12.11.2025

Good morning, Naperville! 🎶 It’s the holiday season! 🎶 Thanksgiving festivities have officially been kicked to the curb and winter holidays have taken the spotlight. If a Christmas tree is part of your winter traditions, there may or may not have been a pretty significant overlap. Everyone puts their tree up the day after Halloween, right?!

In this week’s Niche…

• New ramen restaurant

• Holiday market

• Skating with Santa

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

🍜 Hear me out on this (probably not a hot take), ramen just taste better in the colder months! Kyuramen, a fast-growing Japanese ramen restaurant has set up shop in Naperville (on freedom drive near Cooper’s Hawk). With locations across Japan and the US, you can get a taste of authentic cuisine, close to home. “Kyu” translates to nine in Japanese and is an ode to the 9 main dishes the restaurant serves. Check out more about them here.

🤖 Three Naperville teens; Ananyaa Karthik, Sweera Kshitij Sharma, and Hamsini Chennupati made history as the first U.S. team to reach the semifinals at the World Robotics Olympiad Americas Open. Their all-girls team, Robot Penguin, finished fourth after defeating top international competitors with two autonomous robots they built and programmed using Python. The trio first qualified by placing second at the U.S. Open in August. Despite tough competition in Panama, they said the experience gave them pride and confidence. Congrats guys!

Together with X Golf

Some degree of winter blues is par for the course (pun intended), but the golfers among us might feel it a little bit more. We’ve got ya covered. Step into X-Golf Naperville, where cutting-edge golf technology meets a fun, laid-back atmosphere for players of every level. Whether you’re sharpening your swing on industry leading simulators, joining a league, or enjoying a night out with friends, X-Golf delivers an immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else. With top-tier instructors, a full bar, and plenty of space to unwind, it’s the ultimate local spot to practice, play, and hang out.

Book your bay today and see why Naperville golfers choose X-Golf year-round. And for the golf lovers in your life, use code NICHE15 for 15% off gift cards now through January (max $30 off)—the perfect holiday gift!

Looking to put your business in front of local readers? We’d love to help—get in touch here! 

📍Naper Now

🦌 The Kris Kringle Holiday Market returns with more than 200 indoor and outdoor vendors, live music, food trucks, and festive activities all weekend long. Inside, shoppers can explore 120+ curated boutiques, while the outside features 80+ pop-ups under heated tents. Highlights include a visit from The Grinch on Friday, a letter-to-Santa station on Saturday, and photos with real reindeer on Sunday. 12/12-14 (times vary, check website)

🧶 Check out Holly Jolly Days. Celebrate the magic of the season with holiday crafts, festive stories, and a special blacksmith-led reindeer shoe demonstration at Naper Settlement. Families can create take-home crafts, enjoy Christmas tales in the one-room schoolhouse, and snap a photo at the Victorian Christmas display by the Martin Mitchell Mansion. The event is free for kids under 4. 12/13-14 @ 1-6pm

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

Donut Decorating @ Stan’s Donuts and Coffee (12/12)

Pick up a Holiday Donut Decorating Kit to-go and let the sugary fun begin! Each kit comes with donuts ready for decorating, colorful frosting, festive sprinkles, sample bites, and a cup of Stan’s Signature Hot Chocolate to sip while you create your masterpiece.

Skate with Santa @ The Rink (12/13)

Get ready, Santa is hitting the ice! The jolly guy himself will be skating around the rink, spreading cheer, posing for pictures, and surprising little ones with plenty of holiday joy. It’s a magical chance to see Santa like never before!

Lasers with Santa @ Chaser’s Laser Tag (12/13)

Get ready for an action-packed holiday adventure! Start the morning with a delicious breakfast, then suit up for an exciting laser tag battle with Santa, his speedy reindeer, and a goofy crew of elves. It’s festive, fast-paced fun and perfect for burning off that holiday energy and making magical memories with Santa in a whole new way!

Brunch with Santa @ Lennon’s (12/14)

Enjoy a cozy, lightly festive Holiday Brunch Buffet on the first floor, complete with seasonal dessert. Then head upstairs to meet Santa in a holiday wonderland where kids can take a photo with him and receive a special gift!

Letters to Santa Mailbox @ Main & Jefferson (now - 12/18)

Don’t miss Santa’s mailbox at Main & Jefferson! Drop in your child’s wish list (with their name and return address) by the 18th and they’ll get a personalized letter back from Santa.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Boomer 🐾 He’s a 58-lb bundle of joy with a sweet, adventurous spirit! This Chicago native loves making friends, giving affection, and brightening every day. Boomer is a clever escape artist, so he’d thrive with a secure yard or an active walking buddy. If you’re looking for a loyal, cheerful companion, Boomer is ready to be your new best friend!

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 12/12 An Evening of Comedy with Chris Ryan @ Meiley-Swallow Hall 7pm

• 12/12 Chalant & Rock Steady @ Empire Burgers & Brew 9pm

• 12/12 Encounter Christmas XVI @ Good Sheperd Church 7pm

• 12/13 Christmas with a Flourish @ Wentz Hall 7:30pm

• 12/13 Improv for the Holiday’s @ Center Stage Theater 8pm

• 12/13 Flannel Junkies @ Lennon’s 8pm

• 12/13 Wildwood Country @ Potter’s Place 8pm

• 12/14 Holiday Magic @ Wentz Hall 3pm

• 12/18 Holiday Music Bingo @ Naper Settlement 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 29°

• Saturday: 🌨️ Late snow showers, high 18°

• Sunday: ☀️ Sunny, high 11°

• Monday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 24°

• Tuesday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 33°

• Wednesday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 38°

• Thursday: 🌧️ Rain and snow mix, high 42°

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