Geneva rings in the holiday season with Christmas Walk and House Tour
Two of Geneva’s most beloved holiday traditions are back this year: the Geneva Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour, happening Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6.
“For many, the Christmas Walk and House Tour mark the official start of the holiday season,” said Johanna Patterson, communications director for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “We’re thrilled to bring back these joyful experiences that truly showcase the charm, spirit, and sense of community that Geneva is known for.”
Christmas Walk
The celebration begins on Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Geneva with the ever-popular Bob’s Candy Cane Parade down Third Street, starting at 5:45 p.m. at Graham’s, 302 S. Third St. It will lead up to the presentation of the first candy cane of the season by Graham’s Chocolates. The enchanting Santa Lucia, a symbol of Swedish tradition, will also make a special appearance, distributing cookies to attendees.
As the countdown begins, the community will gather for the lighting of the Christmas tree on the historic courthouse lawn. Moments later, Santa Claus arrives in true holiday style. Visits with Santa are already sold out.
Throughout the evening, visitors can enjoy live carolers, fresh-roasted chestnuts and the sights, sounds and smells of Geneva’s beautifully decorated shops and restaurants. For a full schedule of activities, visit genevachamber.com.
The 30th annual Candy Cane Pull will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, 302 S. Third St. Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 S. Third St., is hosting the Live Nativity on Friday at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Nutcracker dancers from Elise Flagg Academy of Dance will be performing in the windows of shops on State Street between Third and Second streets.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 102 S. Second St., is hosting its 42nd annual Cookie Walk from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Buy a box ($20) and fill it with your choice of festive homemade cookies, while supplies last. Each box holds 2-3 dozen cookies.
Warm up with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa as you enjoy the festivities on Third Street. Unitarian Universalist Church’s “Coffee and Cocoa” will be 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gazebo next to the Geneva History Museum. All proceeds support the church youth's Habitat for Humanity trip.
Also on Friday, gather in the historic chapel of St. Mark’s Church, 320 Franklin St., as the choir sings traditional Christmas carols from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Use the Fourth Street entrance). On Saturday, enjoy the St. Mark’s Players’ production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” complete with a set and Dickens-era costumes. Both programs at the church are free and open to the public.
On Saturday morning, enjoy the Geneva Lions Club’s 14th annual “Pancake Breakfast with Santa” from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave. It features live music, photos, crafts and breakfast. Cost is $10 or $8 for age 4-12; kids under age 3 are free. Tickets are at genevalionsclub.org/breakfast/.
Or head over to the “Whoville Breakfast Bash” from 9 to 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St. Join in this free Grinch-themed breakfast buffet with games, a craft, live music, and most importantly, “Storytime with the Grinch.” To enter the raffle of a Squishmallow Grinch or Max pillow, bring three cans of pet food for Kane County Senior Council.
Stop by the Geneva History Museum, 113 S. Third St., from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday to see the 18th-century nativity with 46 figures originally displayed by the originator of The Little Traveler since the 1930s. View Christmas trees decorated by local charities on display in the museum and vote for your favorite by purchasing tickets. All proceeds will benefit the local charities. Votes can also be made online at GenevaHistoryMuseum.org through Jan. 1. Displays open through Dec. 23.
Holiday House Tour
The magic continues with the Holiday House Tour, featuring five homes professionally decorated for the season by local designers. This self-guided tour offers inspiration, holiday spirit and a firsthand look at unique holiday decor inside some of Geneva’s most charming residences. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets, which include a holiday tea and the scent of the season from Inluro, are available for $42, while supplies last.
Homes on the tour include:
Stunning Modern Contemporary
Tucked beneath the trees and the stars sits a home that shines with both architectural history and heartfelt hospitality. Built in 1957 and lovingly expanded in recent years, this Modern Contemporary home seamlessly blends mid-century design with sophisticated luxury. During the holidays it glows with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of Christmas. Decorated by Boxwood Home Design and Cabinetry with outdoor lighting by Plandscape.
Traditional Beauty
Christmas sparkles in this elegant, traditional-style 4,100-square-foot Augustine Custom Home, built in 2002. Steep gables are traced in warm white lights; their clean outlines echoing the soft amber glow spilling from the home’s many windows. The stately landscape is dressed for the season with fresh pines, garlands, and twinkling strands of lights that make the entire yard shimmer with festive magic. Decorated by Little Red Barn Door with outdoor lighting by Plandscape.
Cape Cod Holiday Classic
Step into the glow of this spectacular 1947 Cape Cod Holiday Classic. Set on one of Geneva’s most prestigious tree-lined streets, this home is 3,600 square feet of timeless charm, thoughtful design and festive cheer. Decorated by SG Geneva (Scentimental Gardens) with outdoor lighting by AC Window Cleaning.
Timeless Greek Revival
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Greek Revival home in the historic district is one of the oldest homes in Geneva. Built between 1846 and 1853, and thoughtfully renovated in 2020, this 3,200-square-foot home beautifully blends old-world craftsmanship with modern comfort. The original limestone foundation and front doorway is dressed for the holidays in lavish greenery, its 1846 leaded glass transom remains intact, grounding the home in its rich past. Decorated by Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center.
Elegant Farmhouse
Discover the charm of this elegant holiday farmhouse, lovingly restored and glowing with Christmas spirit. With roots dating back to the 19th century, this storied property holds generations of history and character. Once the home of Martin Thompson, devoted caretaker of Island Park for over 20 years, the home was thoughtfully renovated in 2019 with the help of Wetmore Construction. Decorated by Farmdog Flowers with outdoor lighting by Fox Valley Lighting.
Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season. Purchase at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 South Third St., online at genevachamber.com or at any of the locations listed below (in Geneva unless indicated otherwise).
Call (630) 232-6060 to preorder over the phone. Tickets will not be for sale at the homes.
• Cocoon, 212 S. Third St., Geneva (630) 232-8340
• Country Naturals, 316 Campbell St., Geneva (630) 232-1172
• Little Red Barn Door, 21 S. Third St., Geneva (630) 402-0072
• SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St., Geneva (630) 232-1303
• Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles (630) 377-6288
• Farmdog Flowers, 239 W. Wilson St., Batavia (630) 326-9432
Above locations only accept cash or check.
Swish Avenue, 1510 Commons Drive, Geneva hello@swishavenue.com (credit only)
“We invite visitors from near and far to experience the warmth, beauty, and community spirit that make Geneva so special this time of year,” Patterson said in the release.
• Daily Herald staff contributed to this report.