The holiday season is the perfect time for seniors and their families to share joyful moments, explore festive traditions, and soak in the magic of Christmas. Fortunately, Naperville and the greater DuPage County area are brimming with holiday cheer, from dazzling light displays to cozy community gatherings. Whether you’re planning an outing with loved ones or looking for senior-friendly activities close to home, this guide highlights the best Christmas events happening right around the corner.
1. Naper Lights
What’s Christmas without twinkling lights? Naper Lights delivers a stunning display that transforms downtown Naperville into a glowing winter wonderland. Seniors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along Water Street and the Riverwalk, taking in sparkling installations that become even more magical when viewed through complimentary 3D glasses.
Adding to the charm, the elegant Hotel Indigo hosts a cozy activity station right in its foyer. Visitors can sip warm hot cocoa, enjoy freshly baked cookies, and even meet friendly holiday elves. Throughout the experience, festive music fills the air, creating a joyful atmosphere that makes Naper Lights a must-see event for the season.
2. Cosley Zoo
The Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is lit up for its Festival of Lights. Thousands of twinkling lights set the stage for an evening of celebration. Seniors who haven’t yet purchased their Christmas tree can browse through the zoo’s selection of small and large holiday trees, wreaths, and garlands.
The Festival of Lights is also an ideal place to do some holiday shopping. The Wild Side Gift Shop offers one-of-a-kind trinkets, perfect for gift-giving. Plus, the festival, running November 28 to Dec 30, is free to attend. All proceeds from the event benefit the Cosley Zoo.
3. Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Now in its 13th year, the Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum continues to showcase an impressive extravaganza of Christmas lights. Wander through the majestic landscape of trees decorated with stunning lights in all colors. Music plays, elevating the experience to new heights.
New this year are colorful animal sculptures from the arboretum’s Vivid Creatures exhibition. Walk a mile along the ADA-compliant paved walking path to take in the unforgettable sights at the Illumination, recognized in 2024 as one of the top 10 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights by USA Today.
4. Christmas at Cantigny
The 28-foot-tall Christmas tree is a major attraction at the historic Cantigny estate in Wheaton. Older adults walk a half-mile on an ADA-accessible path to be enchanted by the music-orchestrated light shows and illuminated gardens, like the new Northern Lights display in the Rose Garden.
Pick up a lush homegrown poinsettia in the visitor’s center or holiday gifts inside the new Noel Shop at the McCormick House. The whole family relaxes and celebrates the season around a cozy fire at the Cocoa Cabanas. Adventurous seniors might even skate on the scenic outdoor ice rink!
5. Kline Creek Farm
Step back in time and discover the charm of Christmas in the 1890s at Kline Creek Farm’s House Tour: Winter Holidays in the 1890s. This guided experience offers a fascinating glimpse into how farm families celebrated the season more than a century ago.
Guests can explore beautifully decorated historic rooms, learn how families adorned their trees, exchanged handcrafted gifts, and prepared traditional holiday meals. It’s a warm and nostalgic journey into the past, perfect for seniors, history enthusiasts, and anyone who loves an old-fashioned Christmas.
6. Lights of Lisle
Downtown Lisle is decorated for its annual Lights of Lisle extravaganza. While brilliant lights take center stage, the Santa Parade competes for attention. Watch live ice carvings, sing along with the St. Joan’s Choir, and let the grandkids enjoy face painting and an hour of kid’s crafting.
The festivities are not over after the Santa Parade. Seniors won’t want to miss the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Village Hall. Participate in old-fashioned holiday fun at Once Upon a Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Train Depot and holiday workshops at the Blacksmith Shop.
7. Deck the Green
Seniors near Burr Ridge can kick off the Christmas season in festive style at Deck the Green. Gather on the Village Green to watch the annual tree lighting illuminate the night, then join the grandkids for a whimsical holiday train ride they’ll love. Capture memorable moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus and keep an eye out, cheerful holiday characters love to sneak into photos for a playful photobomb! It’s an evening full of warmth, laughter, and holiday magic.
8. Holly Days
Warrenville is another holiday spot filled with Christmas activities for all generations. Holly Days hosts Santa’s Arrival Parade and a Merry Market where local vendors sell unique crafts and sumptuous baked goods. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to make the season memorable.
9. Frosty Fest
West Chicago’s Frosty Fest entices visitors with an assortment of Christmas events. Take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley or hop on the electric train. Take photos with Frosty, Reindeer, and Gingerbread Man characters. Watch ice sculptures being carved while listening to carolers sing!
The city brings the elves from the North Pole to the Fox Community Center in its Elves Workshop where seniors shop for holiday gifts crafted by local vendors. When it’s cold outside, enjoy holiday foods, like funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, and churros, inside the Frosty Fest’s heated tent.
Senior Companion Care from Assisting Hands
Seniors in Naperville and DuPage County have no shortage of festive activities to keep their holiday spirit shining bright. Alongside these seasonal celebrations, compassionate senior companion care from Assisting Hands Home Care helps older adults feel supported, engaged, and confident all year long.
Our trusted home care agency is dedicated to promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every senior we serve. Our caregivers provide a wide range of non-medical support, including transportation to appointments, timely medication reminders, mobility assistance, and light housekeeping to maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.
We also offer dignified help with personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, ensuring seniors feel clean, comfortable, and ready to enjoy local holiday events. Caregivers prepare nutritious meals and provide beverages throughout the day, supporting proper nutrition and hydration during the busy holiday season and beyond.
Senior companion care goes beyond daily assistance, it provides ongoing social support that nurtures emotional well-being. Our caregivers engage seniors through friendly conversation, stimulating games, and enjoyable recreational activities. By fostering connection and interaction, we help prevent feelings of isolation, boredom, and loneliness, ensuring seniors remain happy, active, and socially fulfilled.
This holiday season, give the senior in your life the gift of quality elder care from Assisting Hands Home Care. We are privileged to serve Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Warrenville, Westmont, Wheaton, Woodridge, IL, and the surrounding areas in DuPage county. Call at (630) 634-9316 to schedule a free consultation today to learn how we enhance the lives of seniors.
