Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Get in the Christmas spirit by vising two iconic Christmas light shows in Pingree Grove. Goebbert’s Drive Thru Take a magical journey through the apple orchard, transformed into a glowing winter wonderland filled with synchronized lights, holiday scenes, and festive music. Guests remain in their vehicles for the entire drive-thru as they wind through the illuminated path. The experience typically lasts 12–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Larsen’s Light Show Larsen’s Light Show is a fully programmed 30-minute show featuring the iconic Larsen home. Watch the house explode with color and energy through perfectly synchronized lights, strobes, spark machines, fog effects,…

Note: This is the latest in a weekly series from Anderson Humane spotlighting wonderful animals currently looking for a “forever home.” We encourage you to support Anderson Humane and it’s tireless efforts to care for our animal friends and place them in loving homes. For more information please visit https://ahconnects.org/. Meet Bernie – A Shy Teddy Bear with a Heart of GoldIf you’re looking for a gentle soul wrapped in soft fur, Bernie might just be your perfect match. This sweet five-year-old boy can be a little shy when meeting new people, but give him a bit of time and patience, and you’ll soon discover…

M3 Dance will present its 8th annual production of The Nutcracker at The Hemmens Cultural Centre on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Performances start at 12pm and 5pm on Saturday, and at 12pm on Sunday. This fresh take on this classic tale has delighted audiences with an impressive cast of students, pre-professionals, and professionals from the Chicago Suburbs and across the United States. This enchanting show includes artists from well-known ballet and contemporary companies, beautifully crafted costumes, unique sets, and most importantly a place where a community of students and professionals can come together to make magic. It’s a must-see…

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. Food and drinks available for purchase. Get ready for some holiday cheer – all aboard…

One of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, the Aurora Festival of Lights, returns for its 19th year in 2025 with dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. The Aurora Festival of Lights opens on Friday, November 28, and runs through Sunday, December 28, each night from 5pm to 9pm at Philips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive. Admission is free, but visitors should register for an entry ticket here. Only one registration per vehicle is required. Visitors will enjoy a mile of spectacular lighted displays from the comfort of the car while listening…

The Village of Oswego Christmas Walk kicks off the holiday season in downtown Oswego from 4:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday, December 5.   This free event features performances by local choirs, visits with Santa’s reindeer, ice sculpting, an inflatable sled hill, the Village’s annual tree lighting performance and an emergency vehicle light parade. People of all ages can enjoy games, crafts and giveaways. Downtown stores will open their doors to showcase holiday décor and gifts for all ages. “Christmas Walk is a wonderful holiday tradition for families in downtown Oswego,” Village President Ryan Kauffman said. “Let’s come together as a…

The more, the merrier! Montgomery Merry & Bright lights up the night starting Sunday, December 7 with the annual Tree Lighting and visit with Santa at 5:00pm in front of Village Hall (200 North River Street). The event will feature Santa, giveaways, musical performances, and the opening of the Festival of Trees, which will run through December 28 at Village Hall and along River Street. Together with the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Montgomery has hosted this event for twenty-eight years. It begins with Santa and Mrs. Claus’s grand arrival on the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire…

Tradition and surprise. It wouldn’t be Christmas without them, and Geneva’s Christmas Walk and House Tour offer both. Friday evening, December 5 begins at 6pm with Bob’s Candy Cane Parade and the 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. Reservations to visit Santa (at his home…

St. Charles’ “Holiday Homecoming” returns November 28th-29th in downtown St. Charles. The festivities begin on Friday with the annual Lighting of the Lights Ceremony at 5 pm, featuring festive holiday music, Santa visits, illuminated photo ops, complimentary roasted nuts, and more. On Saturday, start the day with a free screening of Elf at Arcada Theatre at 10am, dive into holiday shopping during the Holiday Shop Crawl, and enjoy the magical Electric Christmas Parade on Main Street at 5:30pm. Santa’s Cottage will be open every Saturday and Sunday from November 29th – December 21st on 1st Street Plaza from 1pm to…

Get ready to sip, stroll, and celebrate Small Business Saturday with the Downtown Elgin Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl. On Saturday, November 29, over 20 local businesses in Downtown Elgin will each offer a unique holiday-inspired beverage for you to enjoy between 10am and 6pm – the perfect way to support small businesses while indulging in the festive spirit. Participants will find an array of holiday drinks, including Hot Cocoa topped with festiveadditions, Holiday Cold Brew, Ponche Navideño, Non-Alcoholic Coquito, and more. Somelocations will offer optional beverage add-ins, such as a shot of alcohol or other unique treats,for a small additional…