7 Holiday-Themed Weekend Things To Do: Fireworks, Tree-Lighting and Toy Drives
As Thanksgiving approaches, the holiday-themed events start kicking into gear in Kane County.
Here are seven holiday-themed events going on from Friday, Nov. 21, to Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014.
Aurora — Winter Lights Parade and Fireworks
The city of Aurora is kicking off the holiday season with the third annual Winter Lights event – It’s a Jolly Holiday! – from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. The festivities will take place on Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora.
Returning this year, the Winter Lights Parade will usher in the holiday season with dazzling floats along Downer Place, leading up to the official holiday tree lighting. The tree, in front of the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, 23 E. Downer Place, will be lit at 6 p.m. by Aurora’s Miss Merry Christmas, Jack Frost and Mayor Tom Weisner. Later in the evening, a winter fireworks display will light up the night sky and will be best viewed from the Downer Place Bridge.
The free, family-friendly event will brighten the twinkling streets of downtown Aurora with live music, ice sculpting, local art, roasted nuts and other treats, plus a winter fireworks display. Family photo ops will abound with live reindeer, costumed characters, a life-sized walk-through snow globe, Aurora’s Grinch, the Paramount’s own Mary Poppins, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Hoffman Estates — Friendship Tree Lighting … And More Fireworks!
The village of Hoffman Estates’ annual Friendship Tree-Lighting Ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in front of the main entrance of the Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road. “The event will start with a fantastic fireworks display. Entertainment will be provided by The Noteables, a local singing group, and dancers from HOTT Productions, a local nonprofit theater troupe. Light refreshments will be served.”
Geneva — ‘Nativity Exhibit‘
View Christmas nativity sets on loan from parish families during a “Nativity Exhibit” taking place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at St. Peter Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva. While there, attendees may purchase handcrafted, olive-wood creations from Blest Art. The items are carved by artisans in Bethlehem; proceeds are sent to the families that carved them, states a news release. The St. Peter School sports boosters also will be selling Advent wreath and candle sets at the exhibit.
St. Charles — ‘Christmas on Broadway’
Four star-struck holiday tourists are snowbound in a shuttered Broadway theater on Christmas Eve. With nothing but a few trunks filled with costumes, props, and set pieces, they live out a shared dream – starring on Broadway! From your favorite holiday classics like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” to seasonal classics from Broadway composers, the evening is a flurry of memorable holiday magic. Rating: PG
Fox Valley Repertory hosts the holiday music revue at Pheasant Run. Ticket prices vary. This weekend’s performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.
Batavia — BHS Class of ’75 Annual Toy Drive
It’s not every day that you see a high school class start up a toy drive. Or turn it into an annual event.
Yes, the Class of ’75 hosts the event, but it’s a toy drive and all are welcome. Please bring an unwrapped toy or toys, which will be donated to the Batavia Fire Dept for distribution to all the children who dream of sugar plums dancing in their heads and the hope to see Santa.
South Elgin — Lions Club Turkey / Meat Spin Fundraiser
Hey, a weekend event that actually has something to do with Thanksgiving!
The South Elgin Lions Club’s Annual Turkey Spin will be held on Friday, Nov. 21. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the first spin is at 7 p.m.
Among the items to be raffled are turkeys, spiral ham, roasts, pork loins and steaks. There will be a mega meat spins, special meat raffle, booze basket and 50/50 raffles. One lucky loser will receive the Loser’s Basket which consists of a complete Thanksgiving Dinner. Tickets for most spins are only $1 each and are purchased throughout the entire evening. All net proceeds raised by this fundraiser benefits the Lions Club and helps to spread holiday cheer to local organizations assisting residents in this area.
This year’s donations will be going to Little Angels, Salvation Army, Elgin Crisis Center, South Elgin Pregnancy Center, Anderson Animal Shelter and Special Olympics of Illinois. The club is located at 500 Fulton Street, South Elgin, IL 60177 and can be reached at 847-888-9575.
