Experience the holiday spirit in Naperville with a variety of festive events this season. Enjoy highlights like Naper Lights, Trolley Light Tours, live music and local dining—there’s holiday fun for everyone from December 12 to 14. Dress warmly and join in the celebrations.
Friday
Kreger’s Brats and Sausage Haus!
10AM to 3PM Fridays and Saturdays at Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus – 606 N. Ellsworth Naperville, IL 60563
Since 1893, Kreger’s has been a cornerstone of the community, now serving as a wonderful stop for lunch, conversation and camaraderie every Friday and Saturday. With brats on the grill, let Mary Jo know that you know Bill’s wurst is the best. Find 22 fresh flavors as well as fresh made salads, fresh cooked buns, pickles, desserts and more. Pre-order at (630) 355-4418. And be reminded Kreger’s sauerkraut slaw is tasty atop a brat or all by itself! Thanks for supporting your local sausage dealer. www.kregersbrats.com.
Downtown Naperville Gift Cards help make season bright!
Downtown Naperville Gift Cards are valid for use at more than 150-plus downtown shops, spas, restaurants and Hotel Indigo. Designed to celebrate every season, gift cards may be purchased in any amount from $10-$500. Check out the downtown directory for the full listing of establishments accepting gift cards. Note also, Downtown Naperville Gift Cards are available for purchase at the Downtown Naperville Alliance, 131 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite 223, 9AM-3PM Monday thru Friday, during the holiday season.
Naperville Art League Gallery of Gifts – Holiday Sale
Runs through December 20 at Naperville Art League – 508 N. Center St. Naperville, IL 60540
Original art is for sale by local artists at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery including jewelry, wall art, wearable art, ornaments, decorations and more. Hours: 10AM to 5PM Tuesday-Friday and 10AM to 4PM Saturday. Runs through December 20. Find more info at www.napervilleartleague.com.
Naper Lights Hosted by Naperville Sunrise Rotary
4 to 10PM at Water Street and Naperville Municipal Center – 120 Water Street
Naperville, IL 60540
A Free Winter Wonderland. Enjoy this free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound as you stroll through Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville! Hosted by Naperville Sunrise Rotary. Thanksgiving through New Year 4PM – 10PM.
Chili Night with NCHS Veterans Club
5:30 to 7:30PM at Naperville VFW – 908 Jackson Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Visit Chili Night for an evening and fundraiser in support of the Naperville Central High School Veterans Club! This event is proudly hosted by the NCHS Vet Club and the Naperville American Legion Post 43. All proceeds will help provide meaningful assistance to local veterans in our community. Adults $10, Kids $5.
Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert
7:30PM Friday, December 12 at Wentz Concert Hall – 171 East Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
The Naperville Municipal Band will delight audiences with festive holiday classics during its annual Holiday Concert, creating an uplifting atmosphere filled with the sounds of the season. Perfect for families and music lovers of all ages. Admission is free.
Epic Theatre Company’s Let It Be Christmas
Nine performances, December 12-21 at Community Christian Church – 1635 Emerson Lane Naperville, IL 60540
Let it Be Christmas (The Gospel According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George, and Ringo) is Epic Theatre Company’s original rock-opera nativity story, told in two acts. Follow Mary and Joe down “the long and winding road” to Bethlehem while our full band and fab ensemble uses the timeless music of the Beatles to tell the greatest story of all time. All performances of Let it Be Christmas are held at Community Christian Church’s “The Yellow Box” in Naperville. Tickets on sale at letitbechristmas.org.
Naperville Holiday Lights Trolley Tours
Times vary thru December 28 throughout Naperville
Hop on the Naperville Trolley and enjoy a festive tour of the city’s best holiday light displays! For the past 30 years, this FAMOUS Trolley Tour has been the tradition of many residents and visitors alike! Let us drive you as we Trolley-la-la-la past many beautifully decorated homes for the Holidays in December while you sit back and enjoy time with your friends and family. Pricing for public Dec. Holiday Light Trolley Tours: December 8-11: $25+$3.75/driver gratuity = $28.75 per person (plus online booking fee.)December 12-28: $30+$4.50/driver gratuity = $34.50 per person (plus online booking fee.) Tickets at napervilletrolley.com.
Saturday
NCAA Football Division III Playoffs – Quarterfinal
Kickoff at Noon – Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on the campus of North Central College.
University of Bethel Royals vs. North Central College Cardinals.
Bundle up to watch what’s next for the North Central College Cardinals during the Quarterfinal game. Quarterfinal game times are set to begin at 11AM and eight teams will be streamed live on ESPN + for quarterfinal action. The Stagg Bowl featuring the NCAA Football Division III Finals will be broadcast live on ESPN Sun., Jan. 4, 2026, from Canton, Ohio, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Meanwhile, the earlier playoff rounds are this weekend with the final games before the championship on December 20. (FYI: Drive time to Canton from Naperville is about 6 hours, 45 minutes, give or take.)
Holly Jolly Days
1-6PM at Naper Settlement – 523 South Webster St. Naperville, IL 60540
Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more. Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Roast chestnuts over an open fire at the Log House. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to Christmas stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. End your visit with a special family photo at our Victorian Christmas photo stop at the Martin Mitchell Mansion. The Weed Ladies of the Naperville Heritage Society will also be selling their beautiful handmade floral arrangements during Holly Jolly Days on December 6-7 & December 13-14. Tickets and info: napersettlement.org/hollyjollydays.
Camerata Chicago Orchestra and Choir perform Handel’s Messiah
3PM Saturday, December 13 at New Covenant Church – 1 Bunting Lane Naperville, IL 60565
Enjoy the outstanding musical artistry of Camerata Chicago and its wonderful choir performing the Messiah (Part I Christmas) by Handel with the Hallelujah Chorus. Tickets at cameratachicago.ticketspice.com.
Naperville Chorus – Christmas With a Flourish
7PM Saturday, December 13 at Wentz Concert Hall – 171 E Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Feel a rush of holiday spirit with the Naperville Chorus’s “Christmas with a Flourish” with the Pete Ellman Big Band, featuring foot-tapping jazz and traditional arrangements of seasonal music, and Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Get tickets at northcentral.vbotickets.com.
Paint and Sip at Pinot’s Palette
Afternoon & Evening at Pinot’s Palette – 175 Jackson Ave Suite 123, Naperville, IL 60540
Pinot’s Palette presents the perfect way to celebrate! Whether it’s a girls’ night out, a date night, or just a “me” night, this one’s all about slowing down, laughing lots, and creating something you’ll love to display all year long. Reserve your seat today and treat yourself to a little holiday escape. For prices (they vary), information and party planning, visit www.pinotspalette.com/naperville/events. Open just about every day, Pinot’s Palette, now in its 16th year, is located at 175 Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Great gift idea for a family outing and for the holidays!
Chicago Sinfonietta’s Holidays of Hope: Don’t Miss a Jazzy Twist on The Nutcracker!
Sunday
Enjoy Every Day at Quigley’s Irish Pub
11AM Daily at Quigley’s Irish Pub – 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville
Quigley’s Irish Pub features live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The pub also offers a variety of spaces for all types of special events and fundraisers. Meanwhile, stop by for honest pub fare and an Irish Coffee or enjoy a cold pint in the friendly pub EDAQ, Every Day at Quigley’s.
Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for any day
11:30AM to 9PM at Mesón Sabika – 1025 Aurora Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
Find a choice in dining rooms and private spaces at Mesón Sabika to sample Spanish tapas and delicious sangria for lunch and dinner every day. Located just west of downtown Naperville at 1025 Aurora Avenue, Mesón Sabika has been serving the community since 1990. Built in 1847, the historic mansion with eight air-conditioned dining rooms is set in a beautifully landscaped four-acre estate, providing a welcoming sight with plenty of parking for lunch, dinner, special events, benefits, weddings, meetings and family gatherings throughout the year. Gift Certificates are always available. And reservations now are being accepted for New Year’s Eve!
DuPage Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Magic
3PM and 5PM Sunday, December 14 at Wentz Concert Hall – 171 East Chicago Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
A beloved seasonal tradition, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert showcases an array of holiday favorites from around the world. A variety of religious and cultural traditions, representing both Christmas and Hanukkah, are celebrated with lively medleys and fresh orchestral arrangements. A special guest narrator joins the DSO to relate a charming holiday tale. And who knows: perhaps that special someone will appear at Wentz Hall once again to lead a rousing rendition of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride!” Tickets at northcentral.vbotickets.com.
Giant Menorah Lighting & Menorah Car Parade – Downtown Naperville
Menorah Car Parade begins at 5PM at the Abrams Center for Jewish Life, 651 Amersale Drive, followed by Giant Menorah Lighting at 6PM, Jefferson Ave. at Webster Street.
Drive together from Abrams Center through town to the front of Nichols Library in Downtown Naperville. Participants simply bring their cars—special menorahs will be provided for the parade. A Giant Menorah Lighting is set for 6PM, at the corner of Jefferson & Webster. The community is invited to enjoy sufganiyot (donuts), gelt, and latkes, along with festive music and holiday spirit. Note that the eight days of Hanukkah (Also spelled Chanukah) 2025 begins at sundown on Sun., Dec. 14, and ends at sundown on Mon., Dec. 22.
Choices to whet every appetite north, east, west and south!
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner / Featuring approximately 400 eateries, Naperville serves up tastes to please all ages and budgets in between shopping, bowling, pickleball, golf, swimming, concerts and all the activities that keep families and friends busy. In fact, consider that folks may even dine out at a Naperville eatery every day of the year without eating at the same place twice!
