ Yuletide on Tap: Quartet by Candlelight | Mon 12/22, 7-9PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Holiday classics performed live by New Vintage Strings.

🎟️ Lunch with Miss Rachel & Bluey | Sun 12/28, 12–2PM | Rock ’n Ravioli, STC | Meet Miss Rachel and Bluey, hear stories, enjoy lunch, and more kid-friendly fun.

✳️ Yoga With Puppies | Sat 1/17, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Fun beginner yoga with adoptable puppies in support of a great cause.

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 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.

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