Happy Friday!

🎄 Naperville is in full holiday mode with parades, carolers, scavenger hunts, and a glowing Riverwalk light display. From Santa sightings to a Letters to Santa mailbox and new art installations, downtown is packed with festive fun, and over 120 local businesses are ready for the season. If you haven’t made a holiday visit yet, now’s the time.

☁️ Today’s weather:
Mostly cloudy with a high of 30°F (–1°C). Just a 10% chance of precipitation, 58% humidity, and steady 10 mph winds, bundle up for your downtown stroll.

📺 Chicago's MEGA Transformation by 2035: In this week’s video, I break down the massive projects already underway that will reshape the city and suburbs in the next decade.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and 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? 

This Weekend Events…

 🎄 Festival of Lights and Tree Sale

📍Location: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov. 28 to Dec. 30 | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days
🎟️ Tickets: $10 - $12
🔗 More Info

🔭 Riverwalk Viewing

📍Location: by Naperville Astronomical Association at Naperville Riverwalk
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov 29 | from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

🎅🏼 Wickedly Popular Christmas Light Show

📍Location: Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 | Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14
🎟️ Tickets: $15 - $25
🔗 More Info

❄️ EAG Winter Members’ Show

📍Location: Elmhurst Artists' Guild, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst
🗓️ Date & Time: November 30, 2025 - January 4, 2026 | Recurring Daily
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

🌱 12th Annual Organic Seedlings Sale

📍Location: First Congregational UCC, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 1 | 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
🎟️ Tickets: None - it's an online sale
🔗 More Info

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

News

🎄 Celebrate the Holidays with Festive Downtown Naperville Events

Driving the news: Downtown Naperville is ready to celebrate the season with a full lineup of events, from parades and wine walks to glowing lights and new store openings. With over 120 businesses preparing for the rush, it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest times of the year.

Details:

• The Holiday Parade of Lights returns Friday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m., starting at Centennial Beach and ending at Naper Elementary, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus

• Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are expected to drive major foot traffic and sales for local retailers

• Holiday Wine Walk is set for Wednesday, Dec. 3

• Carolers will perform every Sunday in December

• The Letters to Santa Mailbox is back at Jefferson and Main; kids who drop off letters by Dec. 18 will get replies from Santa’s elves

• A bear scavenger hunt runs through Dec. 31, with maps available online and prizes for finding 20 or more bears

• NaperLights returns to Water Street and the Riverwalk, featuring a giant teddy bear, Santa throne, singing trees, and a new 16-foot Twinkly Pro tree

• New additions include the Naperville Music Box interactive art installation debuting Dec. 4 and new fashion and fitness tenants like Lilly Pulitzer, Free People, and Barry’s Fitness

Why it matters: This stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is vital for Naperville’s downtown economy, some local businesses generate 25 to 40 percent of their yearly revenue during this window. But more than sales, these events foster connection, tradition, and local pride.

The big picture: Naperville continues to blend hometown charm with a growing downtown experience. As new shops and attractions join the lineup, the city retains its reputation as a holiday destination for families and visitors alike.

Between the lines: This year’s light display is bigger and brighter than ever — and city crews are getting praise for creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Whether it’s shopping, snapping photos, or just strolling under the lights, downtown Naperville is positioning itself as a true holiday escape.

What’s next: Events continue through New Year’s Day. The Naperville Music Box launches Dec. 4, and new businesses will open into early 2026. Locals can check the DNA website for maps, dates, and special events hosted by downtown businesses.

The bottom line: Downtown Naperville has pulled out all the stops to turn the city into a holiday wonderland. With music, lights, family-friendly events, and local charm, it’s the perfect place to shop, stroll, and celebrate the season.

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Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

🐓 The Hen House of Wheaton (Wheaton)
We focus on a more decadent but healthy alternative to your average Breakfast ~ Lunch restaurants. We take a fresh and creative approach to breakfast and lunch items from traditional to modern dishes. You will feel relaxed in our Urban Farmhouse setting.
CHECK IT OUT

LUNCH
🌮 Guac N Tacos (Elmhurst)
Local to Elmhurst, Yerika is a mother of two lovely children 17 & 12 years old with a loving and supportive husband on all the creative projects and ideas that comes to she sets her mind too... Opening a local Mexican restaurant in her home town has been an truly wonderful and unexpectedly pleasant experience.
CHECK IT OUT

DINNER
🦞 Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (Westmont)
We serve coastal and French Quarter classics—from live lobster to crispy alligator to gumbo to Swampthings—and are known for our engaging service, festive atmosphere, generous portions, and insistence on freshness.
CHECK IT OUT

Watch This

🎥 Chicago's MEGA Transformation by 2035

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!

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.

🗞️ In Other News…

• Yard House celebrates grand opening in Naperville

• Annual Christmas tree returns to Naperville’s Dandelion Fountain

• Snowy owls’ unusually early visit to Chicago lakefront could signal migratory boom 

Until next Friday, take care and stay curious! 
—Brandon

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