11.27.2025

Happy Thanksgiving, Naperville! Wishing you a day surrounded by friends, family, and gratitude. Life can get hectic, but Thanksgiving reminds us of what truly matters. We’re especially thankful for the chance to create family traditions, our kids are still little, so we’re blending old favorites to see what sticks. So far, Mac & Cheese at dinner is the one tradition we all agree on!

We’ll keep this one brief; we know your turkey needs to get in the oven (or fryer)!

In this week’s Niche…

• Downtown Christmas Tree

• Holiday Brunch & Coffee Flights

• Meet the Grinch!

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🖥️ The proposed data center off of the I-88 corridor may be a little closer to becoming a reality. Naperville’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 8–1 to grant Karis Critical Data Center a conditional use permit. The decision followed four hearings where residents raised health, environmental, and noise concerns. Karis highlighted an $1.6–$2.2 million projection in city revenue plus 80+ jobs. Commissioners stressed their limited authority, noting the City Council will make the final decision.

🎄 Downtown Naperville is in full holiday swing. The annual Christmas Tree has returned to Dandelion Fountain. With the fountain out of commission for the colder months, the park district brings a little extra joy to the riverwalk for the holiday season. The tree will be on display through early January.

📍Naper Now

🦃 Good luck out there today, Turkey Trotters. Naperville’s annual Turkey Trot is back, a past time where carb-loading is not just allowed but encouraged! Lace up your sneakers, wobble like a turkey, and earn that extra slice of pie. Whether you sprint, jog, (or provide moral support from home 👋), remember: the real finish line is the dinner table. 11/27 @ 8am

🌟 NaperLights is back! Enjoy 250,000 sparkling lights along Naperville’s Riverwalk, synced to festive music nightly from 4–10 PM. Admission is free, with Santa visiting December 8 from 4–7 PM for photos, cookies, and cocoa. Your donations benefit Rotary programs supporting families in need. 11/27-1/5

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

Santa’s Sleigh Tour @ A Neighborhood Near You (Starts 11/29-12/10)

Get ready, Naperville! Santa’s Holly Jolly Sleigh Tour is back! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be flying through town from Saturday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 10, spreading cheer through neighborhoods each night. Their magical route lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, so keep an eye out. You might spot the sleigh gliding by!

Author Event @ Anderson’s Bookshop (11/30) 1pm

Anderson’s Bookshop is hosting a special author event with Sherri Duskey Rinker to celebrate Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! Little readers can hop on the dream train as the crew gets ready for its festive stop. From the beloved author of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, this brand-new sequel is perfect for train lovers and holiday magic fans alike.

Meet the Grinch! @ Anderson’s Bookshop (12/4) 6pm

Meet the Grinch at Anderson’s Bookshop! Bring the family for a festive photo-op and snag a special stamped autograph from the Grinch himself. One ticket covers up to five people, perfect for a little holiday mischief!

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 11/28 Music Bingo @ Noon Whistle Brewing 7pm

• 11/28 Backyard Fire Tire @ The Venue 8pm

• 11/28 InFunktious @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 11/28 Rock Night with DJ Bryce @ Hollywood Casino 9pm

• 11/29 Semple @ Potter’s Place 6pm

• 11/29 Wedding Deejay @ Westside Improv 8pm

• 11/20 Friends Trivia Night @ The Piazza 7pm

• 12/2 Concert Winds Fall Invitational Concert @ Wentz Hall 7pm

• 12/3 Jazz Combo Fall Concert @ Madden Theatre 7:30pm

• 12/4 Home for the Holidays @ Tivoli Theatre 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, high 31°

• Saturday: 🌨️ Snow, high 30°

• Sunday: 🌨️ Morning snow, high 30°

• Monday: ☁️ Mostly cloudy, high 19°

• Tuesday: ☁️ Mostly cloudy, high 26°

• Wednesday: 🌨️ Evening snow, high 32°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 23°

Thanks for reading the Naperville Niche today. If you enjoyed, please share it with a friend who doesn’t like stuffing!