The most wonderful time of the year is here again, and the best way to spend it is in St. Charles, IL! Enjoy the many holiday activities, local shops, and winter specials this season.
Walk around the Holiday Tree Trail
Visit downtown St. Charles to see this year’s Holiday Tree Trail! Located along First Street and the river walkway are 50+ live trees that were decorated by local businesses and organizations. If you walk the tree trail around lunch time, you can stop in one of our amazing restaurants during your visit (Brunch Cafe and Gia Mia are great spots)!
Thinking of an evening visit? See how these trees illuminate the downtown area and get everyone excited for the holiday season.
Music and the Arts
St. Charles is home to some amazing music venues! Grab the family and see performances at venues such as:
Throughout December, Arcada has a great selection of holiday music performances in their newly renovated theatre! Come and see the remodel and enjoy performances such as the Chris Issak Holiday Tour, Kenny G’s Miracles of Holiday and Hits Tour 2021, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Bret Michaels Christmas Party, Ides of March Christmas Show and the Trans Infinity Orchestra performing a Trans Siberian Holiday Show Salute!
Or check out their various holiday movies playing throughout the month including a seasonal favorite, It’s a Wonderful Life!
Steel Beam Theatre is back and has several holiday shows for families to enjoy! Running until Dec. 19, Home for the Holidays: A Christmas Cabaret featuring Steel Beam regular, Douglas Orlyk, will be available to see. Tickets are available on their website.
The Norris Center
The Norris Cultural Arts Center will be hosting various Holiday performances including Maureen Christine, Michael Bazan, & the 1st Choice Big Band performing Songs of the Season on Dec. 18. You can also tune in online for their Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival to watch a variety of local singers and instrumentalists performance holiday pieces for free. You can check those videos out here!
Holiday Shopping
Support local this Holiday season! Instead of ordering online, stop in one of our small businesses to find amazing gifts! We have it all from apparel places such as Jeans and Cute Top Shop and Dick Pond Athletics, craft brew gifts from one of our five amazing breweries or homemade cider from Broken Brix Homebrew Shop, soaps and candles at Magnolia Soap and Bath Co., books from TownHouse Books, home décor and furniture at The Pep Line, Trend + Relic or SG Too, materials for DIY projects at St. Charles Hardware and so much more. Don’t forget Von Maur for unbelievable customer service and FREE gift wrapping!
You can also support small businesses by purchasing a gift card at one of our amazing restaurants or retailers!
Winter Activities
Brave the cold this season with some great outdoor activities! Once it’s cold enough, you can head over to David Park or Lincoln Park for ice-skating, sledding at Langum Park or Timber Trails Park, or do some cross country skiing! You can find information on the St. Charles Park District’s website.
Primrose Farm also has some great winter activities such as their Winter Stargazing and Primrose Kohlfahrt to check out as well!
Warm Up After the Outdoors
Get a hot drink or soup to help get rid of those winter chills! Stop by Arcedium Coffeehouse, Coroco Coffee or Kava Diem for freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate, lattes, and more. Our restaurants also have some amazing soups to warm you up such as a Pho soup from Pho 95 or Chicken Mulligatawny from Town House Café.
Indoor Activities
Escape the cold and have some fun at St. Charles Bowl or Urban Air Adventure Park with your family! Or, perfect your golf swing at Brian King’s Performance Golf or Mike’s Golf Center – where you can rent indoor golf simulators to practice your swing!
If you would prefer a more relaxed vibe, you can catch live music performances – all the weekly performances can be found on our website. Otherwise you can explore our six craft breweries, make some holiday art at our paint and sip businesses (Pinot’s Palette or Board and Brush), catch a movie (and special Holiday movies) at the Charlestowne 18 Theatre and more! For some family-friendly activities, check the St. Charles Library for some great events as well!
Take a Break
The holidays can also be a stressful time, so take some time to unwind and relax. Book a night or two in one of our amazing hotels, where you can find safe, comfortable accommodations and peace and quiet. Schedule a day of pampering and de-stressing with a massage at one of our massages or salon businesses or yoga at one of our local yoga studios.
St. Charles is ready for you!
No matter what you’re looking for, St. Charles is the place for you to celebrate the Holidays and bring in the New Year. We hope you have a safe time traveling, and Happy Holidays!