Holiday decor, spirit shine at Geneva's Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour

Posted November 28, 2016 10:00 pm

By Jean Gaines President, Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Girls portraying Santa Lucia gather around the Christmas tree after passing out cookies at last year's Christmas Walk in Geneva. Daily Herald File Photo

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Geneva. The city is planning a magical experience for its 49th Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour.

Festivities take place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, in downtown Geneva.

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 illustrate the reason for the season. Dazzling window displays, brimming with gift ideas, invite shoppers to stroll through shops as merchants serve holiday refreshments.

This popular and family-friendly event offers visitors a very merry Friday evening full of hometown traditions as well as special treats - the arrival of Santa Lucia, Christmas cookies, the great tree-lighting, homemade candy canes, and a visit from Santa with the opening of his Gingerbread Home.

Treat yourself to the Christmas House Tour on Friday and Saturday. Five charming homes, aglow with holiday decorations, will open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. The personality of each home will illuminate 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 $30 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 details, visit www.genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060.

Kids and adults reach into the cookie tin carried by Molly McQueeny, 17, of Geneva, dressed as Santa Lucia, during the Geneva Christmas Walk. Daily Herald File Photo

Members of the Geneva High School band perform on Third Street during the Geneva Christmas Walk last year. Daily Herald File Photo

Visitors can take a free horse-drawn antique carriage ride through the historic district in Geneva from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3 through Dec. 18. The rides begin and end at the corner of South Third and James streets, travel down Third Street and back around to the courthouse. Courtesy of Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Geneva Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour

What: Christmas Walk events include visits from Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, Graham's Candy Cane parade, the tree-lighting, roasted chestnuts, carolers, shopping and many other family events. Five distinctive homes festively decorated open their doors during the Christmas House Tour.

When: Christmas Walk: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; Christmas House Tour: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Where: Christmas Walk festivities are held in downtown Geneva at South Third and James streets and on State St. The Geneva House Tour is at various locations in downtown Geneva; not all homes are within walking distance of each other.

Admission: Christmas Walk, free; House Tour tickets: $30

Parking: Public parking includes four parking lots and various street parking.

Details: Call the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at (630) 232-6060 or visit <a href="http://www.genevachamber.com">www.genevachamber.com</a>

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