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- 🚨 Last-Minute Christmas Plans in Naperville & More!
🚨 Last-Minute Christmas Plans in Naperville & More!
Stay updated on Chicagoland's local trends, developments, and market insights.
Brandon Blankenship
December 24, 2025
Happy holidays!
Christmas Eve is here, and if cooking isn’t happening this year, you’re not alone. This week’s FOODIE’S GUIDE is all about where to eat instead. I pulled together the best Christmas-open restaurants near Naperville, ordered by distance, with drive times included, so you can lock in plans without the stress. Whether you’re staying local or hopping in the car, this guide has you covered. 🍽️
☁️ Today’s weather:
Cloudy with a high of 43°F. Just a 10% chance of precipitation, 67% humidity, and light winds at 7 mph. Not bad for getting out or staying cozy inside.
📺 Chicago’s 10 BEST Suburbs to Live in 2026: This week’s video breaks down the suburbs that are really standing out heading into 2026, from lifestyle to long-term value. Definitely worth a watch before the year wraps up.
💭 Scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup.
Let’s dive in!
—Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties
Events
💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS?
Aurora Festival of Lights, Aurora
🔗 Click to see more events
This Weekend Events…
Aurora Festival of Lights
Free drive-through holiday light display featuring a mile of animated scenes and festive music, enjoyed from your car.
📍 Location: Phillips Park, Aurora
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov 28 – Dec 28 | 5 PM – 9 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
Christkindlmarket Aurora
Traditional German-style holiday market with artisan vendors, food, drinks, and festive atmosphere along the Fox River.
📍 Location: RiverEdge Park, Aurora
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 24 | 11 AM – 4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
Lights, Camera, Action! Light Show at Cantigny Park
Holiday light show synced to Hollywood music, with illuminated gardens and indoor mansion access.
📍 Location: Cantigny Park, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 26 – Dec 31 | 4:30 PM – 9 PM
🎟️ Tickets:
• Adult (16+): $15 advance / $20 day of
• Child (3–15): $10 advance / $15 day of
• Toddler (Under 3): Free
🔗 More Info
Chicago 1971: The Musical Story of John Prine, Kris Kristofferson & Steve Goodman
Live musical storytelling of the pivotal 1971 Chicago night that connected three legendary songwriters.
📍 Location: Center Stage Theater, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 27 | 7 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $47.73
🔗 More Info
Riverwalk Sky Viewing
Free public stargazing event with telescopes to view the moon and night-sky objects. Weather permitting.
📍 Location: Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 27 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored
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🎄 The Christmas Foodie's Guide
No Turkey Plans? These 10 Restaurants Near Naperville Are Open
Skip the kitchen and keep it simple. Here are 10 solid spots open around Christmas, ordered from closest to farthest from Naperville, with typical drive times so you can plan without overthinking:
01. Ramsay’s Kitchen (Naperville)Celebrity chef spot with a streamlined holiday menu. |
02. Morton’s The Steakhouse (Naperville)Classic steakhouse choice with a holiday-ready menu. |
03. Fogo de Chão (Naperville)Brazilian steakhouse with the full churrasco experience. |
04. Lucille at Drury Lane (Oak Brook area)Large-scale Christmas Day brunch with carving stations and desserts. |
05. Rosebud (Lemont)Italian comfort classics in a relaxed setting. |
06. FoxFire (Geneva)Wide menu with steaks, seafood, and holiday-friendly options. |
07. Manny’s Ale House (Elmhurst)Casual, dependable spot with a broad American menu. |
08. Fireside Grille (Sugar Grove)Cozy atmosphere with prime rib, ribs, steaks, and comfort food. |
09. The Vault (Yorkville)Easygoing downtown option for lunch or early dinner. |
10. Fogo de Chão (Rosemont)Same churrasco experience, closer to O’Hare. |
Quick tip: Holiday hours and menus can change. Calling ahead is always smart, especially for Christmas Day.
Watch This
🎥 Chicago’s 10 BEST Suburbs to Live in 2026
📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here!: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/
Market
📊 Real Estate Insights
The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.
Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.
Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.
Free Home Buying Seminar This January
Learn how to buy a home in Chicagoland in a relaxed, easy way.
Jesse Furrow and I are hosting a free home-buying seminar on January 10 at Ko-Ze Wine Room in Glen Ellyn. You’ll get practical tips, market updates, and answers to your questions. Coffee and bagels are on them. A great chance to learn, meet people, and feel confident about your next move.
🗞️ In Other News…
🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!
Next week, I’ll have a complete New Year’s guide just foy you. Take care and stay curious!
—Brandon
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 | Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker The #1 Solo Agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties call or text @ 630.923.9535 |