Tradition and surprise. It would not be Christmas without them, and Geneva’s Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour offer both.

Christmas Walk

The evening begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 with Graham’s Chocolates First Candy Cane of the season being presented with great fanfare followed by the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, who will offer Swedish cookies to merry-makers. The Christmas Tree is lit, and the Courthouse lawn becomes aglow. The young and young at heart will wait with anticipation as Santa Claus arrives. Santa will open his home for visits from excited children while All Chocolate Kitchen recreates their record-breaking candy cane.

Serenaded by carolers, families stroll Geneva’s historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts, and dodging into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way.

Holiday House Tour

Those who are not downtown might be touring holiday-decked homes during the Holiday House Tour, which runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. A diversity of homes and the creativity of local designers make this event a special Geneva tradition.

The Farmhouse

Situated in a friendly neighborhood, a luminary-lit path leads you to one of the many entrances for this 5,000 square foot home. Hospitality and cheerfulness are the first impressions you feel upon entering the 2018 house. This four-bedroom home is so much more than a farmhouse, it is where memories happen, and stories begin. Festively decorated by Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center with contributor Little Red Barn Door.

Architectural Beauty

Towering trees create a secluded garden for this 6,000 plus square foot home; that originally had a railroad trestle running through the property. Built-in 2006, a touch of Tuscany can be found throughout this five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home. The front doors, with wrought iron insets, welcome you inside. Festively decorated by Haven Interiors Studio and Platt Hill Nursery.

Custom Home

This home defines the phrase “great curb appeal." Looking at this 2015 home from the street, you begin to anticipate a creative and modern interior. Brown paned windows glisten in the December sun. Warm wooden beams surround the covered porch where you can rock away any worries night or day. Festively decorated by Haven Design Group and Plandscape.

Captivating Ranch

This captivating ranch home was built in 1954. In 2015, the homeowners fully renovated and redesigned this 3,100 square foot home to its present beauty. Holiday adornment decking the front door gives a hint of the amazement that lies inside. Festively decorated by Geneva Design House by Strawflower.

Mid-Century Charmer

In a highly desirable neighborhood, where most of the homes were built in the 50s & 60s, this mid-century ranch is no wallflower. Bought by the homeowners in 2018, they had the vision to delight the eye and fire the imagination by restoring it back to its 1962 splendor…. with present-day conveniences. Walking through the bright orange door, you know this house will be anything but “square." Festively decorated by Gatherings by Design and Plandscape.

Tickets, which are $35 per person, include a holiday tea and a special treat from 360° Flavor & Spice or The Olive Mill while supplies last. Proceeds are used to decorate Geneva for the holiday season. Purchase tickets at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St.; the Chamber's website; or at any of the following locations:

• Cocoon, 212 S. Third St.
• Country Naturals, 316 Campbell St.
• Haven Interiors Studio, 15 S. Third St.
• Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, 2010 E. Main St., St. Charles
• Little Barn Baby, 207 S. Third St., No. 110
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 1308 Commons Drive
• SG Geneva/Scentimental Gardens, 428 W. State St.

The above locations accept cash and checks made payable to Geneva Chamber. This event may sell out. Call the Chamber at 630-232-6060 to pre-order over the phone. Tickets will not be for sale at the homes.

Other Holiday Events

Times to visit Santa Claus at his home, tickets for the Cocoa Crawl, and reservations for Cocoa & Caroling on Campbell are available on the Chamber's website.

Source: Geneva Chamber of Commerce News Release