The holidays are officially upon us, and the western suburbs are all aglow with lights and decorations lining the streets as shoppers crowd the stores searching for the perfect gift for their loved ones. Christmas in the western suburbs is a magical time, where traditions of the past mix with traditions of the present.
If you are thinking of a move to the western suburbs of Chicago, Christmas is the best time to visit and see these lovely villages at their best. Every western suburb is full of holiday cheer with everyone out and about enjoying this truly magical time of the year. So we thought we would share with you a sample of the holiday events happening around town that we look forward to annually. From Hinsdale to Naperville, Elmhurst to Downers Grove and a few in between, there is a lot to do and see this holiday season. Get your hot chocolate ready and your mittens on because we have a calendar full of holiday fun!
Naperville, IL
Visit one of the most sought after communities, rated as one of the best places to live. Naperville is a beautiful place to work and raise a family and there’s plenty going on during the holidays.
Naper Lights (Now through New Years)
150,000 lights in beautiful displays and a talking tree return to Water Street in downtown Naperville this year, not to mention the bright lights adorning the trees and the colorful arch on Foyo Plaza in downtown Naperville. Bask in the glow as you wrap up some holiday shopping or check out one of many restaurants around the town.
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play (Dec. 12, 17, & 19)
Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College,
31 S. Ellsworth • Naperville
Lights and Decorations Trolley Tours (through Dec. 26)
Climb aboard and see Naperville’s highly decorated homes from the historic Naperville Trolley. Public and private tours are available daily. Check website for times.
Naperville
630-355-2242
Lombard, IL
Lombard, home to Century Moving Company and known as “The Lilac Village,” is a long-standing community filled with friendly neighbors and businesses. They celebrate the holidays with a mix of vintage and modern charm. This year they even brought the community together with “You’ve Been Elfed,” which was the opportunity to register for a surprise visit from the Lombard elves, complete with a candy cane hunt and lawn sign. Now that’s holiday spirit! And there’s even more to do in Lombard this time of year.
Holiday Lights at Lilacia Park (every night through New Year’s)
Holiday displays illuminate the park each night, complete with different events, like light shows, tree decorations, gingerbread house, visits from Santa, caroling, and more.
Merry Christmas Tours of the Victorian Cottage (Dec. 17, 18 and 23)
Get a once-a-year holiday tour of the Victorian Cottage at the historical society in Lombard. Visitors get a glimpse at the way Victorians celebrated Christmas complete with vintage décor and delicious aromas of the season. Limit 12 people per tour.
23 W. Maple Street Lombard, IL
Lombardhistory.org
Glen Ellyn, IL
Just miles from Chicago, the western suburb of Glen Ellyn as all the offerings of a big city with a small town feel. The historic downtown is filled with plenty to do, especially at the holidays.
Stories with Santa (Dec. 14, 2pm-4pm)
Stop by Glen Ellyn’s downtown fire station to take pictures with Santa and his reindeer. Helpers from the Glen Ellyn public library will be there to share holiday stories and facts on reindeer.
Holiday Movies at Glen Ellyn Art Theater (Dec. 18)
Enjoy free kid-friendly movies throughout the month of December, including Polar Express and The Grinch.
Elmhurst, IL
Named by Family Circle Magazine as one of the “Ten Best U.S. Towns for Families,” Elmhurst offers neighborhoods filled with historic charm. Some of the Century Moving staff call Elmhurst home and enjoy its strong school system and friendly neighbors.
Elmhurst Holly Trolley (every Saturday through 12/18)
Hop aboard the trolley and enjoy a festive ride to shopping and holiday events in Elmhurst! There’s even enter-to-win prizes and other games aboard as well. The track the trolley link shows you the routes.
Wilder Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show (through Jan. 9, 8a-6p daily)
Warm up inside the Wilder Conservatory during its annual flower show. The show features poinsettias and other seasonal varieties and is free to visitors.
Wheaton, IL
Ranked among the best places to live, Wheaton is the home of Wheaton College and is perfect for family activities year round, including the beautiful Cantigny Park filled with military history displays and beautiful grounds, Cosley Zoo, shopping, and restaurants.
Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale (through December 30, 9am-9pm)
Start a family tradition with a visit to Cosley Zoo during the holidays. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, fresh cut trees, greenery, and of course hot chocolate. There are also various gifts available at the Wild Side Gift Shop. All proceeds benefit zoo programs. Lights come on at 3pm. The zoo is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove is a western suburb 22 miles from Chicago and home to many large companies and small businesses such as Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Coventry Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Midwestern University. During the holidays, they do it up right with plenty to do for visitors to the town.
Strolling Carolers (Dec. 18 from 12pm – 1:30pm)
Enjoy the sounds of the holidays as you shop downtown on Saturday afternoons. Children from scouting and school groups fill the air with their harmonious voices.
Gingerbread Man Hunt (through Dec. 23)
Bring the kids and search over forty windows of participating downtown businesses to spot the gingerbread man and the unique piece of clothing he’s wearing. Searchers finding at least 15 gingerbread men can claim their prize at the Downers Grove Library. Happy hunting!
Hinsdale, IL
Hinsdale is a perfect place to live or visit for the shopper or history buff, with a variety of unique shops housed in buildings on the National Historic Register. Join in the festive fun in one of Hinsdale’s premier parks, and don’t forget the fun and festive shopping in downtown too!
Holidays Hinsdale (Dec. 18 from 11am-2pm)
Bundle up the kids and head over to the fun and free holiday events in Burlington Park. Enjoy gingerbread cookies, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits from Santa and much more.
The Western Suburbs of Chicago are a great place to be year round, but the holidays are a special time, filled with community spirit in each of these towns and villages. Century Moving is proud to have moved numerous families to and from these communities—so much so that we consider them all our adopted hometowns! Whether you are moving in or out, Century Moving and our “little elves” are happy to help you do the packing and/or moving. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (630)-889-2700 or visit centurymove.com