On Friday, December 1, Santa Claus will arrive in Geneva at 6:30 p.m. to open his house to visitors, and to listen to the Christmas wishes of area children.

In addition, five majestic homes have been selected from the Geneva community and will be professionally decorated for the upcoming Christmas holiday. The houses will be open for tours from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and tea and cookies will be also be served from 11 a.m. -6 p.m.

In keeping with Geneva’s Swedish origin, Santa Lucia, the shining and ethereal harbinger of Swedish Christmas, will arrive to greet visitors at 6 p.m. Free antique horse-drawn carriage rides will also be available until 9:30 p.m. for all those present.

As the day’s light begins to dim and evening rolls in, the Great Tree will be lit on the Courthouse lawn as carolers sing everyones’ seasonal favorites.

Participants are invited to stroll through town and visit the many speciality stores that Geneva has to offer. Many shopowners will be serving traditional refreshments like fresh roasted chestnuts until 10 p.m..

What is this event that enhances the Christmas season so beautifully?

It is Geneva’s annual Christmas Walk. The festivities have been gaining tremendous popularity over the past few years. In fact, Chicagoland residents have begun phoning the Geneva Chamber of Commerce office as early as September for information about the event.

The Christmas Walk promises fun and excitement for people of all ages. The children can visit with Santa while the adults take some time to do a little leisurely Christmas shopping without having to fight the hustle and bustle of a crowded shopping mall.