Geneva Christmas Walk & Holiday House Tour returns Dec. 2-3
Tradition and surprise. It wouldn't be Christmas without them, and Geneva's Christmas Walk and House Tour on Dec. 2-3 offer both.
Friday evening begins at 6 p.m. with Bob's Candy Cane Parade and 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 and the Grinch makes a stop in Geneva.
Reservations to visit Santa are still available for Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at www.genevachamber.com.
This year, the Christmas Walk is sponsored by Little Barn Baby and Holiday House Tour by Little Red Barn Door.
Serenaded by carolers, families stroll Geneva's historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts, and dodging into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way.
Holiday House Tour
The Holiday House Tour on Dec. 2-3 is another tradition. Thanks to the diversity of homes and the creativity of local designers, it's filled with unexpected treats. House tour hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
• Custom Home: Built in 2020, this 8,500 square-foot, six-bedroom home overflows with craftsmanship, including detailed trims and moldings. The first home, on this property, was built almost 100 years ago by relatives of the Morton Salt Co. It has been said that some of the home's landscaping was obtained through a surplus from the Morton Arboretum.
Festively decorated by Little Red Barn Door (littleredbarndoor.com or (630) 402-0072), and Plandscape (plandscapeinc.com or (630) 365-2558) with contributor GROW Geneva (growgeneva.com or (630) 470-3637).
• Historic Gem: Nestled in a historic neighborhood and built in 1907, this plaqued home is often referred to as The Cannon Home. A marvelous Queen Anne, lovingly restored over many decades, by the current owners, who have lived there for almost 30 years. The cozy front porch is hugged with custom railings designed and made by the family.
Festively decorated by SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens (sggeneva.com or (630) 232-1303) with contributor All Chocolate Kitchen (allchocolatekitchen.com or (630) 232-2395).
• Captivating Townhome: Situated in a quiet neighborhood, amid snowy trees, the Cabeens are the original owners of this 2006 home. The initial design was greatly modified by the couple to accommodate their lifestyle. Walking up to the front door, you enjoy joyful greenery. While the holiday spirit is overflowing outside, stories behind the splendid collections are overflowing inside. Festively decorated by Lifestyle Design (lifestyledesigngeneva.com or (630) 262-3366) and Geneva Garden Club (genevagardenclub.com or (630) 926-6406).
• Century Old Wonder: In 1922, the Wilson Brothers, famed for both the volume and the high quality of their construction, built this American Foursquare brick design home. Wilson's construction was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Who better to decorate a 100-year-old home than a business celebrating 100 years, The Little Traveler. While the current family has lived here only six years, they are just the third family to enjoy this 3000 square-foot bungalow.
Festively decorated by The Little Traveler (littletraveler.com or (630) 232-4200).
• Architectural Beauty: This 8,500-square-foot, six bed, four and a half bath, modern farmhouse is the second home on this site and the Mehren family is fortunate to be the second generation living here. The homeowner's grandparents, Vic and June Lencioni, had a home on the property for 50 years. Even though they were not ready to call Geneva home again, with the wonderful times remembered, they could not imagine someone else owning 611 N. First St.
Festively decorated by Haven Design Group (havendesigngroup.com or (773) 220-2501) and Neri Landscape (nerilandscape.com or (630) 443-4722).
Holiday tea
Tickets include a holiday tea and a special treat from Scentcerely Yours (while supplies last) and are available for $38.
Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season.
Online orders have closed. To order tickets, call the Geneva Chamber office, (630) 232-6060 or come by office at 8 S. Third St. during business hours. They are not able to accept ticket orders left on the general voicemail.
Tickets, which will not be for sale at the homes, are available at any of the locations listed below (in Geneva unless indicated otherwise).
• Cocoon, 212 S. Third St., (630) 232-8340
• Country Naturals, 316 Campbell St., (630) 232-1172
• Little Barn Baby, 15 S. Third St., Unit 110, (331) 248-0568
• Little Red Barn Door, 21 S. Third St., (630) 402-0072
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1308 Commons Drive, (630) 208-1484
• SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St., (630) 232-1303
Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E Main St., St. Charles, (630) 377-6288
Note: The above locations accept cash and check (made payable to Geneva Chamber). This event may sell out.