There aren't many better times to visit St. Charles than during the holiday season. In fact, this city is so magical that even Santa Claus himself chooses to come every year - and this is his busy season! The annual Holiday Homecoming celebration, taking place on November 29th and 30th, is the perfect opportunity to spend a whole weekend here, with dazzling lights to admire downtown, and a schedule of activities that will make your mood merry and bright.
Day 1
Stay the Night
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of @Rachelkawate
For this two night trip in St. Charles, you're going to need a place to rest at the end of the day. There are plenty of spots to stay in this town, so regardless of what amenities you're looking for, there's a spot for you. Located right downtown is the historic, waterfront Hotel Baker, making it close by many restaurants and shops, not to mention the events of the Holiday Homecoming celebration. The Lighting of the Lights Ceremony starts at 5pm, so you'll want to make sure to check-in to your hotel prior to when it begins. Click the button below to view lodging options in St. Charles!
Attend the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
The Lighting of the Lights Ceremony will take place on the newly renovated 1st Street Plaza starting at 5pm. This celebration is officially the start of Holiday Homecoming, as the community comes together to witness the beautiful holiday lights illuminate the downtown. We recommend getting to the 1st Street Plaza a little before 5pm, as there will be complimentary roasted nuts available for guests to snack on during the ceremony. Additionally, La Mesa Modern Mexican will also have complimentary cookies and hot chocolate for the attendees! Plus, there will be holiday bells for those at the event (while supplies last) that will be used to help bring a very special guest up on stage.
Snap a Picture at the Holiday Photo Opportunities
Photo 1 Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of @Rachelkawate
While you're at the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony, make sure to capture your memorable time in front of our vibrant Holiday Photo Opportunities! Not only is this the perfect way to remember your time here in St. Charles, but they also make for an ideal holiday backdrop for your Christmas Card! This year, you'll be able to find both Photo Opportunities on the 1st Street Plaza.
Grab Dinner and Enjoy Live Music
Photo 1 Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling
Following the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony, you're probably going to want to grab some dinner nearby. Luckily, right on the 1st Street Plaza, there are plenty of dining options for whatever mood that you're in, and you won't have to travel far. After your delicious meal, swing over to Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling for some live music and a exceptional craft beverage to end your evening, as Jimmy Nick will be performing live at 7pm. Looking for dining options on the 1st Street Plaza? Click the button below to learn more.
Day 2
Enjoy the Free Holiday Movie
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
It's time to rise and shine for the start of day 2! However, the good news is you can feel free to leave those pajamas on to stay cozy as you're going to head over to the Arcada Theatre for a FREE showing of The Grinch! While the movie begins at 10am, the doors will open at 9am to give viewers a chance to purchase some popcorn and snacks from the lobby.
Attend Arcada Theatre's Holiday Kick-Off Party
Photo 1 Courtesy of Arcada Theatre. Photo 2 Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
If you've brought the whole family with you to experience this magical weekend in St. Charles, then we have a great event for you that your kids will absolutely love after the free Holiday Movie. The Arcada Theatre will a FREE Holiday Kick-Off Party in their Rock 'N Za restaurant, featuring a Balloon Artist, Face Painter, a Coloring Contest, and much more from 11:30am to 1pm. No tickets required!
Eat Lunch at Smitty's on the Corner
Photo 2 Courtesy of Smitty's on the Corner
Once those credits appear, you're probably going to want some lunch (that is if you didn't already fill up on popcorn and snacks during the movie!). If you're in the mood for a quick sandwich, Smitty's on the Corner is a community staple that hits the spot every time, using only the freshest ingredients on their sandwiches. Since it is late November, there is always a chance that the weather may be a bit chilly. If that's the case, there's no need to worry, as Smitty's has homemade soups that will be sure to warm you up.
Visit Santa
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
Believe it or not, Santa Claus himself is going to be calling the 1st Street Plaza home on Saturday and Sundays from November 30th through December 22nd from 1pm-4pm, and he cannot wait to take a photo with you and to see what's on your list. If you're just looking to drop off your letter, you can place it on the mailbox on Santa's House. Don't worry, Santa ensures that he reads each and every one!
Holiday Shop Crawl
Next up on the itinerary for the weekend is to dive into your holiday shopping! There's no better time to find gifts for all your friends and family on your list than today, as Saturday is Shop Small Saturday and the St. Charles Holiday Shop Crawl! There are 16 participating stores in this year's event, offering exceptional deals in honor of the day. Shoppers will even have the opportunity to win a grand prize giveaway valued at $150+ simply by purchasing a product at one of the participating stores. Once you make a purchase, scan the QR Code provided at the counter, fill out the form, submit a picture of your receipt, and your set! You can do this at each store you make a purchase at, so get ready to shop till you drop!
Along with the many amazing deals from the St. Charles Holiday Shop Crawl, many other businesses will have sales, specials, and events for the weekend! To view many promotions taking place during St. Charles Holiday Homecoming, please click the button below.
Electric Christmas Parade
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
After you've found great products for everyone on your list, start making your way back to the heart of downtown for the highly anticipated Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30pm! Starting at 6th Street and concluding at 4th Avenue, this incredible holiday spectacle is sure to put you in awe, with over 65 lighted entries that will cruise down Main Street for all to enjoy, including our Grand Marshal, Jarrett Payton, son of late Chicago Bears Hall of Fame Running Back, Walter Payton. Make sure to get downtown early, as the Hotel Baker will be providing FREE hot cocoa to parade watchers from 4:30pm-5:30pm.
Have Dinner at Wahlburgers
Photos Courtesy of Wahlburgers
Once the parade has wrapped up, you'll still have time to make it over to Wahlburgers for their Funky Funky Holiday Kickoff - Part 2! You're bound to be hungry from being at the parade, so indulge in their BBQ Bacon Burger and receive an exclusive bracelet. Plus, enjoy Karaoke and a live DJ, and shop their brand-new Wahlgear products available for purchase. Don't forget to bring a toy, too, as they are collecting donations for Toys for Tots!
What Winter Activity Are You Most Looking Forward To?
Snowshoeing
Ice Hockey
Sledding
Ice Skating
Day 3
Indulge in Brunch at Alexander's Cafe
Photos Courtesy of Alexander's Cafe
Even though the Holiday Homecoming Festivities have come to an end, don't be so quick to return home on Sunday! It's simply not a vacation if you don't dine out for brunch, so head to Alexander's Cafe for their extensive menu of tasty breakfast and lunch fare! You can pair your food with their fresh squeezed juices, or even one of their Mimosas that you can try in a flight!
Go to a Concert at Norris Cultural Arts Center
Photos Courtesy of Fox Valley Concert Band
When you finally can't have another bite of brunch, your going to want to head over to Norris Cultural Arts Center for the last activity of the trip. Starting at 3pm, the Fox Valley Concert Band will have their annual Holiday Concert - Home for the Holidays. We can't think of a better way to conclude your holiday trip, getting to listen to the amazing sounds of holiday music performed by extremely talented musicians. Tickets are not needed for this performance!
With the weather starting to cool off, it's time to heat up with some spice and complete our Tortilla Tour hosted on the FREE Travel St. Charles App. Simply visit 6 different Mexican restaurants around town in order to receive an exclusive bottle of hot sauce! Click above to learn more.