Downers Grove Magazine

12/02/2025

Winter Lights in Wilder Park
Location: Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst, IL
Dates: Community Tree Lighting December 4; displays through the season
Join the Elmhurst Park District for the annual community tree lighting, then enjoy decorated trees and glowing displays throughout Wilder Park all winter long.
Visit epd.org

12/02/2025

Big & Bright Trail of Lights – Sonny Acres Farm
Location: West Chicago, IL
Dates: November 22 – January 5
Step into a winter wonderland at Sonny Acres Farm’s Big & Bright Trail of Lights! This glowing outdoor walking trail features synchronized light shows, cozy fire pits, and a festive Christmas market filled with treats and gifts. Sip hot cocoa, stroll under millions of twinkling lights, and make memories under the stars at one of the suburbs’ most magical holiday destinations.
sonnyacres.com

12/02/2025

Get ready for something big!

In January, Downers Grove Magazine will be publishing exclusive excerpts from our in-depth interview with Coach Dave Wannstedt—yes, he still has strong ties right here at home. The full interview will be released on our YouTube channel.

If you love local stories, Chicago sports, and behind-the-scenes conversations you can’t get anywhere else, now’s the time to subscribe.

Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/
Stay tuned—January is going to be good.

12/01/2025

Festival of Lights at Phillips Park
Location: Aurora, IL
Dates: November 29 – December 29
This long-running, free drive-thru display lights up Phillips Park with animated figures and glowing arches—perfect for a cozy night drive with the family.
Visit enjoyaurora.com

12/01/2025

Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Location: Downtown Hinsdale, IL
Date: December 5, 5–7 PM
Kick off the holiday season with Hinsdale’s most cherished tradition—the 59th Annual Hinsdale Christmas Walk! Enjoy live entertainment, holiday treats, visits with Santa, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Don’t miss the holiday train, carousel, and Santa’s Village in Burlington Park.
hinsdalechamber.com

11/29/2025

Start 2026 strong! Secure your ad placement in Hinsdale Magazine Group’s Winter issues to reach affluent readers across DuPage.

https://hinsdalemagazinegroup.com/contact-us

11/28/2025

As families around the area start decking the halls this weekend, local fire departments have one simple message: decorate safely. The Keep the Wreath Red campaign is lighting up Downers with bright red wreaths to remind everyone to avoid common fire hazards—like overloaded outlets, dry trees, and overheated batteries. A few extra seconds of caution can help keep every wreath—and your holidays—shining bright all season long.

Read the full story here: https://downersgrovemagazine.com/keep-the-wreath-red/.

11/27/2025

11/26/2025

“A Christmas Carol” – Drury Lane Theatre
Location: Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dates: November 28 – December 27, 2025
A timeless holiday favorite returns to Drury Lane Theatre! Their enchanting production of A Christmas Carol brings Scrooge’s journey to life with snowfall, magical illusions, and heartfelt lessons in generosity. At just one hour long, it’s the perfect outing for families looking to add a little magic to the season.
drurylanetheatre.com

11/25/2025

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Location: Brookfield, IL
Dates: November 28 – December 31
See Brookfield Zoo transformed into a sparkling winter spectacle, with millions of lights, festive trees, and larger-than-life displays. Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday light tradition continues to dazzle.
Visit brookfieldzoo.org

11/22/2025

As college signing season approaches, Downers Grove North senior Nora Benjamins is preparing for her next chapter—both on the court and in the classroom. Following in her mother’s footsteps, the 6'2" middle hitter has committed to play volleyball at Holy Cross, where she plans to study pre-med on her way to becoming a neurologist. Balancing academics, athletics, and ambition, Nora’s story is a reminder that dedication and drive can run in the family.

Read the full story here: https://downersgrovemagazine.com/its-all-about-the-benjamins/

11/21/2025

Grove Express 5K
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Date: November 27, 8:30 AM
Start Thanksgiving morning with purpose at the annual Grove Express 5K! This Downers Grove tradition brings the community together for fun, fitness, and philanthropy—supporting the Grove Express Foundation’s mission to fund local education and youth programs. A great way to kick off Turkey Day before the feast.
groveexpress.com