Naper Settlement offers 'Jingle Bell Jamboree'

While Santa is busy putting the final touches on his Christmas Eve travel plans, Mrs. Claus will visit Naper Settlement Saturday with her cookie recipes.

"Mrs. Claus' bakery will give participants a chance to decorate winter-themed sugar cookies to take home," said Anna Di Cosola, the settlement's education learning experiences coordinator.

Santa's wife also will share stories with children at 3:30 and 6 p.m.

Her appearance is part of a new event making its debut this season at the Naperville history museum.

"Jingle Bell Jamboree was created to complement Naper Lights, a large holiday-themed light display on settlement grounds presented by the Naperville Sunrise Rotary," Di Cosola said.

The Naper Lights display, which features free admission, will be open to the public from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays through Dec. 31. The jamboree goes from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.

On Saturday, visitors who want to participate only in Naper Lights will enter between 5 and 9 p.m. through the gate at the intersection of Aurora Avenue and Eagle Street, said Donna DeFalco, settlement marketing and sales representative. Jamboree participants will be given a wristband when they pay the admission fee and enter the grounds through the Pre-Emption House on the southwest corner of Aurora Avenue and Webster Street, she said.

"After researching some of the holiday events going on in Naperville, we realized there really is no big holiday extravaganza offered," Di Cosola said. "Naper Settlement hopes to encourage a sense of community pride and cohesiveness during the busy holiday season. It's not often that everyone in town gets invited to the same party to celebrate."

The jamboree will include musical performances by the Chicago Sinfonietta's Project Inclusion Ensemble at 7, 7:35 and 8:10 p.m. inside the Century Memorial Chapel. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., the Alena Quintet from Metea Valley High School will perform inside the Pre-Emption House.

Children will get the chance to send a last-minute letter to Santa, expressing their wishes, when they visit the settlement's North Pole post office. Di Cosola said that for $1, Naper Settlement helpers will see to it that a personalized response from Santa and/or his elves is received in time for Christmas.

And for Santa's reindeer, children will learn how to package a special reindeer food for the hungry fliers, to be sprinkled on lawns in anticipation of their arrival, she said.

There will also be a Candyland photo booth where visitors can use their own cameras to take holiday-themed photos.

The early 20th century's Edwardian era, which followed the Victorian era and featured a lighter touch and a preponderance of floral designs, will be modeled by the Martin Mitchell Mansion, dressed for the occasion by the Naperville Garden Club. The mansion will be open for tours, Di Cosola said.

"This event is geared toward families of all ages," Di Cosola said. "With an ever-growing list of tasks to accomplish during the holiday season, it's important to take time out of that busy schedule to spend time with your loved ones."