“Naperville can be a magical place this time of year with the beautiful lights, holiday activities, incredible shopping and fantastic dining. Residents of The Arbors of Brookdale love being so close to all of the action, especially those with children,” said Barbara J. Gaffen, co-CEO of Prime Property Investors (PPI), which owns and manages the community. According to Gaffen, families with young children make up 25 percent of the community’s tenants.
“But even those without children enjoy being so close to the fun, wintertime action in Naperville,” said Gaffen. Here is a mix of festive, family friendly, Naperville activities to enjoy during the holiday season and beyond.
Special Holiday Events
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December 6-22 - Santa House on the Riverwalk:
Visit Santa as he takes up residence on the Riverwalk and capture your child's special moment telling his or her most important holiday dreams to Santa. For more information visit www.napervilleparks.org.
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December 14 - Child's Play Touring Theatre "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't":
Part of our Wentz Concert Hall Family Series, The Christmas That Almost Wasn't provides a special behind-the-scenes peek at the hustle, bustle, and near disasters of the Christmas season. The play is adapted entirely from stories written by children.. For more information call the Box Office at 630-637-SHOW or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu .
November 29-January 31 - 1st Annual Naper Lights:
All of Central Park will be converted into a Christmas light extravaganza with a combination of holiday displays, bringing cheer and festivities during the holiday season. For more information visit www.naperlights.com
December 31 - Children's New Year's Eve Bubble Bash:
Celebrate this year’s DuPage Children’s Museum’s New Year’s Eve Bubble Bash in style through a special concert event featuring Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans, and Geoff Akins the Bubble Wonder Man. For more information go to http://dupagechildrens.org/bubble-bash-2013/.
December 31 - Ringing in the New Year:
Bring your families to Downtown Naperville and enjoy the merriment around town with face painters, jugglers, magicians, musicians, a character artist and much more. Festivities start at noon. For more information go to www.downtownnaperville.com
Outdoor Activities
Open when snow conditions permit - Naperville Riverwalk Sled Hill:
Sledding is a great way to get in some exercise and fresh air in the winter months. The Riverwalk Sled Hill is even lighted, making it perfect for night time sledding. The hill is open Sunday - Thursday until 9:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10:00pm. For more information, go to napervilleparks.org.
Open on December 8 - Four Lakes:
Located in Lisle, just 10 minutes from downtown Naperville, Four Lakes offers professional ski and snowboarding lessons. While the hills at Four Lakes won't challenge you like the mountains of Colorado, it is a great place to learn how to ski and practice when you can’t travel to more challenging ski resorts. For more information go to http://www.skifourlakes.com.
Opens when weather permits - Naperville Park District:
Weather permitting, the Naperville Park District has outdoor skating rinks at Gartner Park, 524 Gartner Rd., the Riverwalk, near Centennial Beach and at Commissioners Park, 3704 111th St. on the west side of the park. For more information, go to napervilleparks.org.
Indoor Activities
Open all year - All Season’s Ice Rinks:
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Naperville you can avoid some of the cold associated with outdoor ice skating by taking it indoors. And, the good news is they have extended hours for the holidays. For more information go to http://www.allseasonsicerinks.com/page/page/7141345.htm.
December 21-23 and 31 - The Hollywood Palms Cinema, Bar and Eatery:
Enjoy dinner and a movie all at the same time. Additionally, The Hollywood Palms Cinemas brings not only great entertainment but visits with the actors. December 21-23 will be the 11th annual big screen presentation of It’s A Wonderful Life which will be hosted by special guest Karolyn Grimes, known for her role as "Zuzu Bailey" in the movie. Also, you can ring in the New Year with Otis Day and six great classic comedies, including A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Scroodged, Animal House and Caddyshack on December 31. For more information go to http://www.hollywoodpalmscinema.com/.
