Holiday bucket list By KELSEY O’CONNOR
The holidays are a joyous but fleeting time. Make the most of the season by checking out all of the activities and festivities Kane County has to offer. Here’s a roundup of 10 not-to-miss, seasonal events to check off your holiday bucket list:
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Kick off the season at the Holiday Homecoming Electric Parade WHAT: This annual spectacle transforms downtown St. Charles into a glittering winter wonderland. The parade is part of a weekend-long series of events, including holiday movies, sleigh rides and visits from Santa. WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 WHERE: Main Street, between 6th Street and 4th Avenue, in downtown St. Charles
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Find the perfect gift at the Christmas Collective WHAT: Browse through the wares of local retailers, artisans and vintage purveyors at this unique holiday-themed pop-up market. WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9, through Saturday, Nov. 11 WHERE: Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia
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Experience the magic of the season at the Celebration of Lights Festival WHAT: Bask in the glow of twinkling holiday lights and enjoy free hayrides, a holiday craft market, old-fashioned ornament-making, a community sing-along, and more. Don’t miss Christmas Tree Lane, a display of 25 trees decorated by local organizations. WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 26 WHERE: Batavia Riverwalk and Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia
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Attend a Christmas show at the Steel Beam Theatre WHAT: The intimate venue will feature two holiday performances. “It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show” is a 1940s-broadcast-style version of the beloved film, and “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is a spirited retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. WHEN: “It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show”: Nov. 24-26; Dec. 8-10, 22-24 and Dec. 30. “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”: Dec. 1-3, Dec. 15-17, Dec. 29 WHERE: Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St. (second floor), St. Charles
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Tour beautifully decorated homes during the Holiday House Tour WHAT: Have you ever walked by a home and wondered what it looks like inside? Check out this year’s featured homes, each one architecturally unique and adorned in festive holiday decor. WHEN: Dec. 1 and 2 WHERE: Various locations. (Tour map available at genevachamber.com)
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Catch your favorite holiday flick at The Paramount Theatre WHAT: The annual Movie Monday holiday series is always a hit. Watch your favorite seasonal movies – like “White Christmas” and “Home Alone” – for just a buck. The theatre also will host two live shows: “Second City’s Holiday Revue” and “Elf the Musical.” WHEN: FILMS: “Planes, Train and Automobiles” on Nov. 27; “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 4; “White Christmas” on Dec. 11; “Home Alone” on Dec. 18. SHOWS: “Second City’s Holiday Revue” from Dec. 1-23; “Elf the Musical” from Nov. 22 to Jan. 7 WHERE: The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora