Geneva Christmas Walk, Holiday House Tour usher in the season
Tradition and surprise. It would not be Christmas without them, and Geneva's Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour offer both.
Geneva begins the holiday season with the Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 3 and Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4.
Christmas Walk
On Friday, events kick off at 6 p.m. with Graham's Chocolates' First Candy Cane of the season being presented with great fanfare followed by the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, who will offer Swedish cookies to merrymakers. The Christmas tree is lit and the Courthouse lawn becomes aglow. The young and young at heart will wait with anticipation as Santa Claus arrives. Santa will open his home for visits from excited children while All Chocolate Kitchen recreates their record-breaking candy cane.
Serenaded by carolers, families can stroll Geneva's historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts, and dodging into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way.
Visit with Santa continue on weekends through Dec. 19. Make your reservation at www.genevachamber.com/festivals-events/christmas-walk/.
You can drop off letters at the North Pole post office on the Courthouse Lawn. If you enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope he will be sure and write back.
Holiday House Tour
Those who are not downtown might be touring holiday-decked homes during the Holiday House Tour, which runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. A diversity of homes and the creativity of local designers make this event a special Geneva tradition.
The Farmhouse: A luminaria-lit path leads you to one of the many entrances for this 5,000 square foot home. Hospitality and cheerfulness are the first impressions you feel upon entering the 2018, four-bedroom house. Festively decorated by Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center with contributor Little Red Barn Door.
Architectural Beauty: Towering trees create a secluded garden for this 6,000 plus square foot home; that originally had a railroad trestle running through the property. Built-in 2006, a touch of Tuscany can be found throughout this five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home. The front doors, with wrought iron insets, welcome you inside. Festively decorated by Haven Interiors Studio and Platt Hill Nursery.
Custom Home: This home defines the phrase "great curb appeal." Brown paned windows glisten in the December sun. Warm wooden beams surround the covered porch where you can rock away any worries night or day. Festively decorated by Haven Design Group and Plandscape.
Captivating Ranch: This captivating ranch home was built in 1954. In 2015, the homeowners fully renovated and redesigned this 3,100 square foot home to its present beauty. Festively decorated by Geneva Design House by Strawflower.
Mid-Century Charmer: In a neighborhood where most of the homes were built in the 1950s and '60s, this midcentury ranch is no wallflower. The homeowners who purchased it in 2018 had the vision to restore it back to its 1962 splendor, but with present-day conveniences. Walking through the bright orange door, you know this house will be anything but "square." Festively decorated by Gatherings by Design and Plandscape.
Tickets, $35, include a holiday tea and a special treat from 360° Flavor & Spice or The Olive Mill (while supplies last). Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season.
Online sales have closed but you can purchase tickets at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St., or at any of the following locations: Haven Interiors Studio, 15 S. Third St.; Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles; Little Barn Baby, 207 S. Third St., No. 110; Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1308 Commons Drive; or SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St. Check on www.genevachamber.com/festivals-events/holiday-house-tour/ to see if tickets are still available.
The above locations accept cash and checks made payable to Geneva Chamber. This event may sell out. Call the chamber at (630) 232-6060 to pre-order over the phone. Tickets will not be for sale at the homes.
Cocoa Crawl
On Dec. 11, take some time for the Cocoa Crawl. Visit 17 downtown Geneva businesses to sample some cocoa creations - some with a kick, must be 21 or older to taste. While you are in the holiday spirit, check out Carol on Campbell. This event includes hot cocoa and a goody bag for the children. Both events require reservations and can be purchased at genevachamber.com.
Visit www.genevachamber.com/festivals-events/christmas-walk/.