1.8.2026

Good morning, Naperville! New year, same Niche. According to this Forbes article a couple of years back the most common New Years resolutions spanned fitness, finance, mental health, weight loss and improved diet. Keeping those goals can be tough, some have coined the second Friday in January as quitter’s day. But not you, you’ve got this! Happy 2026!

In this week’s Niche…

• Christmas tree collection

• Shrek at the theater

• Family slime time

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🏙️ The city of Naperville has a full agenda for the year ahead. Voters will weigh in on a $120 million park district referendum, the city will launch a new mental health response unit within the police department, and several Riverwalk improvement projects are set to move forward. The year also brings leadership changes in IPSD 204, new restaurants and businesses at Block 59, and multiple housing developments. More info on that here.

🎄 Christmas tree collection has begun and will continue until Jan 19. Be sure to remove garland, don’t bag it and get it to the curb before your scheduled pick up.

💡 If you’re like us, a record number of your holiday lights may have gone out this year. Lucky for us, Glen Ellyn has a recycling program with a number of drop off points so that you can get rid of them without filling a landfill.

🛏️ For the unhoused population, winter in Chicagoland is particularly tough. Fortunately, there’s a really great organization out there with a mission that’s positioned to make an impact. DuPagePads’, the Wheaton based non profit, has an access center that is now operating as an overnight warming center. Regular daytime hours remain in place during the week, offering a safe, warm space with meals, showers, laundry, and supportive services. Community members are encouraged to refer anyone experiencing homelessness in DuPage County to the Access Center, where staff can assess needs and help connect eligible individuals to shelter.

📍Naper Now

🎭️ It’s time to head to the swamp! Magical Starlight Theater invites you to enjoy DreamWorks’ Shrek, a production bursting with fairy-tale fun at the Naperville Central High School auditorium. With lovable characters and plenty of laughs, this magical show celebrates being yourself and finding joy in the unexpected. Well done Donkey, that’ll do. 1/9-1/18

🏃 Kick off the new year with the Pine Pacer Challenge, a flexible January walking and running program that lets participants choose a goal of 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles, to be completed anytime, anywhere. Log your miles online while supporting the Arboretum’s mission and enjoy fun perks like branded race apparel, digital badges and completion rewards. There is complimentary admission for non-members, and a discount on new memberships. Now-1/31

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

Family Slime Time @ Naper Settlement (1/8)

Squish, stretch, and experiment your way through slime science! Kids will discover what makes slime so weird and wonderful as they explore states of matter and non-Newtonian fluids, then create Oobleck and two different slimes to take home. Perfect for ages 5–11 with a caregiver.

Sing, Sign, & Play @ Nichols Library (1/9)

Wiggle, sing, and sign along with your little one as you learn simple baby sign language through sweet stories, songs, and hands on fun together.

Afternoon Arts & Crafts @ Board and Brush Studio (1/10)

Create a one of a kind wooden sign at this popular DIY workshop with friends or family. Choose your design, paint or stain it your way, and take home a handmade piece you will love. For ages 10 and up.

Safe Sitter Session 01 @ Naperville Safety Town (1/10)

Enroll your child ages 11 to 15 in the Safe Sitter certification class that teaches kids essential childcare and safety skills, including how to respond in emergencies and care for younger children responsibly. It is a great option for parents who want their child to feel prepared and confident before babysitting.

Kids Club Rainbow Keychain Craft @ Michaels (1/11)

Grab your little artists for a free, fun-filled art class where they’ll design a cute, colorful rainbow keychain. Perfect for backpacks, lunchboxes, or gifting!

Splashing into 2026 Baby Brunch @ Goldfish Swim School (1/14)

Bring your little ones 3 & under to Goldfish Swim School for a fun-filled morning brunch where you can splash, play, and bond. There will be a mini class demo, and you can indulge in brunch while mingling with other parents in the community.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

🐾 Even though the holidays are over, Blitzen is still searching for his forever home. This sweet young Beagle mix was found waiting by someone’s back door and later brought to the shelter when no owner came forward.

Blitzen is gentle, affectionate, and full of classic Beagle charm. He enjoys attention, seems to do well with other dogs, and would love a family to explore life with.

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 1/9 Phantom in Concert @ BrightSide Theatre 7:30pm

• 1/9 Mississippi Heat @ The Venue 8pm

• 1/9 Friday Funnies @ Lennon’s 8:30pm

• 1/10 Turbo Shot @ Frankie’s Blue Room 7pm

• 1/10 Harold Dawson @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 1/10 Paulie & The Shakers @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 1/11 Chris Greene Quartet @ The Venue 6pm

• 1/13 Taco & Tequila Flight Night @ Tapville Social 3pm

• 1/15 Rock & Roll Bingo @ Freedom Brother’s Pizzeria & Alehouse 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 46°

• Saturday: 🌨️ Rain/snow mix, high 36°

• Sunday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 31°

• Monday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 41°

• Tuesday: 🌧️ PM showers, high 44°

• Wednesday: 🌨️ AM snow showers, high 34°

• Thursday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 25°

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