The months of November and December typically elicit images of people rushing to buy their Christmas presents, a craze of decorations lights, and struggling through awkward family gatherings. It leaves little time for people to actually take time to enjoy the Holiday season; they often ignore the Winter Wonderland outside in their determination to get through the end of another busy year. However, Wheaton and its surrounding area offer many lovely opportunities to enjoy the Holiday Season. If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family this winter, here are just a couple of local opportunities.
The first local holiday opportunity is the Morton Arboretum Christmas lights. Every year, the Morton Arboretum, located just a couple of minutes away in Lisle, strings up magnificent Christmas Lights for everyone to enjoy. The experience is called “Illumination,” and allows attendees to walk one mile through the beautiful sights of the Arboretum accompanied by whimsical music.
Grace Banowetz, a student who viewed the lights on their opening night, said that her favorite part was “a projection on the trees that changed colors and patterns according to the music. Overall it was super fun!” The lights will be open from November 18 to January 26, open daily from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Prices can vary, but typically range from 20 to 30 dollars for non-members and are even cheaper for members. The beauty of nature combined with the dazzling illumination make the ultimate Christmas experience and is sure to be a fun way to spend an evening
Another fun opportunity is the Kris Kringle Market in Aurora. There is a bigger one in downtown Chicago, but for those who don’t feel like dealing with the city, the market in Aurora is just as great. The Market is open from November 17 to December 24, and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends. The vendors sell anything from warm hot chocolate to keep you cozy while shopping to handpainted ornaments straight from Germany.
The Kris Kringle market, or Christkindlmarket, is based on the German tradition of providing high-quality food, and unique gifts. This tradition surely fosters holiday cheer. This tradition dates back to the sixteenth century. Locals can enjoy this fun-filled tradition at the Aurora Christkindlmarket through December 24.
Grab your friends and family, some hot chocolate, and enjoy all that the winter season has to offer.
