Find seasonal cheer at Geneva Christmas Walk
Tradition and surprise. It wouldn't be Christmas without them, and Geneva's Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour offer both.
The Christmas walk takes place 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in downtown Geneva at South Third and James streets and on State Street. The house tour is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.
Friday evening begins 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 Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn will be lit, and Santa Claus will arrive on a horse-drawn carriage. Santa and his trusted elf will then open their gingerbread home for visits from children.
Serenaded by carolers, families can stroll Geneva's historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts. Stores and restaurants will be open for holiday shopping and dining.
Those who aren't downtown might be touring holiday-decked homes. The Christmas House Tour showcases five Geneva homes festively decorated for the season by local designers and businesses:
Recent remodel: Relaxing and welcoming describes this brick and cedar home built in 1988. The second owners have made it their own by opening walls and creating spaces beneficial to this large family. Decorators have created a wintry white wedding at this house.
French cottage charmer: Double doors open to the surprisingly spacious French cottage style home located on a quiet cul-de-sac. The outside gardens reflect an Italian scene, while the inside combines furnishings from multiple European countries.
Comfortable ranch: Built in 1958, this lovely home is found on a friendly neighborhood street just minutes from a picture-postcard downtown. The homeowners have blended the updated additions with the original architecture, creating their own eclectic style. Fresh windows were added, keeping with the '50s design, as well as replacing wood trim and crown molding throughout most of the house.
Architectural beauty: Built in 2017, this home is not only the newest home on the house tour, but the first home in Cooper Woods. Overlooking the third hole, this 2,600-square-foot beauty feels as if it is situated in the middle of a small village. The views from the expansive windows are of a winter wonderland, while the interior brims with fresh greens and abundance of holiday spirit.
Historic gem: Settled amid towering trees, this 1912 Historic National Register home was built by well-known local artisan Oscar Wilson for his family of eight. Although the house is more than 100 years old, only four families have lived in this home. In 2007, extensive renovations were done to return the Craftsman bungalow to its original grandeur.
House walk tickets include a holiday tea and are available for $35. Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season. Purchase at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St.; online at genevachamber.com; by calling (630) 232-6060; or at any of the following locations: bb Interiors, city hall, Cocoon, Country Naturals, Heinz Brothers Greenhouse in St. Charles, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, and The Little Traveler.