Holiday Happenings
BATAVIA
Celebration of Lights Festival
Where: Batavia Riverwalk
When: Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m.
The celebration of the season kicks-off with themed activities for the whole family, including music from the Batavia Community Band and crafts for kids to enjoy while they await Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting. Visitors can spend time with live reindeer or the Big Man himself, stroll along Christmas Tree Lane, or cozy up in a hayride.
Holiday Story Time
Where: Batavia Depot Museum
When: Dec. 13, 5:45 p.m.
“Celebrity” readers from throughout the community share favorite holiday stories and read a festive tale or two at this popular event from the Batavia Public Library.
Holiday House Decorating Contest
Where: Throughout Batavia
When: Registration due by Dec. 10; Judging Dec. 11
Batavians who love decorating with lights, Santa, and everything holiday, shouldn’t miss their chance to dazzle in this annual house decorating contest. Prizes are awarded in four categories: Most Original, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, and People’s Choice. Register at bataviaparks.org.
Saturday, Dec. 13 at Peck Farm Park
4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva
General entry pours from 2-6pm VIP entry starts at 1pm
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13, where the magic of the season meets the bold flavors of craft brewing! This one-of-a-kind winter celebration will light up your December with dazzling holiday lights, craft beer tastings and delicious food! Must be 21+ with valid ID.
General admission guests will receive 15 4-ounce sample pours along with a commemorative tasting glass to take home.
VIP guests gain access to the event 1 hour early (1pm) and will receive a commemorative pint glass.
This festival is part of Winter Wonder Lights, a monthlong celebration at Peck Farm Park.
More than 10 esteemed breweries participating!
Get tickets and learn more at genevaparks.org/lights-flights or scan QR code
Who Brought the Humbug?
Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre
When: Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.
This high-energy holiday spectacle brings tap dance, infectious beats, and a whole lot of festive fun with humor and holiday classics re-imagined.
BABS Comedy Club Presents: Kids Prov
Where: The Comedy Vault
When: Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
Live musical accompaniment and improv celebrates an improv comedy show created especially for the kiddos! Fun for the whole family.
The Essential Christmas Carol
Where: Batavia Public Library
When: Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
A Christmas Carol comes alive with a reading performed by storyteller William Pack, using a script derived from Charles Dickens’ 1867 abridged reading copy.
Sundays with Santa
Where: Batavia Boardwalk Shops
When: Sundays from 12-2 p.m., Nov. 30-Dec. 21
Bring the family to the Batavia Boardwalk Shops (114 E. Wilson St.) on Sundays for a free visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Share your holiday wishes, take photos, and shop!
Aurora
Christkindlmarket
Where: RiverEdge Park
When: Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 21-Dec. 24
This cherished holiday tradition returns for its 4th year at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Festive holiday atmosphere features authentic vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, and special events. 2025 collectible mugs, ornaments, beer steins, limited edition gift boxes, and other new event merchandise items are available. Free admission.
Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire
Where: Copley Theatre
When: Nov. 20-Dec. 23
Second City’s annual holiday revue is a fast-paced, interactive comedy revue that comically lampoons the holiday season with seasonal songs, sketches, and world-famous improv comedy. This show is suggested for ages 18 years and older; children under 10 not permitted.
Jolly Trolley
Where: Downtown Aurora
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 21 - Dec. 20, 6 to 9 p.m.
The “hop on/hop off” trolley makes six stops between Two Brothers Roundhouse and various downtown locations. Allows visitors to better enjoy holiday window shopping scene and to shop small businesses and the Christkindlmarket. Look for the special trolley stop signs.
Cocoa Crawl
Where: Downtown Aurora
When: Dec.r 5, 5 to 9 p.m.
Part of Aurora’s First Friday - a collective downtown open house - the Cocoa Crawl is an opportunity to explore local businesses while sipping samples of hot chocolate in a souvenir mug available for purchase.
Artist�� Sunda ROAD RALLY!
Sunday, November 30th 11am-4pm
Meet the Artists, See the Studios Watch Live Demonstrations Enter to Win One of a Kind Prizes Feel Good about Purchasing Local Artisan Gifts for the Holidays :)
Holiday Express
Where: Blackberry Farm
When: Dec. 12 & 19, 5-8 p.m.; Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 from 2-7 p.m.
Festooned in lights, the train takes passengers through a bright illuminated landscape. Wagon rides, story time, crafts and music are featured during this enchanted experience. A reindeer food bar allows visitors to create feed bags to put out on Christmas.
The Nutcracker
Where: Prisco Community Center
When: Dec.r 13, 1 p.m.
Dancers with the Fox Valley Dance Academy perform in this beloved holiday classic.
Holiday Fun with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
When: Dec. 20, 10 a.m.
Munch on cookies and sip cocoa with everyone’s favorite green grouch and pint-sized friend, Cindy Lou. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
St. Charles
Holiday Homecoming
Where: Downtown St. Charles
When: Starts Nov. 28, 5 p.m. and continues Nov. 29
The downtown sparkles and shines as the city hosts its annual Lighting of the Lights ceremony featuring music, visits in Santa’s Cottage, complimentary roasted nuts, and much more. The St. Charles Shop Crawl, which supports shopping at local businesses, takes place all day on Small Business Saturday. The merry festive fun concludes with the colorful Electric Christmas Parade along Main Street at 5:30 p.m..
Caroling with the Cows
Where: Primrose Farm
When: Dec. 5 and 6, varied time slots
Get in the holiday MOOOd and sing carols to the farm’s cows, sip hot cocoa and enjoy sweet treats during one-of-akind experience.
Candlelight
Where: Durant-Peterson House
When: Dec. 6 and 7; 2-6 p.m.
The soft glow of candlelight illuminates the Durant House as visitors stroll the historic rooms. This annual holiday event is the only time the home is open after dark. Nearby Sholes School presents a Christmas pageant via the style of the 1800s.
5-Minute Makes: Gnome Wood Ornament
The Most Sketchiest Time of
Where: Steel Beam Theatre
When: Sundays, Nov. 23-Dec.r 21
the Year
Light up the holidays with laughter! Holiday comedy sketches are crafted with festive flair and a dazzling night of humor.
Where: St. Charles Public Library
When: Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Create a gnome ornament by layering colors of vinyl on a wood ornament. Gnome images vary. All materials are provided.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hike
Where: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
When: Dec. 19, time slots are 4:30-8 p.m.
Meander along a candy cane decorated path while you solve a puzzle to get a goody bag. After exploring, visit the discovery center for warm beverages and a makeand-take craft.
Gingerbread House Creations
Where: Baker Community Center
When: Dec. 6, 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Kenny G’s captivating and distinctive style.
Dinner with the Grinch
Where: Baker Community Center
When: Dec. 16 and 17, 6 p.m.
Decorate a miniature Christmas tree alongside Whoville’s own before dining on pizza, salad, and special Grinch snacks.
Darlene Love Holiday Show
Where: Arcada Theatre
When: Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
A Christmas Carol
Random Acts Matter hosts the 2nd Annual Community Gingerbread House contest and display. Day of creativity, community, and kindness.
Designated by Rolling Stone Magazine as “one of the greatest singers of all time”, enjoy Darlene Love’s as she enchants everyone with the holiday spirit.
Kenny G - The Miracles Holiday & Hits 2025 Tour
Where: Arcada Theatre
When: Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with
Where: Arcada Theatre
When: Dec. 22, 7 p.m.
The Dickens’ holiday classic gets a modern makeover with a hilarious and heartwarming update in this theatrical performance presented by Greatworks Theatre Company.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Where: Moonlight Theatre
When: Dec. 31, doors open at 6 p.m.
Join in for a party to remember with a buffet dinner, live music and comedy. Sip on cocktails and wine available for purchase from the full bar while you enjoy music from decades past performed by Electro Retro.
Geneva
Artists Sunday Road Rally
Where: Geneva*
When: Nov. 30 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Check out different artists, studios and live demonstrations at this shopping event in Geneva. Purchase a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays, support local artisans, and get the opportunity to win a unique prize! * See the ad on page 5 to find a QR code to view the specific locations.
Holiday House Tour
Where: Throughout Geneva
When: Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Local designers create swoon-worthy and exquisite holiday decor for five distinctive homes throughout Geneva. Self-guided tour offers ticket holders to enjoy a special tea with treats, while supplies last, at First Congregational Church.
Christmas Walk
Where: Downtown Geneva
When: Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
Geneva begins the Christmas season with the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the holiday, as she lights the great tree. Traditional festivities include Santa Claus, roaming carolers, a live nativity, and specials offers by shops and restaurants throughout the downtown area.
DePaw Pet Resort - Downtown Geneva
Holiday Pack Walk
Where: Downtown Geneva, 100 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL
Meet at Kane County Courthouse by the cannon
When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
With walks led by a trainer, bring your leashed pups to enjoy a fun social experience to help them practice good manners and proper leash behavior.
Polar Express Storytime Train
Where: Geneva Train Station
When: Dec. 6 and 7, time slots at 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. both days
The Polar Express whisks passengers to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his friends before traveling back to Geneva for a bite to eat and a chance to visit with the jolly man in the red suit.
Winter Wonder Lights
Where: Peck Farm
When: Nov. 29, 5 p.m.
Peck Farm hosts this holiday celebration kick-off with illumination of its courtyard, cookie decorating, crafts, music, plus cocoa and s’mores by the fire pit. Santa will visit the courtyard.
Holiday Night Movie: The Polar Express
Where: Playhouse 38 Theatre
When: Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Register for the big screen showing of “The Polar Express” with hot chocolate. Additional snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Elgin
Elgin Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: DuPage Court
When: Nov. 29, 5 p.m.
The ceremony illuminates the city’s tree with vibrantvisual lighting elements. Event includes free holiday activities and entertainment for all ages.
Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl
Where: Downtown Elgin
When: Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sample beverages from more than 20 downtown Elgin businesses while shopping Small Business Saturday. Cocoa, cider, mocha and more are available for tasting with the purchase of a commemorative cup. The offering includes beverage add-ins at select locations.
Holiday Spectacular
Where: Hemmens Cultural Center
When: Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 2:30 p.m.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra with Chad Goodman, conductor, partners with the Elgin Master Chorale and Integrity School of Dance for a festive holiday performance featuring well-loved carols, fresh twists on modern tunes, breathtaking dancing, and an appearance by Santa.
Elburn
Christmas Stroll
Where: Downtown Elburn
When: Dec. 6, 4-7 p.m.
Celebrate the season with downtown lights, library activities, activities at Grace Church, and shopping at the Kris Kringle Market located at Obscurity Brewing.
Ugly Sweater Bingo
Where: Town and Country Public Library District
When: Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Take that wild holiday sweater out of the closet for a lively game of bingo. Snack are provided.
East
Dundee
Dickens in Dundee
Where: East Dundee
When: Dec. 5, 5:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy living windows, Santa Claus, and free horse-drawn carriages.
Riverside Parade of Lights
Where: Along the riverfront from West Dundee to Carpentersville & East Dundee
Popular annual festive holiday parade with this year’s honored Grand Marshal DeLoris Doederlein.
Magical Christmas Drive-Thru
Where: Santa’s Village
When: Select nights through Dec. 30
Over three million lights synchronized with holiday music during this drive-thru experience. At the end of the route, visit with Santa; enjoy the snowless tube slide; and have funnel cake and cocoa. Online advance registration is required.
From Snow Globes to Sleigh Bells… Your Holiday Adventure Starts Here
Each location is packed with twinkling lights, holiday treats, and merry surprises.
Plus - you’ll find awesome photo spots and Instagramworthy backdrops to capture the magic.
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list
Gift cards
Add a little gelt in your stocking this holiday season with great gift card options. Whether it’s a surprise to a favorite retailer or restaurant, gift cards support small businesses and are a great way to help introduce new customers, too. A gift card for a local coffee shop, favorite lunch spot and family-owned business keeps local dollars in the community.
Experiences
Some of the best gifts can be the gift of time together. A shared experience is a great way to catch up with a friend, bond with a child or grandchild and even walk away with a great self-made product or item to remember the time together. Even better, pair it with a visit to some of the incredible eateries in our communities, whether it’s lingering over coffee and a delectable pastry or diving into an entrée for brunch, lunch or dinner.
We’ve assembled some of our favorite places to experience some fun, but we know there are even more locations in the area offering workshops and classes to enjoy the gift of time together. Purchase a gift card and set a date on the calendar to spend some quality time and fun together.
Consider other gift card options, like a gift certificate from the local chamber of commerce, that can be used at several locations including retail and restaurant locations. Consider gift certificates available from local park districts. They’re perfect for a family to use toward a class and the St. Charles Park District gift certificates can be used to pay for activities, pool admissions, and memberships and even for the River View Miniature Golf Course at the Pottawatomie Golf Course.
Consider a membership gift. The St. Charles Park District’s Adult Activity Center has annual memberships for a nominal fee, where residents as well as non-residents age 55 and older can stay connected with use of the center, plus lunches, classes and special holiday treats.
CULINARY
Chi-Cuterie
321 Franklin St, Geneva 331-901-0474
chi-cuterie.com
Are you looking to create an Instagram-worthy charcuterie board to “wow” your guests? Join a workshop where you will learn, step by step, how to pair foods to create beautiful and tasty boards using proven simple tools and techniques. There’s even more at Chi-Cuterie with wine & cheese tastings, and whiskey tastings, too.
Fox Den Cooking School
131 S. First St., St. Charles
630-394-4109
foxdencooking.com
Spice up weeknight dinners and explore new recipes with a little help from the staff at the Fox Den Cooking School. Classes are available for adults, children and families. Learn to make your own sushi rolls, fresh pasta, Spanish tapas, Greek dishes, tacos and Thai food too. Purchase a gift card to use toward a class and wrap it up with a new kitchen gadget or accessory as something fun to gift your favorite chef in training.
The team at Fox Den Cooking School are local members of the community, sharing their love for food and all things culinary. The gift of cooking together is an incredible experience that spills into the kitchen. Learning to master a new dish builds confidence, creates memories and teaches a lifelong skill.
ENTERTAINMENT
Arcada Theatre 105 E Main St, St. Charles 630-962-7000 arcadalive.com
If you’re looking for a gift card that really “rocks”, look no farther than a gift that offers year-round entertainment featuring the best of music and entertainment legends. The jam-packed schedule offered by Onesti Entertainment is filled with a variety of favorites to make every evening out special. Enjoy dining on-site at the Club Arcada Speakeasy & Restaurant to drink, dine, and dance or the Rock ‘N Ravioli for light bites.
Paramount Theatre 23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora 630-896-6666 paramountaurora.com
With a history of producing spectacular Broadway-style award-winning shows, the Paramount provides arts and entertainment at its best. The 2026 subscription series includes Dear Evan Hansen and South Pacific. Check out the website to see details and enjoy unforgettable moments with the Broadway Series at the Paramount.
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FASHION & STYLE
House of 423
219 W. State St., Geneva
630-423-1664
houseof423.com
Do you look into your closet and just think you need an update, but you don’t know where to start? House of 423 owner Sarah Whitt offers plenty of ideas to help you choose clothing to fit it your own style with personal styling sessions. With a passion for fashion and creator of her own jewelry line and clothing, Whitt shares her knowledge and enthusiasm. She’ll help you fall in love again with dressing up for work, casual days, and gala events.
LEARN & CREATE
Board & Brush
303 N. Fourth St., Suite C, St. Charles 630-797-9123
boardandbrush.com/stcharles
At Board & Brush, they provide the supplies and the instruction plus clean up the mess, too. Whether it’s a date, spending time with your favorite child(ren), or enjoying time with friends, get a little creative and bring home a fun piece of art to enjoy. The studio owners are local residents who attended a workshop to celebrate their anniversary. They loved the experience and pursued launching their own location.
The studio has a license to sell beer and wine during the Sip & Paint classes. Projects change with the seasons and there’s a complete calendar on the website where you can view how many seats remain in a workshop and book a reservation. There are even pre-made projects to pick up and bring home.
TinkerBelz Art
227 S 3rd St #108, Geneva 331-203-5162 www.tinkerbelzart.com
Shop or take part in a variety of classes throughout the year at this unique and timeless gallery that features the beautiful blown glass art form. Owner and artist Victoria Belz hosts learning experiences that focus on smaller class sizes. Looking to learn more about blown glass and its endless applications? On December 6 & 7, “come play with fire” and make your own glass pendant in a condensed version of other TinkerBelz classes. You can reserve your seat online but walk-ins are also welcome to participate!
If that doesn’t sound like your particular brand of a glass blowing experience, Victoria offers plenty of other exciting opportunities throughout the year.
Fine Line Creative Arts Center
37W570 Bolcum Road, St. Charles 630-584-9443 fineline.org
Fine Line Creative Arts Center is truly a haven for the artist community. From a beginner exploring a new medium to someone who has honed a talent in an art medium, everyone is welcomed and accepted. Classes are geared to adults, ages 18 and older. Some of the classes include opportunities to work with ceramics and textiles; two-dimensional art, such as drawing, painting and photography; and three-dimensional art such as working with blown glass, jewelry and wood.
Memberships are available for individuals and couples plus a discounted membership for veterans. Membership supports the nonprofit center and provides discounts on classes, items for sale in the artisan gallery and invitations to events. A membership can make a wonderful gift. The artisan gallery is a great place to explore truly unique pieces of art in many forms and support local artists and their passions.
Magnolia Soap & Bath Co.
1 Illinois St., Suite 110, St. Charles 630-549-0892
mymagnoliasoap.com
Learn to make soap, candles, bath bombs and shower steamers. Staff takes you step by step to craft and create. Book a party for two or more and you’ll be able to learn how the item is made. Best yet, you’ll take it home to use. Be sure to check out the product lines including laundry soap, bath and shower soaps, candles, and soaps for pets. Products are plant-based, domestically sourced with phthalate-free fragrances. Stop in and shop in December to check out the 12 Days of Christmas Specials.
Pinot’s Palette
3823 East Main St., St. Charles 630-338-0278
pinotspalette.com/stcharles
Enjoy a paint and sip party for an evening of creativity with family and friends. Pinot’s Palette offers a variety of canvas painting theme selections that are seasonal or reminiscent of time-honored classics with bold and bright colors. Instructors guide you with the techniques during an on-site session. You can use your gift card to make a chunky blanket or even paint at home. There’s nonstop for the kids, too, with Little Brushes® kids painting classes. Perfect for a fun birthday party to be remembered.
Thrown Threads
125 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia
630-780-9012
thrownthreads.com
Formed by two friends who shared a love for art and the community, Thrown Threads offers single-day workshops and multi-week classes. Learn how to macrame, weave, and paint pottery. Customers can shop from handmade products and supplies to enjoy their own crafts too.
2010 E. Main St, St Charles, IL
630-377-6288
www.HeinzBrothers.com
No reservations are needed for the walk-in paint your own pottery products, perfect for the spur of the moment splurge. Purchase a gift card that can be used towards a class or in-store merchandise. Getting your hands on art can be an amazing stress release and a chance to catch up with a friend over creative time. Walk away feeling proud of what you can create.
Water Street Studios Community Art Center
160 S. Water St., Batavia
630-761-9977
waterstreetstudios.org
The non-profit provides space for artists where visitors can shop with individual artists and check out ongoing classes and events, like the 2nd Fridays art reception. There are art classes for children and adults. Join a friend and explore a creative side with painting, pottery, jewelry making and more. Discover a new hobby, learn a new technique and experience the beauty and relaxation in the arts.
Winding Deer Path
316 Franklin St., Geneva
630-618-7608
windingdeerpath.com
The artists, including those featured with products in the store, share their passion and creativity with several classes each month at Winding Deer Path. Customers have created watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, and floral designs, too. Classes vary by month. Make a date to find a new hobby and create a gift. Inside this unique shop, browse the collection of décor and more that connects the beauty of nature.
SPORTS
Kane County Cougars
Northwestern Medicine Field 34w002 Cherry Lane, Geneva 630-232-8811
kccougars.com
It’s great baseball right in the Tri-Cities. Since 1991, Geneva has been home to the Kane County Cougars, a professional baseball team of the American Association, an independent MLB Partner League. It’s a great baseball experience offering a close view of the action, delicious concessions offerings, plenty of fun games between innings and even a dedicated area for children. Fans love an afternoon game or catching a night game with the awesome fireworks finale.
With family-friendly entertainment, ticket prices won’t break the bank. It makes for a great baseball experience. Catch one of the fun theme nights or celebrate a special occasion at the ballpark.
Chicago Steel
Fox Valley Ice Arena
1996 S. Kirk Road, Geneva 855-517-8335
chicagosteelhockeyteam.com
Hockey so close you can smell it. The Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva is home to the United States Hockey League team and its family-friendly games featuring Rusty, a loveable mascot, contests, and awesome, fastpaced hockey. As of 2024, 58 Steel alumni have been drafted by NHL teams since 2000 and more than 300 Steel players have gone on to play NCAA Division I hockey. The Tier 1 junior hockey league includes players ages 16-20 from across the country who live with local families. The team has truly made a home in the Fox Valley, with a following of fans and major accomplishments.
The Chicago Steel have great family promotions, from game theme nights to post-game skates, as well as family ticket packages. It’s a great night out to catch some hockey up close and cheer on the team.
WELLNESS & RELAXATION
Sage Healing Collective
525 S. Tyler Road, Suite S, St. Charles 331-901-5672
sagehealingcollective.com
Sage Healing Collective offers spa services such as massage, reiki energy healing, light, sound, and vibration therapy to promote healing and relaxation plus. With emphasis on holistic treatments, Sage believes the integration of science and nature optimizes the human body’s innate ability to heal A gift card purchase also gives an opportunity to shop their available products, such as soy candles and reed diffusers; organic hair care; aromatherapy blends; smudge stick bundles; and more.
Halsa
202 W State St, Geneva
630-208-8250
www.halsaroma.com
This aromatherapy shop offers a wide array of services sure to stimulate healing and relaxation. They offer Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy massages. Don’t forget to peruse their extensive cache of natural and aromatherapy products in the store as well.
Spa Bleu
116 W. Main St. Charles 847-960-5214
spableu.com
If you’re looking for a peaceful atmosphere to have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, the Spa Bleu team provides a variety of services that celebrate beauty and wellness. Gift cards can be used for pampering spa services, like massages, facials, and hand, nail and laser treatments. Salon services include a cut and style; color treatments; hair and scalp therapy; plus many other opportunities to help you discover a new you. Men are welcome at Spa Bleu, too, for hair and grooming services.
Elements Massage
507 S 3rd St Suite C, Geneva 630-232-7335
Take part in the benefits of comprehensive massage and skin therapy at this local favorite. Their awardwinning skincare is top notch, and the menu for their massage services is nearly endless. Don’t miss out on an opportunity for self-care, or gift the experience to someone special this holiday season.
5 fun gift exchange ideas
Gift-giving is a significant component of the holiday season. Families can embrace traditional gift-giving, but those who want to add a touch of whimsy to gatherings with loved ones can consider these five creative and fun ways to exchange gifts.
Play the plastic wrap game
To exchange small stocking stuffer gifts, compile gift cards, cash, small toys, candy, and even some larger gifts (all participants can chip in and one person shops for the gifts). The designated person in charge begins rolling up the gifts in the plastic, adding one every few rolls. Turning the ball 90 degrees while wrapping helps make a more round, finished gift ball. To play, the person with the ball puts on oven mitts and tries to unwrap as much as they can to access the gifts, while the person to the left is attempting to roll doubles on dice. When doubles are made, that person passes the dice to the left and starts his or her own attempts to get at the gifts in the plastic ball. The game ends when all the gifts are revealed, whether everyone has had a chance to unwrap or not.
Plan a white elephant gift exchange
A white elephant exchange is like a secret grab bag. Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and then takes turns choosing a gift based on the number they’ve been given. When the gift is chosen, the person opens it. The next player can select a fresh gift or steal one of the presents that’s already been opened.
Host a make-and-take craft party
With this type of exchange, participants will engage in some form of crafting for the duration of the event, whether it’spottery, painting, epoxy resin pouring, or
even knit crafts. At the end of the night everyone can swap their creations with another or keep their own crafts as gifts.
Give the gift of a group outing
Instead of exchanging material gifts, focus on sharing experiences with friends and family. A trip to watch a sports game or a theater performance can be an excellent way to spend time together, and something a person may not be inclined to do on his or her own. Certain venues will offer discounts on group tickets, so everyone can pool their resources.
Host a DIY cookie and cocoa exchange
Cookies, cocoa and the holidays are a perfect combination. A gift exchange where participants supply ingredients for these sweet treats, share their favorite recipes and then put together the finished products can make for an entertaining and festive afternoon. Each person can fill a cookie tin with baked cookies to take home and mason jars filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows can be an additional gift to enjoy later on a chilly evening.
There are plenty of fun ways to exchange gifts during the holiday season.
THE ART OF GIVING
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