Tri-Cities Central readers have shared a ton of interesting thoughts, stories, and ideas with me over the past couple of years. I really should do a better job of sharing some of that material with the wider newsletter audience.

With that in mind, I’d love to hear about your local holiday traditions — with a focus on the Tri-Cities area.

Is there a particular restaurant you return to every year for a holiday gathering? A shop where you always stock up on gifts? An annual event, a special activity, or an unforgettable memory from a past holiday?

Feel free to be creative. I’ll make sure to feature some of the responses in a future issue.

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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.

☑️ Development progress: Campton Hills officials unanimously advanced preliminary plans for a 900-home Shodeen development, giving the project its first major zoning approval while final reviews, conditions, and a future TIF decision still remain.

☑️ Major city discussion: Geneva City Council will hold a special meeting on Monday (12/8) to discuss whether to send a $59.4M police facility bond question to the March 2026 ballot and launch a citywide home rule education effort.

☑️ Charlestowne Mall: St. Charles released a comprehensive Charlestowne Mall Redevelopment webpage that provides up-to-date project details and background resources — basically everything you’d want to know about where things stand.

☑️ Plant life protection: Illinois added the highly invasive Callery pear tree to its exotic weeds list, meaning it will be illegal to buy, sell, distribute, or plant them starting in 2028. See what other plants made the list this year.

☑️ Prison sentence: A St. Charles man was sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges. He must register as a sex offender for life.

☑️ IL Tollway resources: You can visit the Kane County Government Center in Geneva on Wednesday (12/10) from 12-4PM to get free I-PASS Sticker Tags, open an account, or pay invoices without fees or fines. No appointment necessary.

☑️ New gaming machines: Batavia officials narrowly approved a conditional-use permit allowing Gammon Coach House to install video gambling machines in its downtown pub despite concerns over its location next to two churches.

☑️ Gifting guidance: The St. Charles Business Alliance has curated a Holiday Gift Guide to help you discover unique local items this season. Check out the guide and browse by category.

☑️ Artistic showcase: Geneva hosted its first Artists Sunday Road Rally on November 30, giving residents a chance to visit local art spaces, meet creators, and celebrate the city’s newly proclaimed Artists Sunday. Watch a recap of the festivities.

☑️ MDW magazine: The December issue of The Modern Domestic Woman is now live, a locally published magazine featuring stories about Tri-Cities business owners, local gift ideas, and resources on mental health, family, and everyday well-being.

☑️ Downtown Santa: A St. Charles program has brought Santa to 1st Street Plaza for free weekend visits and photo opportunities at a newly built cottage through December 21. (This Santa enjoys doggy visits, too).

☑️ Help over the holidays: Chip In Batavia’s “Adopt a Bag” program that provides local families in need with everyday household essentials runs through Sunday (12/14). See how and where you can donate.

It’s another busy mid-week lineup, complete with some special school choir and orchestra performances in addition to holiday shows at several venues.

Plus, local favorite Jake Mack will be playing tunes during Preservation’s ugly sweater party on Wednesday.

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At Strongoo in downtown Geneva, wellness isn’t a grind — it’s a lifestyle. It’s learning to actually listen to your body, slow down enough to notice what you need, and thoughtfully repair the ailments you’ve been carrying for years.

Members describe Strongoo as a place that gives them belonging, dignity, and support…never pressure.

With movement classes, cold plunges, infrared saunas, mobility tools, and one-on-one guidance from Joe and Abby, Strongoo meets you right where you are — whether you’re working on pain, stress, strength, or simply feeling more connected to yourself again.

But don’t take our word for it — this video tells the story.

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☑️ STC expansion: Fox Den Cooking in St. Charles announced that it will expand into the space next door, allowing for more classes and events starting in 2026 while its original location continues operating as usual.

☑️ Comfort in a cup: The Graceful Ordinary in downtown St. Charles has brought back its popular Boozy Hot Chocolate Flights, offering four decadent seasonal flavors through January 31. See what all the fuss is about.

✳️ Super fan finds: Shopping for the ultimate sports lover this season? Urban Artisan in Geneva is packed with fun, fan-favorite gifts and one-of-a-kind items that any die-hard Chicago team supporter will love. Check out their sports-themed selection.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.1M restored 1917 farmhouse with a saltwater pool and a basketball court near downtown Geneva.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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🎟️ Vintage Christmas Paint & Sip | Thu 12/11, 6–9PM | State & Society, Geneva | Festive girls’ night with retro-themed painting and holiday drinks.

☑️ FRIENDSMAS | Thu 12/11, 6–9PM | The Hive Tavern, STC | Enjoy cocktails, crafting bars, permanent jewelry, and holiday girls’ night fun.

🎟️ Better Sleep: Science and Style | Thu 12/11, 7–8:30PM | Soul Studio, Batavia | Create a calming, personalized wind-down routine in a cozy setting.

☑️ Shop Local & Late | Thu 12/11, Until 8PM | Downtown Geneva | Extended holiday shopping with local small businesses staying open late.

☑️ Winter Comedy Night | Fri 12/12, 6–7:30PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Free local comedy showcase with drinks and food for purchase.

🎟️ Gold & Glow | Fri 12/12, 6:15–8:30PM | Inluro, Geneva | Make a gold candle and custom bracelet stack during this BYOB glow party.

🎟️ Who Brought the Humbug? | Fri 12/12, 7:30PM | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | High-energy holiday performance with tap, hip-hop, and festive music and dance.

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