25N Geneva’s Local Holiday Activity Guide (the one Yule Absolutely Love)
Maybe you need something fun to do during those long winter-break weeks. Maybe you need an excuse to step away from five straight days of online shopping. Either way, on your day off from 25N, here’s your shortcut to Geneva’s best holiday happenings. Perfect for families, couples, or your solo wanderings.
November 20-January 18: The Rink at Block59
Bundle up, lace up, and show off your best figure-eight. (Or cling to the wall. We won’t judge.) With bites and drinks nearby, this rink makes chilly nights feel downright charming.
Location: Naperville
November 21-December 24: German Christmas Market
Pretzels, Belgium hot chocolate, and handmade ornaments - need we say more? Get your festive fix (and maybe a new nutcracker or two) at Aurora’s Christkindlmarket.
Location: Aurora
November 21-December 31: Santa’s Rock N Lights Drive Thru Light Show
Crank up the holiday playlist and drive through a mile of synchronized light magic at the Kane County Cougars Stadium. Warning: may cause spontaneous car karaoke.
Location: Geneva
November 28-December 28: Holiday Lights Trolley Tours
Climb aboard the holly trolley for a guided tour of Naperville’s most elegantly festive homes with juuust the right amount of Clark Griswold spirit. Sit back, enjoy the dazzling lights, and let someone else do the driving for once.
Location: Naperville
November 28–30: The Nutcracker
A holiday classic, but make it local. The Fox Valley Nutcracker features talented dancers from across the area, bringing sugarplum dreams to life without the drive into the city.
Location: Batavia
November 28-29: St. Charles Holiday Homecoming
Parade? Check. Jolly Trolley? Check. Lights, movies, and more cheer than a peppermint mocha? Double check. Consider it your one-stop shop for holiday magic.
Location: St. Charles
December 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20: Visit with Santa
Skip the mall chaos and head straight for Santa’s cozy little house for a private visit. No lines, no stress - just you, the big guy, and your best camera angle.
Location: Geneva
December 5th: Christmas Walk
Downtown Geneva transforms into a snow globe of carolers, twinkle lights, and fresh-baked cookie smells. The official tree lighting? Pure magic.
Location: Geneva
December 5-6: Holiday House Tour
Stunning homes decked out in full holiday splendor. It’s basically HGTV meets Hallmark - bring your camera and a serious case of house envy.
Location: Geneva
December 6-7: Polar Express Storytime Train
Hop on board for a festive train ride and a reading of The Polar Express. Holiday jammies are highly encouraged (the perfect excuse to rock that reindeer onesie without judgment).
Location: Geneva