CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THESE TRENDING CELEBRATION
It's time to get together with family and friends and celebrate the magic of the season. From feature productions to charitable events, shopping soirees and more– this month's 10 Trends List invites you to enjoy all season long. For more fun holiday-themed ideas, visit HOLIDAY TIME now through January.
#1 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas
DECEMBER 21-JAN 2 • JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE, CHICAGO
Dr. Seuss' beloved holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, has become a perennial holiday classic! Max the Dog is your narrator as the Grinch's fiendish plan to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos unfolds. However, the Grinch soon discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Featuring the hit songs 'You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas', this beloved tale comes to life on stage in a magical production for the entire family... well, probably best to leave your own four-legged family members at home!
#2| Elf On the Shelf
DECEMBER 19 • ROSEMONT THEATER
This production will give you a glimpse into the enchanting world of the North Pole, where Santa resides. Experience toe tapping songs and unforgettable dance numbers as you journey through a heart warming tale which will boost everyone's Christmas spirit's, yes even those of a humbug!
#3 | Celebration of Lights Festival
NOVEMBER 28 • BATAVIA RIVERWALK, DOWNTOWN BATAVIA
Experience the Magic of Batavia with the Celebration of Lights Festival! Enjoy hayrides, holiday craft activities, old-fashioned ornament-making, a community sing-a-long, ceremonial tree lighting, a visit with Santa, story hour and the ever-popular Christmas Tree Lane. The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District in partnership with Batavia MainStreet, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the City of Batavia, and the Batavia Police Department. This event is free.
#4 | Nights of Lights
NOVEMBER 26, 5-11PM • ADAMS PARK, WHEATON
Enjoy the return of Nights of Lights in Adams Park this holiday season. The display will be lit from November 26, 2021 through January 9, 2022. Lights will be on from dusk to 11pm. While you’re there be sure to drop your letter to Santa Clause in the special North Pole mailbox located in the southeast corner of the park. Be sure to look in the gazebo for Santa’s special mailbox. Make sure the return address is on the letter to receive a letter back from Santa.
#5 | Holiday Express
DECEMBER 2021 • BLACKBERRY FARM, AURORA
Bring the family for a magical and memorable experience – just like visiting the North Pole! Blackberry Farm is a winter wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations and happy holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train – a charming tour around scenic Lake Gregory – and enjoy a hay wagon ride, too. Back in the historic pioneer village, you’ll enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse and…a special visit with Santa. Tickets go on sale November 12 at 9am.
#6 | Windy Acres Farm Winter Fest
WINDY ACRES FARM • GENEVA
A few favorites will be enjoyed this season! Mulled wine and open bar, hot chocolate bar, hot cider, s’mores kits on the open fire, wreaths, roping, door swags, holiday greenery arrangements, hot churros, freshly baked fruit pies, Windy Acres Holiday Train Ride Express, petting zoo pets, photo opportunities, fun for the whole family, and a visit with Santa Claus! Plan ahead today.
#7 | Miracle on 34th Street
DECEMBER 10-19 • BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE, NAPERVILLE
BrightSide Theatre opens their10th anniversary season with this family friendly holiday musical - Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play. Performing at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth Street in Naperville.
#8 | Shades of Crimson Event
NOVEMBER 19 • POINSETTIA DISPLAY & SALE • WHEATON
Get in the holiday spirit by experiencing up to 3,ooo poinsettia plants in one place–a sea of red, pink, white and every shade in between! Some 15 varieties in various sizes will be on display and available for sale at special prices. Choose from the brightest and freshest poinsettias in the region and learn a few things about the “Christmas flower” from Cantigny Horticulture staff members. Plant sales close at 4:30 pm.
#9 | Holiday Homecoming
NOVEMBER 26-27 • ST. CHARLES
Holiday Homecoming, presented by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, will be in downtown St. Charles. Kick off the start of the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights Ceremony and Holiday Tree Trail on Friday the 26th. Then, enjoy a free Holiday Movie, Small Business Saturday, Santa Visits, and the return of the Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday the 27th! The Holiday Tree Trail voting and contest will take place throughout the weekend, but the trees will stay up until after Christmas. See Santa Saturday and Sunday until December 19.
#10 | Illumination
ALL SEASON LONG • MORTON ARBORETUM • LISLE
This year Illumination is going back to its "roots" with its traditional walking path. With unparalleled new experiences in addition to returning favorites, visitors can enjoy Illumination at their own pace. Visitors will be surrounded by color as they walk amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. This one-of-a-kind, spectacle of color, light, and sound. Illumination has welcomed more than 1.3 million guests since 2013, making this a top holiday travel destination across the region.
