Welcome the holidays at Geneva Christmas Walk and House Tour

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Geneva.

The city is preparing for its 49th Christmas Walk and House Tour. Christmas Walk festivities begin at 6 p.m. Friday, in downtown Geneva, and the House Tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1-2.

Among the twinkling lights and fresh greenery-lined streets, chestnuts will roast over open fires, carolers will fill the night air with seasonal favorites and a live Nativity scene will take place. Window displays, brimming with gift ideas, invite shoppers as merchants serve holiday refreshments.

Hometown traditions include the arrival of Santa Lucia, Christmas cookies, the Great Tree-lighting, homemade candy canes, and a visit from Santa with the opening of his Geneva Home on James Street.

House tour

Treat yourself to the Christmas House Tour on Friday and Saturday. Five homes, aglow with holiday decorations, will open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. The personality of each home will shine when local decorators and landscapers work with homeowners to create holiday magic. A Holiday Tea held at the Congregational Church in Geneva is included in the $35 price of the ticket.

Both events are presented by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce with the support of the city of Geneva, sponsors and community volunteers. Proceeds from the house tour go to decorating the downtown for the holidays.

For information on these events and events all through the holiday season, visit www.genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060.