Greet the season at Geneva’s Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour
Geneva’s annual Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour aims to offer a combination of tradition and surprise.
Events kick off at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, with Bob’s Candy Cane Parade and Graham’s Chocolates first candy cane of the season presented with great fanfare. Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, follows with an offering of Swedish cookies.
The Christmas tree is lit and the courthouse lawn becomes aglow in anticipation of Santa Claus’s arrival. Santa will open his home for visits from children, while All Chocolate Kitchen recreates its record-breaking candy cane.
Reservations to visit Santa at his home at 10 S. Third St. are open at genevachamber.com. Cost is $10 per time slot.
Serenaded by carolers, families stroll Geneva’s historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts and tucking into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way.
The Holiday House Tour (10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7) is another tradition, but thanks to the diversity of homes and the creativity of local designers, it’s filled with unexpected treats. Tour five homes decked to the nines with holiday cheer.
Modern Cape Cod
Welcome to the “Beech House.” This stone and cedar modern Cape Cod style home, originally built in 1952, exudes a cozy, relaxed elegance that blends its beach-inspired decor with the warmth of Christmas. Named for the American beech tree in the front yard — a prominent feature of this corner lot — it is festively decorated by Haven Design Group, with outdoor lighting by Plandscape, and contributor Town & Country Gardens.
California-style ranch
This 1947 ranch home is a fusion of classic charm and modern sophistication. This 3,100-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bath home has been updated and expanded by Wetmore Construction to offer a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort. It is festively decorated by Intentional Spaces LLC, with outdoor lighting provided by Plandscape.
Historic gem
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the elegance of a 1914 Arts and Crafts bungalow. Nestled in the heart of town, this gable-front gem was awarded a Historical Structures Plaque by the Geneva History Museum. It was once home to George and Marian Michael, longtime business owners of the Marian Michael and Teen Shop in Geneva. It is decorated by SG Geneva (Scentimental Gardens), with contributor All Chocolate Kitchen.
Cozy cottage
This 2,250-square-foot midcentury ranch was originally built in 1949, a Weyerhaeuser Panel Home built by General Timber Service Inc. in Dubuque, Iowa. It is believed that the home was partially built in Iowa and then shipped and erected on-site in Geneva. An addition was designed by local architect Tim Nelson, and included the two exterior dormers, arbors on the front of the house and a pergola over the back patio. It is decorated by Little Red Barn Door, with outdoor lighting and photo opportunity by Plandscape.
Sparkling remodel
This American foursquare, originally built in 1906 as the parsonage for the neighboring United Methodist Church, had a significant 2024 addition and remodel by Wetmore Construction. Situated just off Geneva’s Historic Third Street, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is decorated by Staged, with contributor Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center.
Tickets include a holiday tea and the scent of the season from Inluro (while supplies last) and are available for $42. Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season. Purchase at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St.; online at genevachamber.com; or at any of the locations listed below (in Geneva unless indicated otherwise). Call (630) 232-6060 to preorder over the phone. Tickets will not be for sale at the homes.
Cash or check only are accepted at: Cocoon, 212 S. Third St.; Country Naturals, 316 Campbell St.; Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles; Little Red Barn Door, 21 S. Third St.; SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St.; credit cards accepted at Swish Avenue, 1510 Commons Drive.