Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Begin your holiday season with a one of a kind drive-thru experience at Santa’s Village in East Dundee.. Enjoy over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music and dazzling displays as you drive through the park, all from the comfort of your car. At the end of the route, you can park, visit Santa, enjoy the snowless tube slide, take family photos with numerous photo ops, and purchase delicious funnel cakes and hot chocolate while creating endless memories in the enchanted village. Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets will not be available at the gate. Online reservations are required. Santa’s…

Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area. A Bright Debut: Lynfred Winery’s 2024 Albariño Shines with Lively EleganceAlbariño (pronounced alba-reen-yo) has long been celebrated as one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most captivating white grape varieties. Hailing from Galicia in northwest Spain and Portugal’s Minho region, where it is known as Alvarinho, this grape is prized for producing wines that brim with energy, freshness, and coastal charm. In recent years, Albariño has found an inspired new home in Lodi, California, a region whose Mediterranean climate mirrors that of its Iberian origins. Warm days, tempered…

The City of Naperville will once again shine during the holidays this year with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s events and activities. Here’s a run-down of all the fun. Letters to Santa MailboxMONDAY, NOVEMBER 24–FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 Kids can drop off holiday wish lists at Santa’s Mailbox at the corner of Main and Jefferson. Santa and his magic elves will send a personalized reply! (Include child’s name and return address.) Holiday Painted WindowsTHANKSGIVING–NEW YEAR’S Discover winter-themed artwork in downtown windows. Check downtownnaperville.com/events for a complete list. Naper Lights on Water Street!THANKSGIVING–NEW YEAR’S Enjoy a Winter Wonderland with giant displays and…

The Village of South Elgin Parks and Recreation will host “An Almost Winter Day” festival on Saturday, November 22 from 2-5pm at Seba Park in South Elgin. Make s’mores, decorate cookies, enjoy craft projects, get a balloon animal, drop-off a letter to Santa (and get a reply from the North Pole). The afternoon includes an ice sculptor, bonfire, a tree decorating contest and snowball sling shot fun. Plus…Santa arrives at 2pm and will stay until 4:45pm for pictures (bring your camera). At 5pm, the event shifts to Panton Mill Park across the street for the Village Tree lighting. Concessions will…

Featured selections of Craft Beers created by local Fox Valley area brewing companies. Huskie Seltz-UpCherry Lime Crafted Hard Seltzer. 6.0% ABV. Huskie Seltz-Up is a crisp and refreshing cherry lime hard seltzer from Penrose Brewing, crafted in proud collaboration with NIU Athletics. Bursting with real fruit flavor, it blends juicy cherry sweetness with a zesty lime twist for the perfect game day sip. Available at NIU football games in 2025 and at local retailers in the DeKalb and Geneva area, this seltzer not only fuels Huskie Nation but also gives back—part of the proceeds directly benefit NIU Athletics. Penrose Brewing509…

Saddle up for a boot-stompin’, heart-string-tuggin’, powerhouse celebration of country music’s greatest female voices! Rhinestone Cowgirls takes you on a glittering journey through the hits that shaped country music—from its humble honky-tonk roots to today’s chart-topping anthems. With three powerhouse vocalists delivering fresh, soul-stirring renditions of legendary hits, you’ll be singing along to Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” and Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter”—and getting fired up with modern favorites like Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” It’s a night of timeless classics, dazzling harmonies, and pure country magic that will have you…

As the City of Aurora’s official kick-off to the holiday season, the annual Winter Lights parade will be held Friday, November 21, beginning at 6pm at Downer Place, from Water Street to River Street, in downtown Aurora. This free family-friendly event will be filled with merry-making moments and a sleigh full of fun for the entire family. Be sure to arrive early, as streets will begin to close at 6:00pm. The tree lighting and fireworks display are best viewed from the East end of the Downer Place bridge. With the parade stepping off at 6:30pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will…

It’s that time of year again, and The Village Squire in South Elgin is getting in the spirit with a visit from The Big Guy (no, not that “other” Big Guy), Santa himself, on Saturday, November 22. Take you pick between breakfast and lunch (or both, of course) and visit with Santa individually for photo ops and good cheer. Santa’s breakfast visit will be from 9:00am-10:30am, and will include pancakes, eggs, bacon and a beverage. There will also be crafts, coloring reindeer food, and of course the visit from Santa. Everyone will have individual time to visit with Santa and…

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/. Fable Fable is a gentle-hearted sweetheart with a soft soul and a playful side. She’s still building her confidence around other dogs, so while she’s open to making furry friends, she’d appreciate slow introductions and a calm, understanding companion. If you have a resident pup at home, we recommend bringing them along…

Financially-struggling Paramount Theatre will get a new lease on life after successfully negotiating a $2 million lifeline from the City of Aurora for 2026. According to a press release issued by The City and the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), which manages Paramount Theatre, Stolp Island Theatre, RiverEdge and other events, the two have reached an agreement on operating support of $2 million in 2026, ensuring ACCA can continue running its four live performance spaces throughout downtown Aurora, as well as the Paramount School of the Arts.  The agreement, brokered in partnership between the Mayor’s Office and Paramount Theatre leadership,…