1.22.2026

Good morning, Naperville! We hope your week is off to a great start. Whether you’re settling back into your routine or juggling all the things, we’ve rounded up the latest happenings around town for you to enjoy this week. And if you’re heading out this weekend, bundle up, frigid temperatures are on the way, with lows dipping into the negative teens. Stay warm out there!

In this week’s Niche…

• Citizens police academy

• Naperville restaurant week

• Chocolate tasting

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

⚡️ The Naperville City Council voted 6–1 to deny approval of a proposed data center at the former Nokia/Alcatel-Lucent site along the I-88 corridor following a packed public meeting. Despite Karis Critical Data Center significantly reducing the project’s size and energy load, a majority of councilmembers said the proposal did not meet required conditions for approval. Key concerns included the facility’s proximity to nearby neighborhoods, potential health impacts, and possible effects on property values. Supporters highlighted economic development, job creation, and zoning allowances, while opponents urged caution and additional review. Two councilmembers abstained from the vote, citing a desire for more information, but the project was ultimately rejected.

👴 Both Naperville and Aurora were named among the 8 best cities to retire in Illinois. Both received kudos for their access to spaces encouraging recreation, continuing education opportunities and great healthcare. It’s easy to see why so many retirees are happy to call the areas home. All of the awesome people that live here don’t hurt either.

👮 Curious about how policing works in Naperville? The Naperville Police Department is inviting residents to apply for its free 10-week Citizen Police Academy this spring, offering a behind-the-scenes look at patrol, investigations, forensics, and more through hands on demonstrations and discussions. Applications are due by Friday, January 30, 2026, and spots are limited, so interested residents are encouraged to apply early. It’s a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with the officers who serve our community.

📍Naper Now

🍽️ Dine Naperville has announced the participants and timing for the 13th year of Naperville Restaurant Week! The showcase highlighting a number of our best local dining spots offers multi course options for a fixed price. With over 40 places to choose from, there’s no shortage of options. From seafood to pizza and everything in between, if you make a visit, shoot us a note back with your favorites. Personally, the oyster bar has piqued our interest! 1/23-2/8

🕯️ Hello, it’s me. Candlelight concerts, that is. The international sensation is lighting up Naperville with a truly special musical experience. Set inside the beautiful Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center, this intimate Tribute to Adele invites you to enjoy her most beloved songs performed live beneath the soft glow of candlelight. From soaring ballads to familiar favorites, it’s an evening filled with beautiful music, a welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of magic. Tickets are limited, so if this sounds like your kind of night out, you won’t want to wait. 2/8

Just make sure your referral confirms on their end, and you’re good to go!

🏙️ Around Town

📆 Interested in sharing an event with us? Submit it here! 

🎨 Kids Corner

Mini Masterpieces @ Naper Blvd Library (1/23)

Enjoy a special storytime designed for little ones and their grownups, with stories and songs followed by a hands-on-keepsake activity. Caregivers and babies will create a one-of-a-kind handprint of footprint craft to take home or gift to a loved one. For children under 2 with an adult.

Gourmet Giggles: Cooking Class for Teens @ Alive Center (1/23)

Calling young chefs for hands-on cooking series for ages 11–18, held every second and fourth Friday at the Alive Center. Each class features a guest chef or baker, teaches practical kitchen skills, and lets participants create and take home their own culinary treats.

Nanny Nikki @ DuPage Children’s Museum (1/24)

Sing, dance, and make music together with Nanny Nikki, a Grammy®-nominated children’s entertainer and teaching artist who brings joyful, high-energy performances designed especially for little ones and their grownups. This interactive show is full of catchy songs, movement, and smiles. Tiny Great Performances are included with Museum admission.

Kids Winter STEM & Sensory Fun @ Naperville Yard Sports Complex (1/27)

Join FIT4MOM Naperville for a fun, active morning designed for both moms and little ones! Stroller Barre blends barre, ballet, Pilates, fitness, and yoga–inspired movements to help moms build strength, improve posture, and reconnect with their bodies. After class, kids can enjoy a cozy winter-themed sensory and STEM play activity making it a morning of movement and fun for everyone.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Abel 🐾 This smart shepherd is looking for a calm, patient home where he can feel safe and confident. He can be shy or reactive in new situations, so he’ll do best with an experienced adopter who understands shepherds.

Abel isn’t a constant cuddler, but he shows love through fetch, treats, and playtime fun that keeps him happy, engaged, and bonded with his person. With a predictable routine and clear expectations, Abel shines as a loyal, devoted companion.

If you’re ready for a smart, loving dog who thrives on trust, structure, and fun, Abel is waiting to meet you!

Interested in adopting Abel (or seeing more adoptable pets)? Visit here to learn more.

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 1/23 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 1/23 Faculty Recital Series @ Madden Theatre 7:30pm

• 1/23 O’Leary’s Lantern @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 1/24 The Joel Burt Duo @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse 5:30pm

• 1/24 Mytyme @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 1/24 Shawn Kumar @ Lennon’s 7:30pm

• 1/25 Bluey-themed family trivia @ Tapville Social 6pm

• 1/26 Trivia Night @ Empire Burgers & Brew 7pm

• 1/27 Karaoke Night @ The Lantern 9pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☀️ Mostly sunny, high 4°

• Saturday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 11°

• Sunday: 🌨️ Snow showers, high 17°

• Monday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 13°

• Tuesday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 21°

• Wednesday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 17°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 13°

Thanks for reading the Naperville Niche today. If you enjoyed, please share it with a friend!