Geneva's annual holiday showcase to light up downtown

Geneva is preparing for its annual Christmas Walk and House Tour Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4.

Five homes, aglow with holiday decorations, will open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The personality of each home will illuminate when local decorators and landscapers work with homeowners to create holiday magic.

You can pre-order your tickets now by calling the Geneva Chamber at (630) 232-6060.

A Holiday Tea held at the Congregational Church in Geneva is included in the $28 price of the ticket; $30 if purchased Dec 3 or 4.

Proceeds of the house tour are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season.

Friday evening begins with the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, brought by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to merry-makers. Then Santa Claus will arrive and the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn is lit. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then open their gingerbread home for visits from children.

Among the twinkling lights and fresh greenery lined streets, chestnuts are roasting over open fires, carolers are filling the night air with seasonal favorites and a live Nativity scene is taking place.

For more information, call the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at (630) 232-6060 or visit online at genevachamber.com.