🌟 Nearby holiday lights adventures

While the Tri-Cities are brimming with holiday happenings — you hear about a bunch of them each week in this newsletter — sometimes it’s refreshing to step outside our cozy pocket of the Fox Valley.

Here are some holiday events and day trips that are worth the trek:

✅ Aurora: Aurora lives up to its “City of Lights” nickname with the annual Festival of Lights at Phillips Park. Running nightly through 12/26, this free outdoor display includes a 20-foot “singing” Christmas tree and plenty of surprises throughout.

…While you’re there: Hit up the Christkindlmarket — the famous German-style outdoor market has become so popular that it expanded to several locations across Illinois.

✅ Rockford: Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during its annual Illuminated event, which runs through 1/5. It’s an awe-inspiring display featuring thousands of white string lights weaving through its serene landscape.

…While you’re there: The Rockford Merry Markets are open on select weekends in November and December, offering handmade crafts and unique gifts.

✅ Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Head to Lisle for an experience where trees take center stage — illuminated on a one-mile walk with a dizzying array of colors and synchronized music. We went to Illumination year or two ago and had a great time.

✅ Starved Rock Christmas Lights Trolley Tours: For a blend of relaxation and adventurousness, head down to LaSalle County and hop aboard a trolley tour at Starved Rock Lodge. Running through Christmas, these tours combine trivia, holiday music and outdoor light displays.

✅ Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic: This Chicagoland classic happens to be the area’s longest running lights show. Holiday Magic features over two million lights spread across two miles, including illuminated animal sculptures, a 600-foot tunnel of lights and synchronized music displays.

📰 News to use

☑️ Property taxes: Batavia residents will see a modest property tax increase of about $34 per year for a $300K home as the City Council opted to use reserve funds to offset a $3.5M budget deficit.

☑️ Delayed decision: A St. Charles committee voted unanimously to postpone a decision about the potential demolition of the 1844 Judge Barry House to give the city and the owners time to collaborate on a solution.

☑️ Historic structure: After years of vacancy and failed redevelopment attempts, Batavia is weighing the relocation or demolition of the 134-year-old Tin Shop building on River Street downtown.

☑️ Finding new life: Through major renovations, the historic Lincoln School in St. Charles has been transformed into a specialized space for District 303’s Transition Program and a collaborative hub for educators.

☑️ A tenure begins: Meet Dr. Monica Silva, who has officially taken office as Kane County Coroner after her election in November.

☑️ Flag finalists: The Illinois Flag Commission just announced the ten finalists in a competition to design the new state flag. Check out the designs.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Win-win: The St. Charles Community Restitution Program — which provides court-referred people with nonprofit work that benefits the community — saved the city nearly $48K last year through over 2K hours of service.

☑️ Artistic contributions: The Geneva Public Library is looking for Tri-Cities artists to submit pieces for its Tell Your Story: Community Art Exhibit. The submission deadline is 12/20 — get details here.

☑️ Baby friendly: Delnor Hospital in Geneva was ranked among the top hospitals for maternity care in Illinois — and the entire country.

🔒 Support for supporters: The Geneva Mental Health Board announced that it will award $200K in grants to local nonprofits that do an exceptional job providing addiction and mental health services.

☑️ Hikes & healing: The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has released the 2025 schedule for its Trek with a Naturalist and Nurtured by Nature event series — great options for anyone whose resolutions include spending more time outdoors.

✳️ Holiday magic: Don’t miss the Norris Cultural Arts Center’s fifth annual Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival, a 13-episode video series featuring festive musical and dramatic performances. Watch new episodes daily!

🎸 Live music

Local favorite Interstate Nineties will be performing at the Pal Joey’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Party on Saturday night, while Sunday features special holiday performances at the Batavia Public Library and a couple of local churches.

Quite a busy live music lineup for a winter weekend!

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🎁 From stocking stuffers to show-stoppers: The Littler Traveler has it all

There’s no better spot for gift shopping than The Little Traveler, as evidenced by the unique festive decor, cozy winter wear and holiday cooking essentials that fill up its Christmas Catalog. And don’t miss these 20 gifts under $20!

Plus, you can get a FREE tote with a Brighton purchase of $150 or more or a FREE jewelry case with a Brighton purchase of $250 or more through December 23.

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ 12 Beers of Christmas: Starting this week, Penrose Brewing in Geneva is releasing a new taproom-exclusive draft beer or hard seltzer every day leading up to Christmas.

☑️ Artisan beverages: Gravitea Boba is a trendy cafe that delivers “the ultimate bubble tea experience” — and it’s celebrating the opening of its new Batavia location on Friday (12/13).

☑️ Daylight deals: FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva has brought back its Blue Plate Special, offering food specials and happy hour deals for seniors Sunday through Friday from 4-5:30PM.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Holiday Celebration | Thurs 12/12, 5-7PM | Town House Books, STC | Discounted books plus wine, apps, games and more.

☑️ Merry Swiftmas Party | Fri 12/13, 3-8PM | Urban Artisan, Geneva | Celebrate Taylor’s 35th with Swiftie stuff, swag, snacks and sips.

☑️ A Very Berry Christmas | Fri 12/13, 5-9PM | Berry House Shops, Geneva | A festive night of fun, food, drinks and shopping.

☑️ Second Friday @ Water Street Studios | Fri 12/13,5:30PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Kiln Room ribbon cutting, ceramics pop-up sale and art show featuring 80+ pieces.

☑️ Holiday Sip n Shop | Fri 12/13, 6-9PM | Hearth & Hammer, Batavia | Enjoy festive beverages and knock out some shopping with expert help.

☑️ Winterfest Weekend | Fri 12/13 - Sun 12/15 | Sidecar Supper Club, Batavia | Holiday food/drink specials, games, raffles, activities and more.

☑️ Old Fashioned Christmas Tea | Sat 12/14, 12:30-3PM | Sanctuary Church, Batavia | Tasty tea, sweets, carols and a Christmas market.

☑️ Winter Wonder Lights Kickoff | Sat 12/14, 5-8PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Peck Farm Park transforms into a dazzling display of lights and holiday cheer.

🎟️ Stroll to the North Pole | Sat 12/14, 6PM | Pottawatomie Community Center, STC | A magic march through Candy Cane lane with cocoa, Santa and elves.

🎟️ Santa Paws | Sun 12/15, 11AM-2PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | This particular Santa takes photos with dogs — with proceeds benefitting families in need.

📖 Thanks for reading

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