The Geneva Christmas Walk 

On December 2nd and 3rd, the historic town of Geneva, IL, will once again host their annual Christmas Walk and House tour. The festivities will begin Friday night at 6pm with the arrival of the first candy cane of the season, from the famous Graham’s Chocolate. Soon after that is the memorable lighting of the tree from the one and only Santa Claus! All that is left for the night is Santa Lucia delivering Swedish wish cookies, desirable scent of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the angelic voices of carolers, carriage rides fit for a princess, and the unforgettable night that is Geneva’s Christmas Walk.

 

The first candy cane is a staple beginning to the Christmas Walk. Graham’s Chocolates, located in the heart of Geneva on third street, begins this event every year. Employers and crafty chocolate wizards create candy canes from scratch. Even some lucky people are able to help with the process. Once the first candy cane of the season is handed out, Graham’s continues to share samples of the peppermint Christmas treat.

 

The big event of the night is when Santa Claus takes time out of his busy schedule to accompany the Mayor in lighting Geneva’s town Christmas tree. Many weeks before this, the girl scouts and boy scouts of Geneva create ornaments to hang on the enormous tree. The handmade decorations are hung on the tree waiting to be unvailed at the lighting ceremony. The lighting of the tree happens roughly around 7:30pm, right after the sun goes down and as the Christmas Spirit is felt all through the town.

 

This event is one to remember, just ask Ellen Degeneres who stated “That town does not look real. I’m jealous, I’m jealous.” In 2007 a Geneva resident nominated Geneva for Ellen’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ contest. Degeneres sent her DJ Stryker to see and witness the magic that happens in the small town.

 

Wondering if Ellen is right about Geneva too good to believe? Check out Geneva’s Christmas Walk this December 2nd and 3rd and believe the magic.