12.4.2025

Good morning, Naperville! We hope you’ve gotten your fill of Thanksgiving leftovers. Last week, we polled you on your favorite Thanksgiving sides. The clear winner was stuffing but in a strong second, mashed potatoes earned an honorable mention. In our book, they’re all winners.

In this week’s Niche…

• Spirit Christmas in town

• Cosley Zoo winter wonderland

• Hidden holiday bears

Here we go!

-Elrie & Carly

📰 The Digest

❤️ Tis the season of giving. Are you ready to share some holiday cheer? Here are a few great spots where you can lend your time and help our community shine a little brighter: Feed My Starving Children, Samaritan’s Purse, Wayside Cross Ministries, Toys For Tots, Loaves & Fishes, Wags 2 Wishes

🎅 We all know Spirit Halloween, but how about Spirit Christmas?! The holiday themed sister store to Spirit Halloween has opened in Naperville at 336 Route 59. The store aims to create a fully immersive holiday shopping experience, offering items like ugly sweaters, inflatables, and lights, with room to grow its inventory in future seasons. The concept was tested in 2005 and 2006, but lapsed and was revived again last year.

💵 You can’t see my face but know that I’m a little anxious writing to you about another potential tax increase. Indian Prairie District 204 is planning to request a bit more from property taxpayers next year because state and federal funding hasn’t kept pace with rising costs. The district is proposing a $387 million tax levy, a 4.28% increase, but thanks to growing property values and new construction, the tax rate itself is actually expected to drop. For the average $507,000 home, the increase comes out to about $187. The school board will hold a public hearing and vote on the levy on Dec. 15.

Sponsored by the Gardner School of Warrenville

Where you send your little ones matters. If you’re looking for a preschool that blends academic excellence with nurturing care, you’ve found it! Welcome to The Gardner School of Warrenville, where children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten thrive in a warm, secure, and engaging environment.

Conveniently located near the heart of Warrenville, this premier early childhood center offers a blended curriculum, designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. Mention the Naperville Niche and get your registration fee waived ($200 for a single child or $300 for a family). Check them out here.

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

📍Naper Now

🌟 The Aurora Festival of Lights is back for its 19th year, offering a free, drive through of sparkling displays and holiday music at Phillips Park. Families can enjoy favorite scenes like jumping reindeer, ice-skating bears, and Santa’s toy factory. Plus new surprises this year, all from the comfort of the car. With more than 50,000 vehicles visiting last year, it’s a beloved tradition and a cozy way to make holiday memories. Admission is free. Now - 12/28 @ 5-9pm

🎄 Cosley Zoo turns into a charming winter wonderland each year, glowing with thousands of lights and offering Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, and cozy hot chocolate. Families can stroll the festive grounds and shop for unique gifts at the Wild Side Gift Shop, all supporting the zoo’s mission. Admission is free, and trees from 4' to 11' are available for purchase, making it a beloved holiday stop for decorating and memory making. Now - 12/30 @ 9am - 9pm (check website for specifics - hours may vary by day)

🤝 Generational differences are nothing new and at times, those differences feel like they divide us. Well, Naperville is here to do something about it with a “Connecting Across the Generations” event being hosted at Nichols Library. The idea, sparked by North Central College student Sara Sterner, aims to help neighbors share stories, swap wisdom, and build community across ages. If you’re interested, you can find the registration page here. 12/6 @ 1pm

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

Merry Mugs @ Pottery Bayou (12/6)

Celebrate the season with Christmas Holiday Mug Magic with First Light Pathways! Kids can design and decorate their own festive ceramic mugs while enjoying holiday music, treats, and cozy creative fun. A perfect way to spark creativity and make a keepsake for hot cocoa nights all winter long!

Donuts with Santa @ ARRCC Community Hall (12/6)

Enjoy hot chocolate, tasty donuts from DeEtta’s Bakery, a holiday story told by Santa, and photos with the man in red! Be sure to bring your own camera. Infants under one are free, and everyone (including adults and infants) must register. Two sessions offered at 9am and 10:45am.

Winter Crafts Workshop @ Knoch Knolls Nature Center (12/6)

Get into the holiday spirit with cozy hot cocoa and festive crafts! Kids (4+) can make a tree-cookie necklace, holiday tree, milkweed ornament, and more. Just be sure to register all attending. Sessions available at 10am or 1pm.

Holly Jolly Days @ Naper Settlement (12/6-7, 13-14, 20-21)

Discover holiday magic with crafts, stories, and more! Watch a blacksmith make reindeer shoes, create festive crafts, enjoy Christmas stories in the Schoolhouse, and snap a family photo at the Victorian Christmas photo stop.

Breakfast with Santa @ Lazy Dog (12/13)

Celebrate the season with a FREE Kids Meal, photos with Santa, a hot cocoa & cookies bar, and a special Lazy Dog gift for the little ones! Activities and treats are while supplies last. RSVP required and only a few spots left to join the fun!

Hidden Holiday Bears @ Downtown Naperville Businesses (now-1/1)

The annual Holiday Bear mascot and scavenger hunt has returned! Find holiday bears hiding in store windows or inside businesses. Turn in your scavenger hunt form for a chance to win prizes in January! A great outing to do with the kids.

🐶 Furry Friend of the Week

Meet Robin 🐾 He was found as an abandoned puppy and has unfortunately spent most of his life in the shelter. Now an adult, he’s ready for the loving forever home he’s always deserved. He’s active, smart, and food-motivated—great for anyone who enjoys training and staying busy.

Robin can be cautious with new people, but once he warms up, he’s a sweet cuddle bug. The best part? His adoption fee is fully sponsored! A perfect holiday gift for whoever brings him home. ✨🎄 

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

🎶 What’s Happenin’

• 12/5 Lenny Capp @ CityGate Grille 7pm

• 12/5 A Celtic Christmas @ Belushi Performance Hall 8pm

• 12/5 A Tribute to David Bowie @ The Piazza 8pm

• 12/6 A Night of Billy Joel & Elton John @ Frankie’s Blue Room 7pm

• 12/6 Valius Band @ Potter’s Place 7pm

• 12/6 iPop @ Quigley’s Irish Pub 9pm

• 12/7 Holidays A Cappella @ Wentz Hall 4pm

• 12/7 Latin Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert 5pm

• 12/8 Trivia @ Empire Burgers & Brew 7pm

• 12/10 Trivia & ½ Price Pours @ Tapville Social 7pm

• 12/11 Music Bingo @ Freedom Brothers Pizzeria 7pm

🌤️ The Niche Forecast: Week at a Glance

• Friday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 28°

• Saturday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 32°

• Sunday: ⛅️ Partly cloudy, high 27°

• Monday: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, high 25°

• Tuesday: ☁️ Cloudy, high 37°

• Wednesday: 🌨️ Morning rain/snow, high 39°

• Thursday: 🌥️ Partly cloudy, high 30°

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