🎅 A guide to Christmas Walk weekend

If you thought last weekend was busy, just wait ‘til you see what’s in store for Geneva’s Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour this weekend.

The annual tradition — which appears to date back to the 1980s — gets started at about 6PM on Friday with a downtown event that includes a Candy Cane Parade, tree lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. Attendees can then stroll the streets and pop into decorated shops while being serenaded by carolers.

Check out photos of last year’s Christmas Walk to get a sense of the scene.

In addition, the Holiday House Tour showcases five unique homes, each lavishly decorated by local designers and brimming with holiday charm. Self-guided tours run on Friday (12/6) and Saturday (12/7) beginning at 10AM.

And those are just the “main events” — local businesses and organizations have lined up a wide array of ancillary parties, festive activities and special deals. Here’s a sampling:

• Christmas Walk Library Book Sale (Friday-Sunday)

• Cookie Walk at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva (Friday, 4:30-6:30PM)

• American Legion Open House Party (Friday, 5-10PM)

• Drink specials at Livia, Gia Mia, and Ella’s Italian Pub

• Vargo’s Dance After Party: Live DJ and cocktails (Friday, 7:30-9:30PM)

• Geneva Lions Club Pancake Breakfast (Saturday, 7:30-11AM)

• Free carriage rides (starting at 10:30AM on Saturday and continuing through December)

• Whoville Fest at UUSG (2-4PM)

• Steeple Walk featuring four historic downtown churches (Sunday, 2-4PM)

Like I said, that’s just a sampling — check out this brochure from the Geneva Chamber outlining everything else happening over the weekend.

If you plan on driving in the area, consult this article for expected road closures.

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🎄📚 Holiday stories, local roots

Award-winning author and Geneva native Margaret Philbrick has returned to her hometown for the holidays — and she’s brought some big news: A newly released novel!

Set in Italy, “House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity” is a powerful story that blends art theft and mafia allure with betrayal, loyalty and love. If Margaret’s name sounds familiar, you may recall her beloved 2009 children's book “Back to the Manger,” a Christmas story set right here in Geneva, illustrated in oil paintings by her mother, Sarah McGreevy.

💥 Don’t miss this: Margaret will be signing copies of both books during a special event at The Little Traveler this Saturday, December 7 (12–4PM).

📰 News to use

☑️ Blacksmith shop conflict: A hearing officer ruled that the owner of the historic blacksmith shop property is liable for violating Geneva’s property maintenance code and must pay the city at least $27K. The owner has appealed.

☑️ Fatal wreck: A 48-year-old Batavia man was killed when his car veered off the road and crashed into a utility pole on Sunday.

☑️ Secession planning: After seven Illinois counties voted last month in favor of splitting the state in two, the movement is “moving into the mainstream.” Here’s the latest.

☑️ Chainsaw attack update: Officials identified the man who was shot by police for threatening people with a chainsaw at a St. Charles assisted living facility as a 41-year-old from Indiana with no known ties to the area.

☑️ Another heat record: According to the National Weather Service, the Chicago area has experienced its warmest year on record through November with an average temperature of 57 degrees.

☑️ Transport topics: The north-south section of the eastern Fox River Trail in Geneva has reopened for use. Other currently closed sections are expected to reopen soon. Construction on Kautz Road is expected to conclude for the winter next week.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Celebration to remember: Watch this video recap of Holiday Homecoming weekend in St. Charles, including dazzling parade footage and locals enjoying community events.

☑️ Local warming centers: Frigid weather arrived early this year. If you know of anyone who may need a warming center this winter, share this list of Kane County locations with them.

☑️ Departing words: Rob Russell issued a statement about his 12-year tenure as Kane County Coroner, reflecting on a legacy of overcoming challenges and achieving national accreditation as he passes the torch to successor Monica Silva.

☑️ STC happenings: The December issue of the St. Charles “City News” newsletter features updates on holiday charity programs, impressive stats from the recent pumpkin smashing event, snow removal and parking info, and much more.

☑️ St. Nick sightings: Beyond the events we’ve already shared, there are still plenty of chances for your kids to meet Santa in the Geneva and Batavia area this December — including local shopping malls.

✳️ Holiday magic: Get ready for the Norris Cultural Arts Center’s fifth annual Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival, a 13-episode daily video series featuring festive musical and dramatic performances. The first episode airs December 8.

🎸 Live music

Special holiday performances this weekend include events related to Geneva’s Christmas Walk, shows at the Arcada Theatre and music by the Choir of St. Charles at the St. Charles Episcopal Church.

Plus, the tireless Matt Keen is doing double duty at Pollyanna and Riverlands on Saturday.

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🎄 Your one-stop holiday wonderland

From the Atrium Cafe to the Candy Shop and every room in between, the Little Traveler has officially been Christmasified! Pop in for jolly brunches and lunches, sweet holiday treats and seasonal styles for the whole family. You can find it all in the Christmas Catalog.

📚 Bonus: Be on the lookout for several exciting book signing events coming up soon!

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ London vibes: Oak + Rose Tea Room will celebrate its grand opening in the Geneva on the Dam complex along the riverfront with a special event on Friday (12/6) before the Geneva Christmas Walk.

☑️ Designated riders: Chicagoland Brews Cruise — which had operated craft beer tours in the Tri-Cities area — has stopped taking new bookings for tours and activities. The owner is looking for someone to take over the business if anyone is interested.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ 1-Year Anniversary Open House | Thurs 12/5, 5-8PM | Soma Lumi, Campton Hills | Celebrate beauty and wellness with raffles, shopping and spa tours.

☑️ Mrs. Roper’s Holiday Romp | Fri 12/6, 6-8:30PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Dress up like the beloved Three’s Company character for this themed party.

🎟️ It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play | Fri 12/6 - Sat 12/14 | Albright Theatre, Batavia | The holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.

🎟️ Breakfast with Santa | Sat 12/7, 9AM-12PM | Kane County Cougars, Geneva | Breakfast buffet, a hot chocolate bar, holiday crafts and photo ops.

☑️ 13th Annual Santa Paws Fundraiser | Sat 12/7, 12PM - Sun 12/18, 3PM | Starfish Animal Rescue, Geneva | Enjoy free lunch, a bake sale and raffles while meeting foster dogs.

☑️ Holiday in the Hills | Sat 12/7, 3-6PM | Village Hall, Campton Hills | Hot cocoa, holiday treats, hayrides and a Santa appearance!

☑️ Elburn Christmas Stroll | Sat 12/7, 4-7PM | Downtown Elburn | Bask in downtown lights, Main Street shopping, holiday markets and more.

🎟️ Candlelight | Sat 12/7 - Sun 12/8 | LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, STC | Traditional holiday fun at Durant House Museum and a Christmas Pageant at Sholes School. (Learn about the history of the event).

🎟️ Glimmer & Glow Candle Making | Sun 12/8, 12-2PM | Hawaii Fluid Art, Geneva | Craft your own luxurious candles in a festive setting.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 28F | Low 14F | Wear layers

🌤️ Friday: High 28F | Low 24F | Cold lingers

🌤️ Saturday: High 42F | Low 32F | Gusty + milder

🌤️ Sunday: High 48F | Low 39F | Mixed clouds

📖 Thanks for reading

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