Tradition and surprise. It wouldn’t be Christmas without them, and Geneva’s Christmas Walk and House Tour offer both.
Friday evening, December 6 begins at 6pm with Bob’s Candy Cane Parade and Graham’s Chocolates first candy cane of the season being presented with great fanfare. Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, follows, offering 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 as cheer and festive spirit warm the streets.
Reservations to visit Santa (at his home at 10 South Third Street, Geneva) open on November 4th at genevachamber.com. Cost is $10/time slot.
Serenaded by carolers, families stroll Geneva’s historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts, and tucking into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way.
The Holiday House Tour (December 6; 10am-8pm, and December 7; 10am-5pm) is another tradition, but thanks to the diversity of homes and the creativity of local designers, it’s filled with unexpected treats. Tour five homes decked to the nines with holiday cheer.
Stunning Modern Cape Cod
Welcome to the “Beech House”! This stunning stone and cedar Modern Cape Cod style home, originally built in 1952, exudes a cozy, relaxed elegance that seamlessly blends its beach-inspired decor with the warmth of Christmas. Named for the gorgeous and rare American Beech tree in the front yard – a prominent feature of this beautiful corner lot – the district architectural Cape Cod style and interior design completed by Haven Design Group, speak to the quintessential American summer house; evoking daydreams of slower days and beachside New England retreats.
Beautiful California-Style Ranch
This enchanting 1947 ranch home is a beautiful fusion of classic charm and modern sophistication. Nestled in a picturesque neighborhood, this 3,100 square foot, five-bedroom, four-bath home has been meticulously updated and expanded by Wetmore Construction to offer a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort. Originally an all-brick home, the latest transformation includes a spacious cedar addition that extends gracefully from the back of the house, enhancing both its footprint and functionality.
Historic Gem
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of a beautifully preserved 1914 Arts and Crafts bungalow. Nestled in the heart of town, this gable-front gem was awarded a Historical Structures Plaque by the Geneva History Museum. Once home to George and Marian Michael- longtime business owners of the Marian Michael and Teen Shop in Geneva, it’s 2022 addition by Wetmore Construction has brought modern comfort to the unique charm of the early 20-century craftmanship.
Cozy Cottage
Step into a nostalgic holiday postcard in this 2,250 square foot mid-century ranch, originally built in 1949. This cozy home is a Weyerhaeuser Panel Home built by General Timber Service Inc in Dubuque, Iowa. It is believed that the home was partially built in Iowa and then shipped and erected on site in Geneva. The current homeowners purchased the home in 2013 and completed a 1,000 square foot addition in 2014 to make it a three bedroom, two bath home. The addition was designed by local architect Tim Nelson, and included the two exterior dormers, arbors on the front of the house and a pergola over the back patio. The surrounding landscape, designed by Plandscape, Inc., catches the soft glow of Christmas lights, and enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere that awaits inside.
Sparkling Remodel
Envelop yourself in the magic of the season and a touch of opulence with this stunning American Foursquare. Originally built in 1906 as the parsonage for the neighboring United Methodist Church, this home had a significant 2024 addition and remodel by Wetmore Construction. Situated just off Geneva’s Historic Third Street, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom beauty sparkles, creating a warm and festive space that captures the essence of holiday joy and is ready for a celebration!
Tickets include a holiday tea and the scent of the season from Inluro (while supplies last) and are available for $42. 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
Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E Main St., St. Charles – 630.377.6288
Little Red Barn Door, 21 S. Third St. – 630.402.0072
SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St – 630.232.1303
Above locations only accept cash or check.
Swish Avenue, 1510 Commons Dr. – [email protected] (credit accepted)
