Author: Fox Valley Magazine

It’s that time of year again. For the 28th year in a row, the Riverfront Playhouse will present their own original version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Adapted from the classic Charles Dickens story by Riverfront veteran Jack Schultz, this production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL features 9 songs also written by Schultz. A Christmas Carol runs December 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 8:00 pm and December 12 & 19 at 3:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=rfph Here’s what you need to know: *Seats are limited! This year more than any other year, make sure you reserve your seats so you…

Step into an ethereal winter landscape at the Fabyan Japanese Garden this season. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through an evening light display that highlights the historic Garden in all its winter splendor. Dates: Fridays and Saturdays November 26 – December 17 Time: 5pm – 7pm Cost: $5/person (5 and under FREE) Entry to this event will be timed at 15-minute intervals but feel free to embrace the serenity of the Garden as long as you wish. For tickets and more information, visit PPFV.org/winterlights.

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra returns to the stage, bringing you a season to Reflect and Celebrate, highlighting a wide array of American treasures as well as masterworks of the literature. The annual family holiday program features an array of popular Christmas tunes, a clever compendium of Hanukkah songs, and distinctive settings of well-known carols. Visits by Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – and maybe even a real-life visit by Santa himself! – add to the fun of this year’s DSO holiday concert. Date: Sunday, December 12 Times: 2PM and 4PM Location: Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago…

OK, it’s more like a trailer… There’s an old saying:  fish don’t know they’re wet.  Obviously, the point is that often we are completely oblivious to our surroundings because we live in them daily. That is true in spades here in the Fox Valley, and the Christmas season really drives the point home. Even without the customary blanket of snow, the Fox Valley is a picture postcard during the Christmas season. It’s combination of pastoral beauty, quaint (and historic) shopping districts and city energy is like being in a movie this time of year – or maybe three movies. Given…

Two as yet unidentified men were caught on camera over the weekend breaking into the sealed mailbox of Naperville’s A.D.O.P.T Pet Shelter. As first reported by Fox32 Chicago, A.D.O,P.T’s Executive director Chris Stirn said she initially thought the wind had damaged their mailbox until she reviewed the surveillance footage from overnight. “It’s really disheartening, really sad that anybody would steal from any nonprofit organization, especially this time of the year when we receive the majority of our donations, and it’s really sad to see that those donations won’t be going to the animals that they’re intended to go to,” Stirn…

St. Charles fire fighters rescued a 62 year-old woman trapped in her car in the middle of the Fox River Wednesday afternoon. At 12:33 PM, St. Charles Fire and Police units responded to a report of a car that had driven into the Fox River. Geneva and South Elgin Fire Departments also responded to assist. The vehicle was in the river near the 200 Blk. of N. Riverside Ave. Upon arrival, first responders found a four-door sedan in the river approximately 25 feet from the river wall. The vehicle was partially submerged with part of the passenger compartment above water.…

Newly-Released Christmas Film Takes Place in 1980s Batavia. A newly-released Christmas movie is set in 1980s Batavia. “8-Bit Christmas,” the story of one child’s determination to get the latest in Nintendo gaming technology, was written by Batavia native Kevin Jakubowski, a writer and producer best known for known for Assassination of a High School President (2008), Legendary Dudas (2016) and Play by Play (2017). Jakubowski graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park. The movie stars Winslow Fegley in the lead role, with supporting actors Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn and June Diane Raphael. The film is available now on HBO Max (subscription).

The magic is on for Holiday Express 2021! Join us each week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 19.  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…

Visit Downtown Aurora this holiday season! Join us as Aurora transforms into a photo-op holiday village full of food, music and shopping. Discover local vendors and enjoy free pictures with Santa, as well as Selfie stations and Stan’s Donuts, and Hot chocolate. The entrance and selfie stations are FREE, so reserve your tickets here. Reservation of tickets is not required for attendance but appreciated. Tickers ARE required for purchase of Stan’s Donuts. Date: Saturday, December 11 Time: 11am – 4pm Place: Water Street Mall, 44 East Downer Place in Aurora