It's hard to believe that the holidays are already among us. It seems like only yesterday that we were enjoying the excitement of the summer, boating on the Fox River, and soaking up the sunshine. However, the beginning of the winter is spectacular in this town, with local businesses hosting festive events and performances to make the season merry and bright! Continue reading to learn more.
Steel Beam Theatre - Absurd Person Singular
November 30th - December 23rd
Photos Courtesy of Steel Beam Theatre
The holiday season is a great time to enjoy the performing arts, and the Steel Beam Theatre sure has the perfect play that everyone is sure to love. Running from November 30th - December 23rd, you can watch Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular. This play follows three couples, in three kitchens, on three successive Christmas Eves, with loads of drama and laughs to go along with it. To find more information, and to purchase your tickets, please click here.
December 1st
Photo #2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
If you're trying to get your seasonal shopping wrapped up (or started), visit 1st Street on December 1st from 5pm - 8pm for the St. Charles Sip and Shop! Three local businesses - Boutique Baby, Jeans & A Cute Top Shop, and MION Artisan Soap are participating, and there will be complimentary wine, pop-up vendors, and specials including 10% off at MION Artisan Soap that night. Plus, while you're there, sample organic juices from newly-opened Extract Juicery! For more details, click here.
Marquee Youth Stage - WT Production's Seasonal Gifts
December 1st - 3rd & December 8th - 10th
Photos Courtesy of Marquee Youth Stage
Taking Christmas and looking at it from a different perspective - WT Productions is back at Marquee Youth Stage this season performing "Seasonal Gifts" from December 1st - 3rd and 8th - 10th. This collection of six short plays contains light comedy, dark comedy, and drama, combining characters and plots from the previous five plays. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please click here.
Durant-Peterson House and Sholes School - Candlelight
December 2nd & 3rd
Photos Courtesy of the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley
Did you ever wonder what the holidays were like during life on the prairie? Well, On December 2nd and December 3rd from 3pm - 7pm, you can see for yourself by visiting the Durant-Peterson House! Hear the sounds of music in the parlor, and taste the flavors of old-fashioned ginger cake! Afterwards, you'll head over to Sholes School for a lesson and hands-on activities! Click here for more details and for tickets.
Norris Cultural Arts Center - Home for the Holidays
December 3rd
Photos Courtesy of Fox Valley Concert Band
Norris Cultural Center's Annual Holiday Concert is back again this year! Home for the Holidays, performed by the Fox Valley Concert Band, will take place on December 3rd from 3pm - 4:30pm at Norris Theatre. The concert is exceptional for getting you into the holiday mood, with holiday tunes we all know and love. Admission to this concert is free, but donations are encouraged.
Colonial Cafe - Supper with Santa
December 8th
Photos Courtesy of Colonial Cafe
It's hard to come up with a better dinner guest than Santa Claus himself. This year, he's joining Colonial Cafe for a supper you won't forget! On Friday, December 8th, from 4:30pm - 7:30pm, stop by to meet the big man in red, make a fun craft, and indulge in a special kids menu. To learn more, please click here.
Trend + Relic - Holiday Cheer Ladies Night
December 8th
Photos Courtesy of Trend + Relic
Still need to get your holiday shopping done? Join Trend + Relic on December 8th for their Holiday Cheer Ladies Night from 5pm - 9pm! This after hours event, will include live music from Afternoon Logic, a photo booth, food, drinks, and of course lots of shopping! To learn more, please click here.
Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling - Beer, Charity & Music
December 15th
Photos Courtesy of Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling
Bring your holiday spirit to Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling on December 15th, and show support for a wonderful cause at their Beer, Charity & Music event. This event will go towards benefiting Project Mobility and their mission. Beginning at 7:30pm you can take part in raffles, further opportunities to donate, live music from InFunktious featuring Courtney Stone, and everyone's favorite part, Pollyanna's incredible libations. Find more information about this event here.
What Are You Most Looking Forward to This Holiday Season?
Enjoying Holiday Treats
Listening to Holiday Music
Exploring the Snow
Going Holiday Shopping
Eden Events - Christmas Kids Party
December 17th
Photos Courtesy of Eden Events
Searching for a holiday party that kids will love? Search no further, as Eden Events is hosting a Christmas Kids Party! On December 17th from 4pm-7pm, you children can dive into their delicious, family buffet, get festive with face painting, dance to the sounds of music, and of course, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is one event that will make your children more excited than Christmas morning! Make sure to make your reservations here.
Arcada Theatre - Holiday Music Performances
Throughout the Season
Photos Courtesy of Arcada Theatre
One of the elements that makes this time of year so magical is all of the holiday music. Instead of settling with only listening to it on the radio, why don't you experience a live performance at the Arcada Theatre! All season long, they host an array of musical performances that will put you in that jolly mood, including Kenny G - The Miracles Holiday and Hits 2023, Heart 2 Heartbreaker Chicago's Own Piano Man Band - Christmas Rock Extravaganza, Christmas Wizards...A Night of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and More Starring Infinity, and that's just the beginning. To view their full list of upcoming events, and to purchase your tickets, please click here.
Throughout the Season
Photos Courtesy of Moonlight Theatre
Spend the holidays enjoying quality entertainment with Moonlight Theatre - a historic theatre with a cozy atmosphere ideal for this time of the year! Throughout December, they are hosting a variety of holiday events, including music performances, A Christmas Carol Murder Mystery - The Funeral of Jacob Marley, and visits with Santa. The music performances they are having are second-to-none, including the Shout Section Big Band Christmas Classics with St. Charles East High School Jazz Band on December 17th, and Classical Blast: Dark Side of the Yule on December 23rd. Click here to view all their upcoming performances. Trust us, you will not be disappointed!
Photos Courtesy of Rock 'N Ravioli
Celebrate the season at Rock 'N Ravioli's (located inside the Arcada Theatre), Holiday Party on December 7th! This festive gathering gives you chance to experience the magic of the holidays with the community, while you enjoy live entertainment, a buffet dinner, open bar, and a dessert table! Space is limited so call to make your reservations today!
Rock 'N Ravioli has a problem. They need help decorating their Christmas Tree, in hopes that a cranky creature with a heart two sizes too small doesn't ruin the fun! Join them on December 10th for Lunch with the Grinch. There will be a lunch buffet, creating of one of a kind ornaments and more! For tickets and more information, please click here.
What if we told you that you can have the most important important meal of the day with Santa himself! On December 2nd at 10am - 1pm inside Rock 'N Ravioli, and December 23rd at 10am - 1pm inside Club Arcada, you can do just that with Breakfast with Santa! You'll not only get to meet him, but you can also take a photo, and every child will get a gift from Santa, too! To get tickets for December 2nd, click here. For tickets on December 23rd, click here.
Need some more ideas on how to spend the holiday season? Download the FREE Travel St. Charles App today here - the number #1 resource to find all things St. Charles.