Hometown Holiday Happenings 2014

Tri-Cities Republican November 2014

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Page 2 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

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Private Dining Room for All Occasions Banquets 8am – 3pm Seats up to 200

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Shop locally this holiday season Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always ecofriendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources and time that last-minute shoppers may not have.

The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon footprint. The following are a few ways that shopping locally this holiday season can directly benefit your community and the people who call it home.

Local economy When men and women shop locally, they are putting money back into their local communities. Local small businesses may be owned by your neighbors,

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and it can be comforting to know that your holiday shopping dollars are going to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation. Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so shopping local can strengthen the local economy by creating jobs that may not exist if you and members of your community fail to support local small businesses.

Community identity Local small businesses go a long way toward creating a neighborhood identity, and that identity can create a stronger sense of community among you and your neighbors. In addition, a unique community identity can make your town more attractive to outsiders, and that appeal can improve the value of local real estate while also attracting more people to local businesses in your neighborhood.

Uniqueness of gifts The gifts you buy when shopping locally also can • Continued on page 4

Christmas Walk & House Tour, December 5 & 6

Royal Copenhagen/Bing & Grondahl 2014 Christmas Plates

❈ Crystal Vases & Votives ❈ Jewelry ❈ Hand-knit Sweaters ❈ Ladies Socks, Hats & Mittens ❈ Linens ❈ Large Selection of Hand Crafted Scandinavian Ornaments ❈ Collectibles ❈ Candles ❈ Much More!

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Christmas in Geneva is about family, friends, traditions, joy and anticipation. It all begins Friday, December 5th with Santa lighting our 100 ft Christmas Tree and continues all evening with strolling carolers, roasting chestnuts, a live nativity scene and candy cane pulls. Plus, our annual House Tour of five beautifully-decorated homes fill you with good cheer and good ideas. (For tickets, give us a jingle.) Start your holiday season in Geneva – where the spirit of Christmas comes alive.

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Traditional Scandinavian Food & Candy

Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 3

• Continued from page 3 benefit your community. Gifts purchased from small local businesses tend to be more unique than items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their national competitors. Recipients of such items may find such gifts more thoughtful than mass produced items bought from national chains, and the uniqueness of homemade gifts may encourage the gifts’ recipients to visit your community and do some shopping, further benefitting your local economy.

Local businesses offer unique gifts not found in larger national chain stores.

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Customer service The accessibility of customer service is another oftoverlooked benefit of shopping locally. When buying from national chains, especially during the holiday season when such businesses may be overwhelmed with orders, making contact with customer service departments can be a trying exercise in patience.

Long wait times on the phone or online can make the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply take their products into the store, where employees can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for friends and family members who also live in your community to return their gifts.

Page 4 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

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Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor The holiday countdown is on and it’s time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage.

Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk -- which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year.

CSA Group, a leader in public safety testing and certification, offers these tips to help you stay safe this holiday: • Carefully inspect light strings each year. Discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections. Inspect for storage damage from moisture or rodents. • Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working with outdoor wiring. Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to ensure replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the original. To avoid a shock from damaged wires, use

insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place. • Make decorating a family activity by planning this year’s theme with the kids, but don’t let children or pets play with light strings. • Keep electrical connectors for outdoor lights above ground, out of water and away from metal gutters. Connect outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These can provide protection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power. • Use heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations and large electronically-animated displays, and don’t overload extension cords.

If you need to purchase new lights, look for a certification mark to ensure they are certified by an organization such as CSA Group.

2014

day Season in Downtow to the Holi n St. C al Kick-Off harle The Offici s

Friday, November 28 Lighting of the Lights on the 1st Street Plaza- 5pm Ceremony led by Mayor Rogina, with musical performances by the St. Charles North and East High Schools Chorales and a special appearance by Santa.

(Sponsored by Insurance through AAA) Saturday, November 29 Free Holiday Movie at the Arcada Theatre: The Polar Express- 10:30am (Sponsored by Costco Wholesale and the Arcada Theatre) Visit with Santa: Santa’s house on the 1st Street Plaza- 1-4pm Saturdays and Sundays from November 29-December 21 (Sponsored by Kane County Chronicle)

SM

Free Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides on the 1st Street Plaza- 1-3:30pm (Sponsored by St. Charles Bank and Trust) Swans Quality Christmas Trees on 1st Street Trees and greenery will be available for sale from November 28 - December 21 (Sponsored by: AHC Advisors, Inc.)

Live

Silver Sponsor: Minuteman Press

Electric Christmas Parade Saturday, November 29, 5:30pm On Main Street, between 6th Street and 4th Avenue

Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express, encourages people to shop at independently owned businesses on Saturday, November, 29.

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ONESTI ENTERTAINMENT

Presented by:

DowntownStCharles.org/holidays

Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 5

Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving Giving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown.

Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.

Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts.

Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse

gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle.

For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries.

Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars

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Page 6 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

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Christmas Around the World Saturday, December 6, Germany Saturday, December 13, Italy Saturday, December 20, Mexico

Luncheon at 12:00 Noon Music lessons and other gifts of service do not require a great deal of natural resources, making them ideal eco-friendly gifts.

Oscar Swan Country Inn Opens its Mansion For Christmas Around the World The food & décor each Saturday will represent the featured country.

Live Entertainment

Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-growing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners.

Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.

Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories.

The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.

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Santa Claus will be dropping by $29 Per Person Please Call For Reservations

Colonial Williamsburg Dinner Thursday, December 11th, 7pm OUR MENU INCLUDES: Roasted Hubbard-Squash Soup Enjoy with hazelnuts and chives Live Music by Hot Spicy Shrimp Al & Susan with mango avocado salsa Schubert Salad Platter with poppyseed dressing Bountiful Dessert Buffet Spice-rubbed Beef Tenderloin Hot Spiced Cider with a red wine sauce Coffee and Teas Roasted Sweet Potatoes Bar Service Available with apples and maple butter $49 Per Person Fingerling Potatoes seasoned with sea-salt and rosemary Please Call For Home-styled Corn Pudding Reservations

Oscar Swan Country Inn

1800 West State Street, Geneva, IL 60134

(630) 232-0173 www.oscarswan.com

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and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop.

Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 7

Holiday

Calendar of Events

Aurora December 5 - 21 The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Located at the Copley Theatre, at 8 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora Ahh the Holidays. Searching for parking, standing in lines, cooking for 30, relatives that kiss you on the lips and then overstay their welcome. We get it, you need an escape and Second City is here to take your mind off things with the return of the Dysfunctional Holiday Revue. It’s an evening of skits, songs and making equal opportunity fun.

Nothing is off limits from your drunken Uncle Adolph and office parties to how that first Christmas really went down. Be ready to laugh and be ready to buy tickets early. Tickets are $35. For tickets or more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit www.paramountaurora.com.

December 6- 21 Holiday Express 2014 2pm to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays through December 21. Located at Blackberry Farm at 100 S. Barnes Road in Aurora All aboard the Holiday Express train as holiday music plays and twinkling lights glitter! Listen to storytelling of holiday classics, enjoy the festive

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decorations, crafts, reindeer food bar, Victorian Christmas lights, hayride and visit with Santa!

Ages 2 and up $5 and children under 2 are free.

For more information, please call 630-892-1550 or visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

December 7 – 28 Pancakes with Poppins Sundays in December at 10:30am at The Paramount Theatre’s Grand Gallery, at 23 E. Galena Boulevard in Aurora

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Mooseheart November 28 - December 31 5th Annual Holiday Lights 5-9pm everynight at Mooseheart Child City and School in Mooseheart (Batavia and North Aurora) Santa visits Dec 12,13,14 & Dec. 19,20,21 from 5:30-8:30 This is a great way for families to “kick off” the holiday season, a unique opportunity where members of a family can join together to enhance the family bond regardless of age. $10.00 per car. For more information, please call 630-966-2200 or visit www.mooseheart.org.

Batavia November 29 & December 30th The Nutcracker Saturday at 2:00pm & 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, at 1201 Main Street in Batavia Come celebrate the Season and treat your family to the holiday classic that has thrilled generations, The Nutcracker. Join Clara on her magical journey as dolls come to life and she travels through the

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There’s no way you can plan a more memorable holiday experience than Pancakes with Poppins!

Held in the Paramount’s beautiful Grand Gallery, this great event features a delectable breakfast buffet that’s sure to please you and your little ones. Have the kids sit on Santa’s lap, visit the craft area and take pictures with Mary Poppins herself. For the adults, Mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for purchase. All tickets are $35. For more information, please call 630-896-6666 or visit www.paramountaurora.com.

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1-800-892-5989 Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 9

Land of Sweets. State Street Dance Studio, one of the area’s finest and most recognized studios in the Fox Valley area, will be presenting its 11th annual performance of this classic holiday ballet at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. With a cast of over a 100 from around the tri-city area, audiences will experience professional level dancing and guest artists from around the world and will be mesmerized by sets and vibrant costumes throughout the show. Tickets for adults are $25-$35 and children (10 and under) are $20-$30. For tickets or more information, please visit www.bataviafineartscentre.org.

November 30 Batavia’s Celebration of Lights 5:30pm on the Batavia Riverwalk in Downtown Batavia

In this hilarious and heart-warming Christmas tale, Mom and Dad take on the church Christmas pageant. Enter the Herdman kids – probably the most awful kids in history! The Herdmans add their own flare to the Christmas story and Mom has her hands full thinking that the Herdmans will certainly ruin the pageant. Or can they help make this the “best Christmas Pageant ever?” Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, please call 630-4068838 or visit www.albrighttheatre.com.

December 6 Holiday Breakfast with Santa 8:30am-11:00am at the Eastside Community Center, at 14 N Van Buren Street in Batavia Here comes Santa Claus! He has come to share breakfast with you!Families will be able to see Santa before the entertainment. Santa will talk to each girl and boy, then hand them a present.

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Santa arrives to help with the annual lighting of the tree for the city! Hayrides, community singa-long, decorated trees by local businesses and community groups, snacks for sale and of course, a visit with Santa where you can get a goodie bag (while supplies last). For more information, please contact the Batavia Park District office at 630-8795235 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.

December 5-14 The BEST Christmas Pageant Ever Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Located at the Albright Theatre, at 100 N. Island Ave. in Batavia

Page 10 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

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Bring your camera! Breakfast is prepared by the Batavia Lions Club and consists of pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit, coffee, juice and milk. By 9:15 a.m. Santa will say good-bye then everyone can enjoy a wonderful entertainer where children can participate in the show! Ages 2 and up must register. Breakfast is served at 8:30 am. Tickets are available for a family of 4, $47/54/61 and for a per person fee, $14/16/18. For more information visit www.bataviaparks.org.

December 14 Sundays on Stage: Holiday Concert 2:00pm at the Batavia Public Library, at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia The Batavia-based Festive Singers, an a cappella quartet, are back to spread holiday cheer at the Library. Bring the family and enjoy free refreshments while listening to these amazing voices.

Registration required. To register or for more information, please call 630-879-1393 or visit www. bataviapubliclibrary.org.

Elburn November 29 Christmas Stroll 4-8pm throughout the Village of Elburn Experience a taste of the award-winning Larsen Light Show. Get your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus while listening to local musicians perform your favorite Christmas songs. The Elburn Fire Department will present a tree burning demonstration and a fire truck display. You can also enjoy a wagon ride; free holiday treats, including hot cocoa, cookies, candy canes, and s’mores; and a raffle to raise money for the Chamber Scholarship.

For more information, please visit www.elburn.il.us.

December 7 Elburn’s Breakfast with Santa 8:00am-11am at the Elburn Lions Club, at 500 Filmore Street in Elburn One of the Leo Club’s most popular fundraisers!

Come on down for a good breakfast, bring your camera and take a picture with Santa. All you can eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, pas-

Come taste 25 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world.

Unique Gift Baskets Available.

315 James St. • Geneva, IL (630) 262-0210 www.olivemillgeneva.com

Holiday Hours Mon-Wed • 10am–6pm

Saturday • 10am-7pm Sunday • 11am-4pm

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Friday • 10am-7pm

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Thursday • 10am-8pm

Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 11

tries, milk, orange juice and coffee. There is also made-to-order omelets available for an additional $2 per omelet. The Leo Club is also hosting a food drive for the Elburn Food Pantry. Those who come are urged to bring canned goods and other non-perishables. For more information please call 630-544-0236.

Geneva November 28 Light Up the Night 2:30-6:30 carriage rides and lighting of the tree at 5:30pm at the Geneva Commons, at 602 Commons Drive in Geneva Gather with family and friends to kick off the holiday shopping season. Be here when Santa arrives to light the Christmas tree, plus enjoy free carriage rides and more festive fun near the Bell Tower.

For more information, please visit www.shopgenevacommons.com.

November 30, December 7, 14 Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides 1pm-5pm at the Geneva Commons at 602 Commons Drive in Geneva Shoppers can board the 8 to 10 passenger carriage that runs continuously around the perimeter of the 437,000 square-foot shopping center. For more information, please visit www.shopgenevacommons.com.

December 4 Holiday Shopping Night 5:30pm-9pm Eagle Brook Country Club, at 2288 Fargo Boulevard in Geneva Eagle Brook Country Club Presents: Holiday Shopping Night! It will be a night of shopping, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The event is free to attend. For more information visit www.eaglebrookclub.com.

December 5 & 6 Christmas Walk & House Tour Friday 11am-8pm and Saturday 11am-5pm in Geneva Tour five lovely homes decorated in holiday splendor. A traditional Holiday Tea and a booklet with delightful Christmas decorating and entertaining ideas are included in the price of the ticket.

Tickets are $30. For tickets or more information, please visit www.genevachamber.com.

December 6 6th Annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run/Walk 7am at the Mill Creek Clubhouse and Subdivision, at 39W525 Herrington Drive in Geneva Put on your jingle bells, lace up those sneakers and join in on the 6th Annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run/Walk. Even if running like Rudolph isn’t your style, walkers are encouraged, too! Cost is $35 for adults, $25 for children and teens (6-17), and free for children (age 5 and under). To register or for more information, please call 630-232-1070 or visit www.tricityfamilyservices.org.

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December 6-7 Polar Express Storytime Train at Geneva Metra Station in Geneva Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-Noon and 1:30pm-4pm All aboard Geneva Park District’s Polar Express Storytime Train! Travel to the North Pole to pick up Santa & his friends. Then bring them back to Geneva for lunch or dinner at Front Street Cantina. After eating, each child will sit on Santa’s lap to give him a wish list and have a photo taken.

Families are encouraged to wear festive pajamas in the holiday spirit. Lunch trip and dinner trip available. Register early for this popular program as space is limited! Fee includes photo, train ticket, and meal. Advance Registration is required.

For more information, call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org.

December 6,13 & 20 Christmas Around the World Saturdays 12pm-3pm at the Oscar Swan Country Inn, at 1800 W. State Street in Geneva Oscar Swan Country Inn opens its mansion for Christmas Around the World. The food and decor each Saturday will represent the featured country.

Santa Claus will be dropping by. Cost is $29 per

person. For more information, please call 630-2320173 or visit www.oscarswan.com.

December 13 Saturday with Santa 1pm-3pm at Peck Farm Park, at 4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva Get into the holiday spirit with the entire family by spending Saturday with Santa! Visit with Santa, create a holiday craft with his elves, sip hot cocoa, and warm your feet by the fire! Cost is $5 per person. To pre-register or for more information, please call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org.

St. Charles November 28 & 29 St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Friday at 5pm and Saturday at 10:30am at various locations Downtown St. Charles Experience the wonder of the season as Mayor Rogina illuminates the city and officially kicks-off the holidays in St. Charles. There will be a special performance by the St. Charles East and North

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Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 13

High Schools’ Chorales, as well as an appearance

by Santa. Be there as Santa opens his house for the first time this season. This event will also feature sleigh rides, a holiday movie and the Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday. All events and activities are free of charge. For more information, please call 630-443-3964 or visit www.downtownstcharles.org.

November 30 Holiday On Ice 5pm at the Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles “The Holiday Ice Spectacular” is a fun-filled joyous frozen production for the winter holidays, guaranteed to delight audience members of all ages. Venues across the country are transformed into “a snow globe come to life” — which is the perfect setting for ice skaters to perform to a festive mix of classic and modern holiday favorites.

The show is an original ice production that combines figure skating and theatre. Santa’s mischievous elves guide guests during the evening and they keep everyone “laughing all the way…!” The whole family is also sure to enjoy The Nutcracker in a Nutshell section— a unique & lighthearted [only 12-minute rendition] of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet — don’t blink! At the end “The Holiday Ice Spectacular” is sure to deliver a little holiday cheer for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are available for $29, $39, and $49. For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 5 The Nelsons and Cowsills Christmas with guests The Cadillac Casanovas 8pm at the Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles

Not merely a rock concert with a few holiday songs thrown in. This show has Christmas Classics the Nelson Family way. Interweaving quick humor, soaring sibling vocals, and state of the art big screen video, Matthew and Gunnar’s completely new show will take you on a sleigh ride through time. Tickets start at $39. For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 6 & 7 Candlelight Carols Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, at 307 Cedar Ave. in St. Charles Candlelight Carols is the choir’s well loved welcome to the holiday season.

For more information, please visit www.stcharlessingers.com.

December 6 & 7 Candlelight at the Inn 3-7pm both days at the Garfield Farm Museum, at 3N016 Garfield Road in St. Charles Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfield’s in their 1846 Brick Inn. Hospitality, food, music, bake sale.

Donations accepted. For more information please call 630-584-8485 or visit www.garfieldfarm.org

Stephen Squires

Saturday, December 13, 2014 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 2:30 p.m.

Resident Conductor

Elgin Choral Union Elgin Children’s Chorus Midwest Dance Collective

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Page 14 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

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December 6 & 7 Christmas on the Prairie/ Candlight Open House 2pm-6pm both days at the Durant House Museum/ LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, at 37W700 Dean Street in St. Charles

are $10. For more information, please call 630587-8521 or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com.

December 7 Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop 10am-11:30am at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, at 3795 Campton Hills Road in St. Charles

Bring your family and step back in time. A crackling fire, the smell of evergreen and candles twinkling away, that is what visitors will experience. Admission is adults $3; kids $1. For information, please call 630-3376424 or visit www.ppfv.org.

December 6 December 21 Sing-Along with Santa: Santa and the Snow Queen Saturdays and Sundays at the Steel Beam Theatre, at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles

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Don’t miss out on this special Children’s Theatre event! This is a festive visit from Santa and his friends, along with goodies for the kids! All tickets

Watch Santa arrive, pulled by his dashing huskies, then spend some time helping him get ready for his upcoming Big Day. Write a letter that Santa can take and read later, make an ornament and have your picture taken with the Big Guy himself!

Breakfast snacks included.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents per child with adult. To register or for more information, please visit www.stcnature.org.

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Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 15

Christmas CDs and on-air station visits during the holiday season have become an annual staple at hundreds of radio stations nationwide. Moreover, his live annual interpretation, “Ho Ho Hoey’s Rockin’ Holiday Show,” gains new fans each year.

Hallmark’s musical greeting cards feature two of Gary’s “Ho Ho Hoey” classics. Tickets start at $29.

For more information, please call 630-334-0817 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 7, 14 & 21 Breakfast with Santa 8:30am-11:30am at Hotel Baker, at 100 W. Main Street in St. Charles Celebrate the holidays with a special breakfast with Santa! Cost is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 13. Reservations are required.

To register or for more information, please call 630-584-2100 or visit www.hotelbaker.com.

December 11 Ho! Ho! Hoey With Gary Hoey 7:30pm at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles

December 11- December 21 Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm & Sundays at 3pm at the Steel Beam Theatre, at 111 W. Main Street in St. Charles A theatrical tour de force one actor who portrays the familiar characters in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Told from Jacob Marley’s pointof-view, this is a holiday story for all ages. Tickets for adults are $28, seniors (62+) $25, students (16 and under) $23, and groups (10+) $22. For more information, please call 630-587-8521 or visit www. steelbeamtheatre.com.

Gary Hoey’s popular “Ho Ho Hoey” series of

GENEVA: Geneva Commons Center 610 Commons Dr. adno=0308442

(630) 232-8697

GALENA CELLARS

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Page 16 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

Vineyard & Winery

2014 Nouveau release date Thursday, November 20th 10am – 8pm Join us for our Nouveau Wine & Cheese Release Party Perfect for Thanksgiving!

477 South Third St., Geneva 630-232-9463 www.galenacellars.com Join us on Facebook

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Early Bird Coupon! Hurry In!

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December 13 -21 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Saturdays at 1pm & 4:30pm and Sundays at 3pm at the Vero Voce School of Performing Arts at 951 State Avenue, Ste. F in St. Charles A hilarious Christmas Classic.

A couple struggles to put on a church Christmas pageant, casts the most inventively awful kids in history. Join the Vero Voce young performers for mayhem and fun. Tickets for Adults $15 and children $9. For more information, please call 630-584-0139 or visit www.verovoce.com.

a fantastic laser light show. Performing to sold out auditoriums in the Midwest for the past four years, now families in the area can enjoy classic holiday songs with this compelling show. For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

December 18 LeAnn Rimes: One Christmas 7:30pm at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles

December 14 Trans Infinity Orchestra 5pm at The Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles

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Just in time for Christmas, it’s a night of TransSiberian Orchestral music. Chicago’s ultimate tribute act, Infinity brings their holiday magic to the Arcada Theater. Enjoy the full spectrum experience with eight musicians, four singers, and

Rimes made her breakthrough into country music in 1996 with her debut album, Blue, which reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart and was certified multiplatinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). When she released her sophomore studio effort in 1997, You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs, she moved towards country popmaterial, which set the trend for a string of albums released into the next decade.

Come check out her once in a lifetime Christmas show! For tickets or more information, please call 630-962-7000 or visit www.oshows.com.

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Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 17

December 20 Holiday Classics Concert Presented by the Illinois Brass Band 5pm at Baker United Methodist Church, at 307 Cedar Avenue in St. Charles

Thank you for making us One of Fox Valley’s Best Gold Buyers We stock a large variety of coin and sports cards and memorabilia supplies!

We buy large and small collections.

Stop by or call when you’re ready to sell.

I-90

To Rockford

Kane Co. Fleamarket

HD Coins and Cards 720 E State St (Rt 38) Geneva, IL 60134

Art. 64

DQ

Me & Dad’sToys

I-88

To Chicago

(630) 845-9291

Kirk Rd

Randall Rd

Rt. 38

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All ages are invited to enjoy an old-fashioned, tractor-drawn holiday excursion! Bundle up for a tractor-drawn bobsled ride around the fields & trails. Per person fee: $10 residents: $15 non-residents. Under 1 year are free. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, please call 630-513-4370 or visit www.primrosefarmpark.com.

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December 26 & 27 Holiday Sleigh Rides 6pm-7pm or 7pm-8pm each night at Primrose Farm, at 5N726 Crane Road in St. Charles

This event features a multi-course gourmet dinner, DJ entertainment, dancing and party favors.

For tickets or more information, please call 630-584-2100 or visit www.hotelbaker.com.

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Celebrate Christmas at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church as The Illinois Brass Band presents “Holiday Classics.”

The program will feature glorious music of the season. The sanctuary will come alive as thirty of the area’s finest brass players fill the air with the sounds of this “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

With a cheerful mix of traditional carols, holiday classics, and jazzy updates of Christmas favorites, it will be an afternoon that will put the entire family in the holiday spirit. Vocal soloist, Bev Nesbitt will be featured with the band as she sings holiday selections by British composer and arranger Mr. Andrew Wainwright. This is the band’s first appearance in the Fox Valley since 2007. Adults $12, children and students 18 and under $6 and families are $30. For more information, please visit www.illinoisbrassband.org.

December 31 New Year’s Eve Party 6:00pm & 8:30pm at Hotel Baker, at 100 W. Main Street in St. Charles

hdcoinsandcards@gmail.com

We are located approximately 3 miles east of Kane County Fair Grounds on Route 38, across from Dairy Queen.

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Page 18 • Holiday Happenings • November 2014

KCChronicle.com

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Holiday Happenings • November 2014• Page 19

Diamonds And Snowflakes...

Each one is Unique One Will Melt...

One Will Melt Her Heart

SNOWFLAKE GIFT WITH PURCHASE

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starting 11/28, while supplies last.

Holiday Hours Starting December 1st Mon–Sat 10–8; Sun 11–5

230 West State Street, Geneva, Illinois