DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Shop Small Crawl
2025-11-28 00:00 - 2025-12-01 23:59 (America/Chicago) | IL
Sycamore • DeKalb • Genoa • Kingston

Friday, November 28th to Monday, December 1st

Get ready for a shopping adventure like no other.

The Shop Small Crawl is your chance to explore the hidden gems that make our towns special while supporting the incredible local businesses that keep our community thriving. Every stop gives you an opportunity to discover something new, shop unique finds, and even win prizes along the way.

How it works

Every participating business will have Shop Small Crawl punch cards printed with the full list of shops involved this year.

Here is what to do:

• Start at any participating business and pick up your punch card (see list: https://blumengardens.com/…/5th-annual-shop-small…/ )

• Visit shops in Sycamore, DeKalb, Genoa, and Kingston

• Each business you visit will “punch” your card

• Every five punches earns you one raffle entry for a $25 gift card to one of the participating businesses

• When you are finished shopping, simply leave your completed card at any participating shop

The more you visit, the more chances you have to win.

Why join the crawl

This event is built around community spirit and supporting the makers, shop owners, and independent businesses that keep our towns vibrant. It is also one of the best ways to explore the local area, find unique gifts, and make a true impact during the holiday season.

When to crawl

Visit participating shops Friday November 28th through Monday December 1st.

You can view the current participation list here →

https://blumengardens.com/…/5th-annual-shop-small…/

Free Movie: Polar Express
2025-11-28 11:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
All aboard! Celebrate the season with a free community showing of the beloved holiday classic The Polar Express at the Egyptian Theatre on Friday, November 28th at 11:00 AM. Thanks to the generous support of Thrivent, admission is completely free—no ticket or RSVP needed.

Bring the whole family, wear your coziest PJs if you’d like, and relive the magic, music, and wonder on the big screen! Doors open at 10:30 AM.

Christmas on the Farm
2025-11-28 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-29 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch, 2792 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona, Illinois, 60550, United States
Join Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch Nov 28–30 from 11-3 PM for holiday fun — u-cut & pre-cut trees, wreaths, photos with Santa (11–2), visits with reindeer friends, and shopping from local small businesses!

*Please note this is the only weekend the farm is open to the public due their packed event schedule!

35MM Film: It's A Wonderful Life
2025-11-30 14:00 | Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
SHOWING ON 35MM! Released in 1946, the film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others, and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community would be had he never been born.

Thrifting 101
2025-12-01 18:30 - 19:30 | DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the DeKalb Public Library for Thrifting 101, a program designed to turn you into a savvy second-hand shopper! Learn the secrets of successful thrifting, from navigating the racks to spotting hidden gems. They’ll share their best tips on what to look for, how to identify quality pieces, and how to shop with a purpose.
Get inspired for the upcoming holiday season with a “From Thrifted to Gifted” showcase, where we’ll present examples of thrift store finds that were transformed into thoughtful, unique holiday gifts. Discover how you can save money, reduce waste, and find one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list.
Registration is not required. This program is intended for teens and adults.
For additional information, please contact Amy at amyf@dkpl.org or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.

2025 Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk
2025-12-04 09:00 - 2025-12-06 17:00 | Genoa, IL, Genoa, Illinois
Grab your friends and shop for handcrafted treasures at the 51st Annual Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk Dec. 4 – Dec. 6, 2025! Visit each home, business, and organization on the map to discover one-of-a-kind holiday décor, gifts, and tasty treats.

This is a shopping experience like no other! Over 100 local crafters, artisans, and bakers will be at 17 locations throughout Genoa and Kingston. Visit at least ten stops on the map to be entered for a chance to win a giveaway basket!

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
The Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series is presented by the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center in partnership with DeKalb area historic sites. Once a month, a knowledgeable speaker will present an hour-long program about history relevant to DeKalb County. All programs are free of charge, and guests are invited to bring their lunch.

Program descriptions can be found at ellwoodhouse.org and dekalbcountyhistory.org.

May 1 – 2025 Ellwood House Exhibit Preview

June 5 – The Interrelation of Art + History

August 7 – Off to School: Then & Now at North Grove One-room School

September 4 – Remembering The GoodTymes: A Decade of Picnics

October 2 – Historic Homes Tour Sneak Preview

November 6 – Kernels of Corn: History of Cornsilk Magazine

December 4 – The Heiress & the Interpreter: Investigating the ill-fated “Engagement” of Elise Ellwood to Said Kalil Haick, July 1907

Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes to Town
2025-12-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Join the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for Lights on Lincoln & Santa Comes to Town – an enchanting night to welcome the holiday spirit! Stroll through Downtown DeKalb as sparkling lights line the streets, and wave to Santa himself as he travels through Downtown DeKalb. Welcome Santa as he stops in front of the Egyptian Theatre and leads the magical Christmas tree lighting in Van Buer Plaza.

After the Christmas tree lighting, sip on hot chocolate and visit with Santa inside his cozy house – the perfect spot for sharing your wishes and taking a festive photo!

This is event is free to attend.

Christmas in The Crib
2025-12-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 16:00 | The Crib, Studio of Valerie Weberpal, 16521 Swanson Road, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178, United States
Check out vintage goods, art, and Christmas items in The Crib in Sycamore, IL!

Celebrate the Season
2025-12-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Genoa, Genoa, IL
Hometown traditions are back – join the Genoa Area Chamber for Celebrate the Season on Friday, December 5th!

They will be hosting the 24th Annual Jingle Bell Walking Parade, which brings Santa’s Arrival! After the parade they celebrate with a Tree Lighting Ceremony. The fun continues with wagon rides, a petting zoo, free pictures with Santa, candy canes, a coloring contest & more!

Walk with Santa
2025-12-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Sycamore, Sycamore, Illlinois, 60178
At 4pm the Sycamore Theater will be featuring a special Holiday movie before Santa’s arrival!

At 6pm the Sycamore Fire Department will escort Santa and Ms. Claus to the Sycamore Theater.

We will then parade Santa and Mrs. Claus through downtown Sycamore to the courthouse lawn where with your help, Santa will light the holiday trees.

Santa will be anxious to make his way to his Santa House where children can present him with their wish list.

2025 DAWC Annual Local Holiday Shopping Fair
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 09:00 - 16:00 | DeKalb Area Women’s, 1021 State St, DeKalb, IL, 60115
The annual, local, DAWC Holiday Shopping Fair will be 6-9pm Friday, December 5 and 9am-4pm Saturday, December 6. The wares are wonderful, the music is magnificent, the people are pleasant, friends are fine, prices are pinpointed for DeKalb area, facilities are festive, refreshments are rich, shopping is superior, festivities are fabulous. All is waiting for you!

Breakfast with Santa
2025-12-06 09:00 - 10:30 | River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Dr, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Santa is coming to town!
Come see the big guy in person, participate in a craft, listen to holiday stories, and enjoy a light buffet breakfast. Space is limited. Sign up early! Registration is required and must be paid in advance. Day-of registration is not accepted.
Registration is required for each individual 3 years of age and older.
Registration is free for those ages 2 and under.
$15 Resident / $19 Non Resident
Registration Deadline: 12/3 (or until sold out)

Visits with Santa
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
Bring your Christmas spirit to life with a visit to Santa in his cozy house! Share your holiday wishes, snap a festive photo, and drop off your Christmas list straight into Santa’s hands. Don’t forget to take home a sweet candy cane as a special treat! Santa’s house is free to attend.

Santa Visits at DeKalb County Courthouse
2025-12-06 11:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-07 11:00 - 14:00 | DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W State St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Santa takes time off from his workshop to vacation in Sycamore during the holiday season. His “vacation home” is located on the courthouse lawn and is open for visitors starting December 6!

Santa House Hours:Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. -2 p.m.

Santa’s House has a personal mailbox! Be sure that Santa receives your wish list this year by delivering it yourself.

Holiday Open House at DeKalb County History Center
2025-12-06 12:00 - 15:00 | DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
On December 6 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Open House will feature free tours of the award-winning exhibit “FOOD: Gathering Around the Table.” Additionally, visitors will find hot chocolate, snacks, and crafts to enjoy.

“It’s the time of year where we want to say thank you to our supporters and invite new people to visit the History Center,” said Michelle Donahoe, DeKalb County History Center’s Executive Director. She continues, “Having events like this create an opportunity for the community to come and check out this great local treasure and even start a new family tradition. There is something for everyone at this event.”

“FOOD: Gathering Around the Table” hosted in collaboration with the Smithsonian is one of five displays throughout the country. Stories about agriculture, food and technology, local festivals, and everyday cooking are all included, plus a hand-on section for the younger visitors to play “grocery store.”

The DeKalb County History Center is located at 1730 N. Main Street. The Holiday Open House is Saturday, December 6 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, donations are welcome. For more information visit sycamorehistory.org or call 815-895-5762.

Shabbona Winter Festival
2025-12-06 15:00 - 18:00 | Purdy Park, 205 E Navaho Ave, Shabbona, IL, 60550, United States
The 4th Annual Village of Shabbona Winter Festival includes Santa Claus, a tree lighting ceremony, vendor/craft fair, hot cocoa, food, Belgian horse drawn wagon rides, and games & activities for all ages.

Holiday Traditions Weekend
2025-12-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Ellwood House, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
This Holiday Traditions Weekend gives guests the chance to participate in self-guided tours around the Ellwood mansion and Ellcourt, a unique opportunity for visitors to take their time to appreciate the beautiful decorations in both homes. This two-day event will run on Saturday, December 6, from 4-7 PM, and Sunday, December 7, from 1-4PM, and will include refreshments and live music!

Celebration Chorale Christmas Cantata
2025-12-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:00 | First United Methodist Church of DeKalb, 317 N 4th Street, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The Celebration Chorale announces its upcoming annual Christmas cantata, “Sing We All Noel” which will be presented at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th at 2:00 p.m. The production will be held at First United Methodist Church, 2501 North Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb.
“Sing We All Noel” is a dynamic collection of favorite carols and classics for choir and congregation. The Celebration Chorale is under the direction of Christine Monteiro.
Although the Celebration Chorale practices and performs at FUMC in DeKalb, the musicians come from all over the area and include professionals and amateurs, longtime Chorale members, and those who are new to the group. The Chorale has singers representing over nine different church denominations and 10 local communities.
There is no charge for the performances at the church, but a free-will offering will be taken. The church is an accessible facility. Parking is available adjacent to the church building.
For information about the concerts, or for information on joining the Celebration Chorale, email thecelebrationchorale@gmail.com; call Sally Mullis, Celebration Chorale Leadership Team President at (815) 739-6087 or visit their Facebook page at The Celebration Chorale.

Jazz in Progress Christmas Concert
2025-12-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave, Sycamore
Jazz in Progress will partner with Chapter DX of Philanthropic Educational Organization International to hold its third annual Christmas concert. The free concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6th at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Avenue.
The band will perform Christmas songs in a big band and modern jazz-style music format. Attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and free will offerings to the Sycamore Food Pantry.
Nonprofit Jazz in Progress raises funds for local community music programs, including the DeKalb, Sycamore, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek, Sandwich, Somonauk, Earlville and Leland school districts, St. Mary’s School in DeKalb and the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
P.E.O. International’s chapter is an education organization that motivates woman to achieve high education and celebrates women’s advancement through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship.
For information, visit facebook.com/JazzInProgress or peointernational.org

Holiday Photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
2025-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St, Sycamore, IL, 60178, United States
Capture the magic of the season at Blumen Gardens with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Bring the whole family to snap a memorable holiday photo surrounded by the cozy charm of the gardens.

Holiday at the Homestead Open House 2025
2025-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Glidden Historical Center, 921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL, 60115, United States
The historic J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host its “Holiday at the Homestead” open house on Sunday, December 7, from 12-4 p.m. at the museum, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.

Holiday at the Homestead will be held on the second floor of the home, only accessible by a flight of stairs. Please contact Glidden Homestead at 815-756-7904 or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org for more information.

Senior Coffee Hour
2025-12-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Sycamore Public Library, 103 E State St, Sycamore, Illinois, 60178
Have you been wanting to meet new people? Drop by the Sycamore Public Library on the first Sunday of the month for free coffee, games, and conversation.
