Author: Fox Valley Magazine

The St. Charles History Museum will hold its Holiday Gala on Friday, December 8 at 6 PM at the St. Charles Country Club. The 2023 Holiday Gala Fundraiser celebrates the theme “It’s A Wonderful Life In St. Charles In 1933” with a nod to the Jazz Era and includes a cocktail reception, cash bar, three-course meal, and a live auction with numerous wonderful auction items. Festive or Swanky attire is requested. Complimentary valet service and coat check will be provided. After dinner, Chicagoland’s own professional jazz big band, Shout! Section Big Band will help set the mood by performing classic…

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachery Duerdoth, a native of Geneva, Illinois, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Meridian, where naval aviators learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world. Duerdoth, a 2014 graduate of Geneva Community High School, joined the Navy seven years ago. “I joined the Navy primarily to work in naval aviation and to travel the world, but also to help myself become a better person,” said Duerdoth. “I’ve always been interested in military service. My grandfather served in the Air Force…

The annual Celebration of Lights Festival will light up the Batavia Riverwalk the evening of Nov. 26 as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season and welcome Santa. This free event will celebrate the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a welcome by Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting. “The Riverwalk magically comes to life this time of year with the holiday lit trees, the little ones’ sheer excitement for spending quality time with Santa and the good old fashioned community sing-along,”…

A 20-year-old Algonquin man has been charged with first degree murder in the killing of a man near the Metra tracks in Elgin earlier this month. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Metra Acting Chief of Police Patrick Gengler today announced that the accused is charged with the offenses of First-degree murder, Class X felony (4 counts); Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, Class 2 felony; and Possession of a firearm by a street gang member, Class 2 felony. Prosecutors allege that on the evening of November 11, the accused and the victim, 26-year-old Juan C. Ambriz of…

The official Christmas Season is ushered in all weekend around the Fox Valley! Here’s a rundown of highlights! Festival of Lights At Cosley Zoo Begins November 24 A winter visit to Cosley Zoo is a Christmas family tradition . The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate and an unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. Stroll through the brilliantly-lit property featuring 20,000+ twinkling lights and a herd of whimsical lighted animal figures. Warm up with some hot chocolate while…

No injuries were reported after firefighters from six nearby communities worked to extinghuish a fire at a townhome in Geneva Sunday evening. The Geneva Fire Department was dispatched at 9:15pm Sunday to a four-unit townhome in the 300 block of Larsdotter Lane in the Fisher Farms neighborhood. A townhome resident called 911 after discovering a fire in the garage. The first arriving Geneva fire company found a large fire in the attached garage that had spread to the townhome’s second floor. A working fire response was requested to bring additional resources to the scene. An aggressive exterior and interior attack…

By HANNAH MEISEL& JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinois As winter quickly approaches, Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced plans for the state to spend an additional $160 million to aid and house a sustained influx of migrants sent to Chicago from the nation’s southern border. The administration sold the plan as a three-phase approach: “welcome, shelter, independence” – aimed at meeting the needs of migrants based on how long they’ve been in Chicago and whether they’re planning to stay. The state will spend $65 million to create a winterized “soft shelter site” to address severe shortages in the city’s shelter system,…

The famous Christkindlmarket opened this weekend in Aurora, and Fox Valley Magazine’s Kevin Ketchum was there for it. Some sights and sounds from a festive day (and evening). For more on the Christkindlmarket, click here. (Photo and video credit Kevin Ketchum)

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…