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Holidays 2019

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READY FOR THE BEST NIGHT EVER? Pinot’s Palette is opening in St. Charles on BLACK FRIDAY (Nov. 29)! Check out our event calendar to reserve your seat or stop by. Use GRDOPN29 to get 15% off your reservation. Discount expires 12/31/19.

PRIVATE & CORPORATE EVENTS

• Birthday & Anniversary Parties • Bachelorette Parties • Bridal or Baby Showers • Team Building & Fund Raising Events PINOT’S PALETTE ST. CHARLES 3823 E Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174 630.338.0278

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Spread holiday cheer volunteering in Kane County Anderson Animal Shelter

by Pat Szpekowski Local nonprofit organizations impact Kane County in a multitude of positive ways. They serve as a pillar of strength in how they fulfill the growing needs within communities. The holidays are a special time of the year when local residents are interested in making meaningful connections with these nonprofit organizations. Here are just a few located close to home that seek and welcome volunteers to fulfill their missions.

www.andersonanimalshelter.org Anderson Animal Shelter has been saving lives and serving the Fox Valley area for over 50 years. It provides outstanding care for its animals with the help of dedicated volunteers in the areas of hands-on shelter animal care; kennel/shelter cleaning; dog walking, training, and socializing; laundry and dishes; and shredding newspaper for kennel use.

Celebrating Over 70 Years!

The Mail Box is Mightier than the Inbox

Our Annual Christmas Mailbox will be in front of the Paper Merchant from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Mail your letters to Santa and fill your stockings with our gifts inside.

Come in and discover many new products from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland to help decorate your home and table for the Holidays.

Let our Swedish Tomtes inspire your Christmas Spirit!

THE GIFT BOX SCANDINAVIAN I MPORTS 310 W. State St., Geneva • 630-232-4151

Holiday Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 • Sunday 11-4

www.genevagiftbox.com Since 1947

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See Le Leff Leffy ffy El Elf Selection in store

The Paper Merchant

328 South Third Street, Geneva • 630-232-1880 www.papermerchant.geneva.com

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Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet

www.bataviafoodpantry.org Founded by local churches, the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry serves those who have lost a job, are underemployed, homeless, disabled, or just have a need. The Clothes Closet is an extension of the food pantry to help low income families and seniors.

Volunteers are needed for client shopping support; donation processing and stocking; packing food for home deliveries and drivers; plus general food pantry help.

Kane Senior Council (KSC)

www.KaneSeniorCouncil.org This organization has deep roots in the senior community. It is in need of volunteers and offers a few opportunities to assist frail and homebound seniors in Kane County, and also those moderately active and social. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals; provide well-being checks; pet food assistance; serving as a community dining volunteer and network awareness volunteer.

Lazarus House

www.lazarushouse.net Lazarus House provides shelter, food, transitional

housing, support, and rent and utilities assistance to individuals and families to help them get back on their feet. Volunteers can help overnight at the emergency shelter; provide handyman repairs; offer child care while parents attend on-site classes; provide office support, including mailings, and much more.

Food, supplies, and servers are needed for the annual Community Christmas Brunch on Dec. 25.

Northern Illinois Food Bank

www.solvehungertoday.org Northern Illinois Food Bank - a member of Feeding America - is the source of nutritious meals, innovative feeding programs, and hope for half a million people each year. There are many volunteering opportunities to help solve hunger, including: food sorting and packing; skills-based projects; direct service at pantries, including a special VolunTeen Leadership Program.

PADS of Elgin, Inc.

www.padsofelgin.org The Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) of Elgin provides safe 24/7 shelter, comprehensive case management, and advocacy to homeless men, women and families in northern Kane County.

Volunteers provide a meal, help serve a meal, or complete any number of nightly tasks to assist staff and make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Holiday Hostess Gifts & Baskets Available

Spa Gift Certificates

Special Tastings of our Products Every Weekend

Buyy $1 Bu $100 00 in gi gift ft certificates and receive ce ve a FREE 15-minute chair ir massage. valililid va d 12 12/1 /1 – 12/ 2/24 24

Olive Oil Tasting Experience Come taste over 60 different extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world.

Unique Gift Baskets Available.

CEL EBR ATING

Homemade Skincare Products made with Olive Oil: Soaps ~ Lip Balms ~ Moisturizers

33 Years of Serving the Fox Valley Voted One of the Best Massage & Day Spas in Kane County!

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

Bring in 2 non-perishable food items by Dec. 15th & Receive a FREE Gift

MASSAGE & SPA PACKAGES AROMATHERAPY OILS • LOTIONS BATH PRODUCTS • GIFTS

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AROMATHERAPY SHOP & DAY SPA 202 W. STATE ST. • DOWNTOWN GENEVA 630 208 8250 WWW.HALSAROMA.COM

315 James St. • Geneva (630) 262-0210 www.olivemillgeneva.com Holiday Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-6pm Thurs 10am-8pm SM-CL1721299 Fri & Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 11am-4pm

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Holiday Happenings

By Pat Szpekowski From energizing electric light parades and tree lightings to holiday walks, this year’s festive season events bring Santa Claus and also a variety of bountiful community things to do.

Celebrations throughout the Fox Valley offer food, music, and traditions to spark a holiday mood.

Bundle up. Attend time-honored favorites or explore something new. Fine-tuned area events for winter family fun start kicking-off right after Thanksgiving day and continue throughout December.

NOVEMBER 28 - JANUARY 5 Larsen’s Light Show

42W891 Beith Rd. Campton Hills This light show spectacular is held annually at the private home of Elburn resident Brian Larsen, the owner of County Wide Landscaping. Drawing attendees from far away, the nightly show features more than 1,000,000 LED lights with strobes, lasers, shooting stars, trees, life-sized nutcrackers and more, synchronized to holiday music which is transmitted on

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88.5 FM. Santa is often on hand to visit on Saturday nights. Hours open are 5-10 p.m. Mon-Thur, 5-11p.m.

Fri-Sun. For additional information visit www.LarsensLightShow.com

NOVEMBER 29 - 30

St. Charles Holiday Homecoming

Downtown St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is one of the Midwest’s most spectacular holiday events and is the official kickoff to the holiday season in St. Charles. This festive event has been making holiday memories for area families for years. The two-day Holiday Homecoming event, kicks off Friday at 5:00 pm with Lighting of the Lights on the First Street Plaza. The annual Electric Christmas Parade takes place Saturday at 5:30pm on Main Street in St. Charles.

There also is seasonal music, holiday movies, sleigh rides and visits with Santa. All Holiday Homecoming events and activities are free of charge. Visit www.stcholidayhomecoming.com for details.

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Holiday Happenings NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 31

DECEMBER 6

3S300 S. Batavia Ave., Mooseheart, IL 10th Annual Holiday Lights from 5-9 p.m. with over 80 lighted displays and a route that’s almost 2 miles long. With a paid per car $10 entrance fee, the whole family can enjoy a free Santa visit, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies in the fieldhouse.

Located at the Mooseheart residential childcare facility grounds. Visit www.mooseheart.org.

Downtown Geneva Main St & Third Street, Geneva, IL Holiday stroll fun on December 6 from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Highlights include: arrival of Santa Lucia; the first candy cane; Santa Claus; lighting of the tree at the courthouse square; and living Nativity. Enjoy roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, and visit Santa. Visit www.genevachamber.com.

Holiday Lights at Mooseheart

DECEMBER 1

Celebration of Lights

Batavia Riverwalk Free hayrides with food or $1 cash donation (proceeds directly benefit the Batavia Food Pantry). Free roasted chestnuts, family photo opportunity at the main stage of Peg Bond Center, hot dogs and hot chocolate for sale. There are holiday craft activities inside City Council Chambers, an old-fashioned ornament making for all ages at the Depot Museum, main level. Enjoy a performance by The Batavia Community Band, a Community sing-a-long, and the best part, the arrival of Santa and the city’s Ceremonial Tree Lighting. While you are there, stroll Christmas tree lane, visit Santa in the Peg Bond Warming house and enjoy story hour at Gustafson Research Center. For more information, please contact the Batavia Park District office at 630-879-5235 or check the schedule of events at www.bataviaparks. org.

THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER Blackberry Farms Holiday Express

100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora A decorated holiday train travels around Lake Gregory at Blackberry Farm, passing more than 60,000 Christmas lights, shooting stars and holiday dressed characters. Santa and his Elves will be at Blackberry Farm where there will also be a Victorian Christmas- decorated house, a reindeer food bar, crafts and music, an adventure play land, shopping and more. The Express runs from 2-7 p.m. All rides and activities are included with Blackberry Farm ticket purchase.

THURSDAYS/FRIDAYS 5-8 p.m.

SATURDAYS/SUNDAYS 2-7 p.m.

Special needs night (low sensory environment) on DECEMBER 6 Visit www.FoxValleyParkDistrict.org.

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Geneva Christmas Walk

DECEMBER 6 & 7 Dickens in Dundee

River Street in East Dundee, IL and Main Street between 2nd St. & the Fox River in West Dundee, IL 32nd year of the popular Dickens in Dundee holiday weekend celebration in West Dundee. View “Living Windows” on December 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Downtown East Dundee Depot and storefronts in West Dundee on Main Street (Route 72).

Spirit of Christmas Parade on December 7 at 10:00 a.m. Many other family-oriented activities throughout both Villages. Visit www.dickensindundee.org

DECEMBER 6 & 7

Geneva Holiday House Tour

Geneva, IL This popular holiday house tour features five architecturally unique homes decorated by local professionals. Tickets are $35 each and include a traditional holiday tea at the First Congregational Church in Geneva. For more information and house tour map visit www.genevachamber.com.

DECEMBER 7

Holiday in the Grove - Sugar Grove

The annual event begins with an early morning ceremonial tree lighting at the Community House and typically features breakfast and pictures with Santa, carriage rides, a crafts fair, cookies with Mrs. Claus and children’s crafts. The Sugar Grove Library will host crafts, a family story time, face painting, live musical entertainment and more. The celebrations will be held throughout Sugar Grove. For additional information, visit www.HolidayInTheGrove.org.

DECEMBER 7-8

Candlelight at the Inn

Garfield Farm Museum Garfield Rd., north of Illinois 38 Campton Hills, IL

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Yearning nostalgia? Visit the Garfield Farm Museum for its two- day reception from 3-7 p.m. Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfield’s in their 1846 brick inn. Hospitality, food, music, and a bake sale. Donations accepted.

Visit www.garfieldfarm.org.

DECEMBER 14 & 15

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Deck the Halls Holiday Concert

Hemmens Cultural Center 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL An Elgin holiday tradition. The ESO’s Deck the Halls Holiday Concert features a community sing-a-long for the entire family complete with the Elgin Master Chorale, Dancewerks, and a special visit from Santa Claus. December 14, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., December 15, 2:30 p.m. $40-$60/ticket.

Visit www.elginsymphony.org

DECEMBER DATE TBA Holiday in the Hills

40 W270 LaFox Road, Campton Hills The Village of Campton Hills will hold its annual Holiday in the Hills event featuring a visit with Santa, a Christmas tree illumination, live musical entertainment, arts and crafts, and refreshments. 6-9 p.m.

Check in for date confirmation and additional information at www.VillageOfCamptonHills.org.

DECEMBER 8

Geneva Steeple Walk

Several locations in Downtown Geneva The annual event showcases live, 20-minute holiday musical performances at four local churches, simultaneously. They include: United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St.; and Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 S. Third St. Following the performances, the groups will switch venues to enjoy the other concert. Patrons then walk to the final performances – and similar rotation format – at both the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, 102 S. Second St.; and First Church of Christ, Scientist, 111 S. Second St. A Steeple Walk guide will escort the groups to the venues, all within easy walking distance, and shares information about the architecture of each site. 2-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. For additional information visit www.Geneva.IL.US/1080/Steeple-Walk Seating is limited, and attendance by children younger than age 6 is not recommended.

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Christmas Around the World Saturday, December 7th, Germany Saturday, December 14th, Italy Saturday, December 21st, The Old South

Luncheon at 12:00 Noon Oscar Swan Country Inn Opens its Mansion For Christmas Around the World The food & décor each Saturday will represent the featured country.

Live Entertainment Please Call For Reservations

Enjoy Live Music

Williamsburg Holiday Holiday Christmas Dinner Brunches

Special Christmas Day Brunch

Every Sunday Thurs December 12th in December 12:00 Noon 7:00 pm

December 25th 12:00 Noon

Please Call For Reservations A Vintage Bed & Breakfast Private Parties • Family Reunions • Birthdays • Girls Day Out • Anniversaries • Memorial Gatherings

Weddings & Receptions

Oscar Swan Country Inn

1800 West State Street, Geneva, IL 60134

(630) 232-0173 • nina@oscarswan.com www.oscarswan.com Hometown Holidays • November 2019 7

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Holiday Family Bucket List Holiday Family Bucket List Holiday Family Bucket List ***TriCity Edition*** Holiday Family Bucket ListList Holiday Family Bucket ***TriCity Edition*** ***TriCity Edition*** ***TriCity Edition*** ***TriCity Edition*** Holiday Family Bucket The directions are quite simple...

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8 Hometown Holidays • November 2019

List www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com and post pictures on social media, be sure www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

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KCChronicle.com Families On The Fox

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www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

@FamiliesOnTheFox

www.Families

11/14/19 6:00 PM

Holiday Family Bucket List TriCity Edition

Build a snowman, then take a walk in the snow.

Get up early and go to breakfast in our PJs.

Wrap holiday gifts for your parents and siblings.

Go sledding and have hot chocolate after.

Bake cookies and share some with the neighbors.

Go to the Larsen Light Show or look at other Lights (Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora, Lehnertz Avenue in Aurora, Cheever Avenue in Geneva, Juniper Lane and Foxmoor Lane in South Elgin, Mooseheart).

Mail Christmas cards to family and friends.

Decorate a Ginger Bread House.

Watch “The Polar Express” in your PJs and drink hot chocolate.

Play a game together this evening.

Make paper snowflakes and hang them in the house.

Collect pinecones and paint or glitter them for Christmas decorations.

Make room for new toys by donating some toys you don’t play with anymore.

Take the bag to the Salvation Army.

Go on a Holiday Scavenger Hunt by driving through our neighborhood. You MUST take pictures proving you saw all the items on the list.

Have a snowball fight and take pictures with the nice camera (if there’s no snow, make paper snowballs and have the snowball fight inside).

Go to the Christmas Walk in Downtown Geneva. Be sure to take a picture by the tree!

Write a ‘thank you’ note to our mail carrier and garbage man with a small gift.

Build a giant fort.

Play Christmas Bingo.

Families On The Fox

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Do a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) for a stranger.

Go shopping for a gift to give your teachers and assistants at school.

@FamiliesOnTheFox

Make dinner together.

Start the “You’ve Been Elfed” tradition in your ‘hood.

Set up the tripod and take a family picture together in front of the Christmas Tree… The girls get to pick the outfits.

Make pancakes together and eat breakfast before opening your presents.

www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

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Holiday Decor tips to warm your home

by Pat Szpekowski

A

re you ready to welcome the holiday season and begin sprucing up your home?

Holiday decorating shifts thinking and changes the mood for festive times ahead. Don’t let the thought of creating a winter wonderland make you anxious. It’s a fun time and there are plenty of ideas to seamlessly bring on the jingle spirit.

Steal some ideas from a few local Kane County area experts who are more than happy to share their favorite holiday decor tips. They agree that it can be a very happy season by combining the warmth of something old with the excitement of something new. The holiday season is magical - say it with handmade, classic, traditional, vintage, equestrian, and farmhouse decorations.

Trends in color for holiday decorating run the gam-

Sweeten Someone’s Day

ut across the color wheel. They’re traditional and the unexpected. The classic red, greens, and gold are in, but dark blues, greys, forest greens and burgundy are big this year. Making a statement this holiday season is up to your own joy.

Carolynn Maltese, owner of Villa and Farm LLC in Batavia, finds that people are simplifying but repeating some of their decor from past years. “Think of your favorite holiday childhood memory,” Maltese said. “Try to build colors, scents and music around that memory. For instance, red plaid, pine trees and maybe holiday instrumentals to sing to. You’re halfway there to the warmth and good feelings of the season.”

Maltese likes to mix in some buffalo plaid to update what you already have. “There is a continuation of black and white, buffalo check patterns, natural wood and birch accents,” said Maltese. “Fresh

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10 Hometown Holidays • November 2019

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PROVIDING THE FOX VALLEY WITH THE FINEST SERVICE & PPRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN MOBILE ELECTRONICS FOR OVER 15 YEARS.

2901 W. Main St., Ste. E, St. Charles 630-587-4100 • www.mobilesystemsllc.com

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greenery has popped in with scent and character, such as cedar boughs with golden or red buds, which are popular this year. Add small bits of whimsy, like a tiny cardinal, to set the mood for guests to look for more in your holiday decor.”

Don’t be afraid to mix and match what you have. It offers nostalgia and brings back happy memories. “To incorporate your own pieces, I suggest using pieces in unusual ways,” notes Maltese. “ Your grandmother’s huge white ceramic mixing bowl can be filled with her white handkerchiefs all fluffed and nestled with satiny green ornaments.”

Other great ideas from Provencher include: • Save any extra greenery from the entryway for indoor uses: small vases on the dining table, tucked in a soap dish or arranged in a candleholder (away from the flame!)

• Use plenty of lights to accent greenery and create a soft glow that warms the space.

• Protect your outdoor greenery with an antidesiccant sprat, like Wilt-Pruf. Spray and allow to dry BEFORE you arrange or hang them.

Explore your own home for cherished toys, ornaments, and accessories to discover new twists to decorate a Christmas tree or mantel, transform a family room or kitchen, or compose a stunning tablescape. Visit your favorite store to find something new to enhance holiday vignettes. They’re creating their own spectacular happy holiday displays to highlight trends that will enhance any home style and decor.

Christmas Open House

322 W. State Street • Suite 104 Geneva, IL 60134 • 331-248-0531 www.dancersdream.us

Friday, December 6th 4 pm to 7 pm

Surprise discounts throughout the store!

More than a Retail Dance Store.

Committed to Providing Exceptional Service & Innovative Quality Products.

322 W. State Street • Suite 104 • Geneva, IL 60134 • 331-248-0531

www.dancersdream.us HOURS: Mon-Wed: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM • Thurs: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM • Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM • Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Sun: Closed

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Oh, Tanenbaum!

Make a day-tripping family tradition with your choice of holiday tree

By Pat Szpekowski It’s time to gather the family and head out to a local Christmas tree farm for holiday fun. Local farms provide a special tree-hunting experience, whether you cut your own, or choose the perfect tree that’s already cut and ready for you to take home. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere and sip complimentary hot cocoa or coffee and indulge with apple cider donuts and homebaked goods.

Note: Tree farm hours vary and the 2019 time schedules were not available at press time. To make sure, please check by phone or online before making the drive.

DeckThe Halls Holiday Concert & Community Sing-A-Long

Dec. 14 & Dec. 15

Sepcial Guests Include: The Elgin Master Chorale Dancewerks Plus a Special Visitor from the North Pole!

www.ElginSymphony.org

Abbey Farms 2855 Hart Road, Aurora (630) 966-7775 www.abbeyfarms.org Try your hand at cutting down a tree or opt for a pre-cut tree available for purchase. Every Christmas tree purchase comes with a complimentary apple cider donut and small chocolate per person. Youngsters can share their wish lists with Santa Thanksgiving weekend (starting Friday Nov. 29) and the first two weekends in December.

Kuipers Family Farm 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park (815) 827-5520 www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com Get your freshly harvested Christmas tree at Kuipers! Choose from a huge selection of Precut Fraser Firs. Trees are shook to remove the loose needles and baled so they are easier to handle.

A complimentary Apple Cider Doughnut is included for everyone in your group. While you’re there, visit the must-see Orchard Shop and Bakery to pick up a gift or home baked pie to wow your guests.

Camelot Christmas Tree Farm 16380 Somonauk Road, DeKalb (815) 756-6599 www.camelottrees.com The DeKalb farm boasts a selection of both choose and cut and pre-cut trees from the popular Douglas Fir to the bluish-green White Pine with free shaking and baling. Wreaths, roping and swags are also available for purchase. Stop by the heated Christmas tree shed for free cookies, hot chocolate and coffee.

Larson’s Family Farm 4404 Somonauk Road, Sandwich Closed on Mondays.

(815) 786-2249 www.larsonfamilyfarm.com See page 14 for more listings

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Navigate through 18 acres of cut-your-own Christmas trees in six varieties, including Norway spruce and Scotch pine. Once your tree is selected, step inside the Barn Store to view antiques, vintage holiday decorations and gifts. The farm also uses its own greens to create evergreen wreaths and roping.

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Lee’s Trees 45W002 Lees Road, Lily Lake Saturdays and Sundays.

(630) 365-2116 www.leestreesusa.com The 14-acre farm nestled in western Kane County offers both cut your own trees on-site as well as precut trees harvested weekly from Lee’s two farms in Wisconsin. Warm up with free hot chocolate, coffee, fresh popcorn, and homemade cookies. The farm features hand-crafted wreaths, swags, centerpieces, roping and decorations made daily. Customize your wreath with bows and decorations while you wait.

Sinnissippi Farm and Forest 322 S. Lowden Road, Oregon Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.

(708) 710-8354 www.sinnissippitrees.com Select from a variety of Christmas tree options ranging from Fraser fir to white pine. Once you select and cut the perfect tree, warm up around the fire pit with a hot cocoa, warm cider or coffee. Santa will begin visiting children on Fri., Nov. 29 and Saturdays and Sundays.

Oney’s Tree Farm 16608 Route 14, Woodstock (815) 338-4108 www.oneystreefarm.com The farm features 60 acres of harvest-your-own or pre-cut trees in nine varieties, including Austrian pine.

Explore the winder wonderland during a free horsedrawn wagon ride with sleigh bells. After the ride, enjoy lunch in the historic barn or pick up some fresh bakery items for the ride home.

Richardson Farm 9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove (815) 675-9729 www.richardsonadventurefarm.com The farm boasts more than 50,000 trees of many varieties and sizes. Once you find your perfect tree, enjoy a free hot chocolate or coffee while staff gets it ready for the car ride home. Enjoy a fresh homemade donut in the heated sales barn. Check out the selection of wreaths, garland, decorations, and bows made on the farm.

© 2019 Northwestern Medicine. All rights reserved.

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SHINE BRIGHTER WITH RADIANT SKIN.

YOUR FIRST WAX IS FREE* DON’T HESITATE. YOUR FIRST WAX IS ON US.

GENEVA | 630 208 4880 1056 Commons Drive

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WAXCENTER.COM I europeanwax *First-time guests only. Valid only for select services. Additional terms may apply. Participation may vary; please visit waxcenter.com for general terms and conditions. EWC locations are independently owned and operated. © 2019 EWC Franchise, LLC. All rights reserved. European Wax Center® is a trademark of EWC P&T, LLC.

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PLEASE JOIN US DEC 5TH FROM 10AM - 8PM FOR OUR HEARTS ON FIRE TRUNK SHOW TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON We’ll be offering refreshments and giveaways with purchase

Holiday Hours Starting Dec. 6th.

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