Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The holidays are a magical time in the city, especially with little ones in tow. There are so many fun things to do with kids in Chicago, and each one is an opportunity to make a lasting holiday memory. The whole family will be awed by the city’s massive Christmas tree, historic zoo covered in millions of lights, and whimsical holiday parade starring both Santa and Mickey Mouse. Here’s Part III of your bucket list of the best kid-friendly holiday activities and events in Chicago. (For Part I, click here. For Part II, click here.) Every winter, Macy’s on State Street transforms…

The Village of Oswego Christmas Walk kicks off the holiday season in downtown Oswego from 4:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday, December 1.   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…

According to a report from NBC Chicago, a mysterious pneumonia-like respiratory illness has spread across the country, sickening dogs and leaving some dead. The illness has popped up 10 states around the country, including Illinois and Indiana, spread across all regions. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the illness appears to be viral in nature, although normal testing regimes come up negative. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. The illness starts as a cough and gradually worsens, with the illness also being resistant to antibiotics. Dog owners who observe any of the above symptoms are…

A man suspected of vandalizing a number of public and private buildings in both St. Charles and Geneva Thursday is in custody and receiving “medical assistance,” according to the City of Geneva. Geneva police were notified at 6:50am Thursday morning that yellow paint had been sprayed on the windows of State Street Diner at 630 West State Street in Geneva. Throughout the morning, four additional buildings were discovered to have been defaced in the same manner, including:  Similar vandalism was also found in St. Charles Thursday. St. Charles Police were able to develop a suspect, who is known to law…

As the City of Aurora’s official kick-off to the holiday season, the annual Winter Lights parade will be held Friday, November 17, 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…

The holidays are a magical time in the city, especially with little ones in tow. There are so many fun things to do with kids in Chicago, and each one is an opportunity to make a lasting holiday memory. The whole family will be awed by the city’s massive Christmas tree, historic zoo covered in millions of lights, and whimsical holiday parade starring both Santa and Mickey Mouse. Here’s Part II of your bucket list of the best kid-friendly holiday activities and events in Chicago. (For Part I, click here.) Kick off the holidays with the 110th annual lighting of the…

A man brandishing a gun outside a business in east Aurora Thursday evening prompted multiple calls to Aurora police of an “active shooter” incident in progress. Police determined that no such incident had occurred. At approximately 9:40pm Thursday, Aurora poliuce received several reports of shots fired and an active shooter at a business in the 2900 block of Kirk Road. Multiple officers responded to the scene and cleared patrons and employees from the building and a search of the building was conducted. No victims were located and no evidence of a shooting was located. During the preliminary investigation, officers determined…

The annual St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend will return on Friday, November 24th and Saturday, November 25th in downtown St. Charles. The two-day event will feature a variety of free holiday activities for the community. The festivities begin on Friday, November 24th at 5pm at the 1st Street Plaza with the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony. Holiday carols will be sung by the St. Charles East and North High School Chorales, and participants can enjoy complimentary roasted nuts during the ceremony. On Saturday, November 25th at 10am, there will be a free showing of the movie “Home Alone” at the Arcada Theatre. The doors for…

The St. Charles Holiday Shop Crawl is taking place on Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, and will coincide with the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming and Small Business Saturday. Throughout the weekend, shoppers can visit 19 participating businesses that are offering great deals, specials, and promotions in honor of the weekend. The 19 participating shops are as follows: Boutique Baby, Campbell Creations, Circa Vintage Gallery, Curious Fox Gift Shop, Dick Pond Athletics, Double Take Consignment, Hoarders Trading Post, House of Charlemagne, Industrial Treasures, Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co., MION Artisan Soap, Mr. Marco’s Jewelers,…

A 54-year-old Elgin man has been charged with child pornography involving pictures and videos of children under the age of 13 allegedly in his possession. Specifically, the man has been charged by Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser with the offenses of Child pornography – reproduce, victim younger than 13, Class X felony (6 counts); Child pornography – possess moving depiction, Class 2 felony (10 counts); Child pornography – possession, victim younger than 13, Class 2 felony (4 counts). Prosecutors allege that, prior to November 2, 2023, Janavich reproduced and possessed multiple child pornography videos and images. The investigation…