Celebrate the holidays with shopping, food and fun at Water Street Downtown Naperville

The owners, merchants and restaurants of Water Street in downtown Naperville have holiday plans that will create a warm welcome for everyone. After the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness has subsides, Water Street invites families and friends, shoppers and diners to enjoy a holiday season filled with light, love and music.

Thanks to Marquette Companies, Ryan Hill Group, Busey Bank, Gerald Cares and Naperville Bank & Trust along with many other community sponsors, NaperLights returns with even more lights and experiences to enjoy from Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Visit Santa under the Great Tree on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Families can spy what is happening in Santa' Workshop as the North Pole Cam projects into the windows of city hall.

In addition, a Giant Christmas Bear and the colorful Foyo Plaza Arch will be the perfect places to pose for holiday photos.

NaperLights is produced each year by Naperville Sunrise Rotary. Volunteers are eager to greet you with the ever-popular holographic viewing glasses on weekend evenings. Donations welcome.

Special holiday offers from Hotel Indigo and gift certificate specials from Solaia Luxury Salon and Spa will make booking the family in for the holidays even more inviting.

Bring the kids on an Elf Hunt and a Menorah Hunt in windows throughout downtown including many Water Street shops through Dec. 27 and don't miss the holiday windows at Sparrow Coffee when you stop in for a warmup of coffee, cocoa or a bakery treat. Remember to stop at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop for catering, custom cakes, ice cream delivered or a generous scoop of Chocolate Therapy, Coffee, Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz or Netflix 'n Chilll'd.

While shopping for a treasure trove of clothing, jewelry, antiques and gifts, check out the new winter menus at Quiubo, Santo Cielo, Vasili's Mediterranean, Blue Sushi and SixtyFour Wine Bar, which also features live music every Wednesday evening. Reserve a spot at the Moet & Chandon Sparkling Wine Tasting on Thursday, Dec. 29. Visit sixtyfourwinebar.com for details.

Looking for a little relaxation during the season? London Skye will offer Sound Bath Mediation class with Yoga Edge every Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. along with shopping discounts.

For more activities, visit DowntownNaperville.com.