Discover Naperville: Monthly Local Events – December
Wrap up the year with a month full of celebrations, winter activities, and hometown holiday charm! Here’s what’s happening around Naperville this December. We can’t wait to see you in the neighborhood!
The Ville Team’s Holiday Lights Map
Coming Soon in December
Whether you’re in Naperville, Plainfield or Lemont, grab some hot chocolate as you use our map to view some of the best holiday lights and displays in the area. Our driving routes make it easy for you to seamlessly go from one home to the next. We’ve also put together a Spotify playlist and scavenger hunt to enjoy during your drive.
See the Holiday Lights map here.
Naperville Lights
Now Thru New Years | Downtown Naperville | 4 PM – 10 PM
Enjoy this free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound as you stroll down Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville! Remember to pick up FREE 3D Viewing glasses at the event!
Letters to Santa Mailbox
Now Thru New Years | Corner of Main & Jefferson
Santa and his magic elves will send a personalized reply to your own mailbox! (Be sure to include child’s name and return address). Ho ho ho!
Cup of Cheer Home Tour, Holiday Market & Tea
Thursday & Friday, December 4 & 5 | 9am-4pm | Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873
The Cup of Cheer has been a Naperville holiday tradition since 1962. Get in the holiday spirit by visiting four decorated homes and shop the Holiday Market. Sit down at the VFW and enjoy cookies made by garden club members and you may get to hear songs by the Elmhurst Choral Union while you are there. Ticket holders take home a commemorative tea cup or mug with a different pattern each year. Tickets are $60 on Dec. 4 (a limited number are sold to guarantee no waiting in lines) and $45 on Dec. 5.
For more info, visit napervillegardenclub.org.
Polar Express Story Time
Friday, December 5 & 12 | Barnes & Noble | 7pm
ALL ABOARD! The Polar Express is arriving to deliver holiday cheer to all. Take an adventure to the North Pole to celebrate the upcoming holidays and channel all of our Christmas magic. Join Barnes & Noble Downtown Naperville in store on December 5 & 12th at 7:00PM for a classic holiday story time. * Limited stock of a special holiday bell will be available *
Call 331-288-9766 to reserve a spot!
For more info, visit BarnesandNoble.com.
Holly Jolly Days
Saturday & Sunday, December 6-7; 13-14; 20-21 | Naper Settlement | 1-6pm | $6/person
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 Pine Craig 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.
For more info, visit napersettlement.org.
TubaChristmas Naperville
Saturday, December 6 | Southside lawn of U.S. Bank (outdoor), 136 S. Washington St. | 10a | Free
Since 1979! Most audience members stand. Audience admission is free. In case of inclement weather, we will move the audience inside the Concert Center, directly north of US Bank. Parking is available in the parking decks across Jefferson Street or street-side on Court Place. Do not park in the US Bank parking lot.
Pictures with Santa Paws
Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7 | 12-3p
Santa Paws is coming to Two Bostons! Bring the whole family to see Santa, snap a festive photo, and kick off the holiday season at The Store for Happy Pets! Pictures are FREE! Santa’s helpers will use your phone to take the photo.
Springbrook (Naperville) – Saturday
Downtown Naperville – Sunday
Market Meadows (Naperville) – Sunday
For more info and to buy tickets, visit twobostons.com.
PUMA Ugly Sweater Fun Run + Walk
Saturday, December 13 | Naperville Running Company | 8:30-10a | $10
Join Naperville Running Company and PUMA for their annual Ugly Sweater Fun Run and Walk! Run or walk two to three miles along the Downtown Naperville Riverwalk, followed by donuts coffee, an Ugliest Sweater contest, and raffle prizes! All ages and abilities welcomed and encouraged.
For more info and to register, click here.
Christmas with a Flourish – with the Pete Ellman Big Band
Saturday, December 13 | North Central College | 7:30p | $25-$30
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. With a simple harp accompaniment, Britten’s work is among his best known and most beloved. Since 1976, the Naperville Chorus has given concerts in both the holiday season and the spring. This concert will be the 9th collaboration between the Chorus and the Pete Ellman Big Band.
For more info and tickets, visit northcentralcollege.edu.
Waltz of the Runway
Saturday, December 13 | Meiley-Swallow Hall | 6:30p | $25
Make Up First® presents Waltz of the Runway, a runway show inspired by the famous Nutcracker ballet, twisted into an avant-garde showcase of unique fashion and makeup artistry designs.
Stick around after the show to mingle with the artists and their creations.
For more info and tickets, visit makeupfirst.com.
SANTA CON Naperville 2025
Saturday, December 13 | The Lantern, Quigley’s Irish Pub, Peanuts Bar & Grill, Hizemans, Empire | 7p | $25
Mark your Calendars for DECEMBER 13th, SantaCon Naperville. Dress up as Santa or Mrs. Claus. Come out for a great time and Spread that Christmas Cheer! Raffles and Prizes. Please bring a NEW unwrapped toy to donate.
For more info, click here.
DuPage Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Magic
Sunday, December 14 | North Central College | 3 & 5p | $5-$26
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!”
For more info and to buy tickets, visit northcentralcollege.edu.
Bubble Bash – Family Friendly New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31 | DuPage Children’s Museum | 9a-1p
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at DCM! Spend time together creating lasting memories, taking part in special activities, grooving to good music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down with confetti, bubbles, and more! This annual year-end celebration, now in its 23rd year, has become a holiday tradition.
For more info and to buy tickets, visit dupagechildrens.org.
Welcome to Naperville’s Monthly Events Hub, your go-to resource for staying connected with all the exciting happenings in this vibrant community! Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new neighbor or just visiting, Naperville offers something for everyone throughout the year. From cultural festivals and family-friendly activities to outdoor adventures and seasonal markets, there’s always something to look forward to.
Each month, Naperville is buzzing with special events and gatherings that bring people together. You can expect a diverse range of events, such as:
Live Music and Concerts
Enjoy performances featuring local bands and nationally recognized artists at venues like the Naperville Riverwalk or North Central College.
Farmers Markets
Fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal crafts are available weekly at our bustling farmers markets, perfect for those who love supporting local businesses.
Family-Friendly Fun
From outdoor movie nights to interactive exhibits at the DuPage Children’s Museum, there are plenty of events to entertain kids and adults alike.
Festivals & Fairs
Whether it’s the beloved Last Fling over Labor Day weekend, the Naperville Ale Fest, or the holiday lights at Naper Settlement, our town knows how to celebrate.
Stay in the Loop
Naperville is always evolving, with new events popping up every month. Check back regularly for the latest updates on concerts, art shows, fitness events, and more. Don’t miss out on seasonal festivals, neighborhood fairs, and exciting happenings right in your backyard.
Be sure to stay connected and make the most of everything Naperville has to offer by following us on social media!