Fox Valley Mall featuring Peanuts village with Santa

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip, Fox Valley Mall on Route 59 has created an immersive Peanuts holiday village, which is on display through Christmas Eve.

The Peanuts Christmas Experience with Santa creates a holiday wonderland that features Snoopy’s doghouse, with screens showing classic Peanuts holiday moments and a corridor of colorful trees, organizers said.

Children and families can visit with Santa at no cost. Professional photo packages are available to buy.

Children also can send letters to Santa in a special mailbox, take photos with life-sized Peanuts characters and dance with the Charlie Brown Band on a light-up dance floor with special effects. Every child receives a free holiday toy after their visit, organizers said.

A sensory-friendly Santa with lights dimmed and music off will be available from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Pet photos can be taken from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8.

Reservations are recommended but not required. For reservations, go to tinyurl.com/PeanutsandSanta2025.

A vendor speaks with potential customers at the 2024 Wedding Showcase at Naper Settlement in Naperville. This year the event will be held on Jan. 17. (Naper Settlement)

Naper Settlement hosting wedding showcase in January

Tickets are now available for Naper Settlement’s annual Wedding Showcase, featuring florists, bakers, photographers, caterers and other wedding professionals from around Naperville and the western suburbs.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, throughout the museum campus, 523 S. Webster St. More than 50 vendors are scheduled to attend.

Couples can sample catering options, get exclusive discounts and take a limo ride around the museum, a news release said. There will be a chance to win prizes, including gift cards, hotel room certificates and more from showcase vendors.

The event is free, but tickets are limited, organizers said. Tickets can be obtained at www.napersettlement.org/weddingshowcase.

Naperville Preservation holding holiday photo contest

Naperville Preservation is holding a photo contest for the best holiday decorations on houses or buildings that are at least 50 years old.

The commercial or residential displays must located in Naperville and should celebrate the history, character and festive spirit of the city. Photos should highlight both the building and its decorations, organizers said.

An independent panel will review all entries, and the winning photograph will be featured on Naperville Preservation’s social media pages and its website. The winner will receive a Naperville-themed gift.

The deadline to enter is Dec. 14. An entry form can be found on the Naperville Preservation’s Facebook page.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/04/naperville-mall-peanuts-santa-wedding-settlement/