Tradition and surprise. It wouldn’t be Christmas without them. And Geneva’s Christmas Walk and House Tour offer both.
Friday evening, December 3 begins at 6 pm with Graham’s Chocolates First Candy Cane of the season being presented with great fanfare followed by the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, who will offer Swedish cookies to merry-makers. The Christmas Tree is lit and the Courthouse lawn becomes aglow. The young and young at heart will wait with anticipation as Santa Claus arrives. Santa will open his home for visits from excited children while All Chocolate Kitchen recreates their record-breaking candy cane.
Serenaded by carolers, families stroll Geneva’s historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts, and dodging into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way.
Those who aren’t downtown, might be touring holiday-decked homes. The Holiday House Tour (Dec. 3; 10 am-8 pm & Dec. 4; 10 am-5 pm) also another tradition, but thanks to the diversity of homes and the creativity of local designers, it’s filled with unexpected treats.
The Farmhouse: Situated in a friendly neighborhood, a luminary lit path leads you to one of the many entrances for this 5000 square foot home. Hospitality and cheerfulness are the first impressions you feel upon entering the 2018 house. This 4-bedroom home is so much more than a farmhouse, it is where memories happen, and stories begin.
Festively decorated by Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center (630.377.6288, https://heinzbrothers.com) with contributor Little Red Barn Door (630.402.0072, https://littleredbarndoor.com)
Architectural Beauty: Towering trees create a secluded garden for this 6000 plus square foot home; that originally had a railroad trestle running through the property. Built in 2006, a touch of Tuscany can be found throughout this five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home. The front doors, with wrought iron insets, welcome you inside.
Festively decorated by Haven Interiors Studio (630.402.0444, haveninteriorsltd.com) and Platt Hill Nursery (630.529.9394, www.platthillnursery.com)
Custom Home: This home defines the phrase “great curb appeal”. Looking at this 2015 home from the street, you begin to anticipate a creative and modern interior. Brown paned windows glisten in the December sun. Warm wooden beams surround the covered porch where you can rock away any worries night or day.
Festively decorated by Haven Design Group (HDG) (773.220.2501 havendesigngroup.com) and Plandscape (630.365.2558, plandscapeinc.com)
Captivating Ranch: This captivating ranch home was built in 1954. In 2015 the homeowners fully renovated and redesigned this 3100 square foot home to its present beauty. Holiday adornment decking the front door gives hint of the amazement that lies inside.
Festively decorated by Geneva Design House by Strawflower (630.232.7141, https://genevadesignhouse.com)
Mid-Century Charmer: In a highly desirable neighborhood, where most of the homes were built in the 50s & 60s, this mid-century ranch is no wallflower. Bought by the homeowners in 2018, they had a vision to delight the eye and fire the imagination, by restoring it back to its 1962 splendor…. with present-day conveniences. Walking through the bright orange door, you know this house will be anything but “square”.
Festively decorated by Gatherings by Design (630.880.8792, https://Gatheringsbydesign.net ) and Plandscape (630.365.2558, plandscapeinc.com)
Tickets include a holiday tea and a special treat from 360° Flavor & Spice or The Olive Mill (while supplies last) and are available for $35. Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season. Purchase at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 South Third St., online at genevachamber.com or at any of the locations listed below (in Geneva unless indicated otherwise). Call 630.232.6060 to pre-order over the phone. Tickets will not be for sale at the homes.
Cocoon, 212 S. Third St. – 630.232.8340
Country Naturals, 316 Campbell St. – 630.232.1172
Haven Interiors Studio, 15 S. Third St. – 630.402-0444
Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E Main St., St. Charles – 630.377.6288
Little Barn Baby, 207 S. Third St., # 110 – 331.248.0568
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1308 Commons Dr. – 630.208.1484
SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St – 630.232.1303
Please note: the above locations accept cash and check (made payable to Geneva Chamber). This event may sell out.
Times to visit Santa (at his home at 10 S. Third St.), tickets for the Cocoa Crawl and reservations for Cocoa & Caroling on Campbell are open at genevachamber.com
Christmas in Geneva is magical right up to the big day.
