Christmas 2017: Aurora Holiday Event Guide

AURORA, IL — Giddy up, giddy up giddy up, let's go! The holiday season might be winding down, but there's still plenty to do in Aurora and its surrounding areas, no matter what your age or budget! Dance to Semple downtown this weekend, or check out a Christmas-themed haunted house. Many of these events require registration, and some are very popular, which is why we suggest calling ahead. We'll keep adding to the list as new events crop up, so checking back frequently for updates.

Christmas Nightmare at the Massacre Haunted House: Did you miss your chance to go through a haunted house in October? This Montgomery haunt is giving you a second chance with its Christmas-themed adventure. The best part? No waiting outside. Events are limited to Dec. 22 and 23 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at 299 Montgomery Road in Montgomery. General admission is $25. For $10 more, you can get in sooner with a fast-pass. There's even a "buy three, get one free" deal.

Massacre was awarded Scariest In Illinois in 2014 by the Chicago Tribune and 2014/2015 by Haunted Illinois.

Breakfast with Buddy: River's Edge Cafe is hosting a special breakfast with Buddy the Elf from Paramount Theater's Elf the Musical Dec. 23. Egg strata, waffles and fresh fruit breakfast starts at 9 a.m., goes 'til noon. $8.95 for adults and $5.75 for kids. This event is likely to be sold out by the time it comes around, but walk-ins are still welcome.

Elf the Musical: Everybody’s favorite overgrown elf, Buddy, will be making mischief and Christmas cheer this holiday season when Paramount Theater in downtown Aurora presents Elf The Musical, Nov. 22 - Jan. 7.

Based on the hilarious 2003 Will Ferrell movie, Elf is one of those rare holiday shows that will have both kids and adults laughing, humming tunes like “A Christmas Song” and “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” for days and rediscovering what it means to be a family. Rated G. Tickets to the Paramount Theater start at $38.

Semple at Hollywood Casino: Performing all of your favorite songs from classics, to country, to current top 40 hits, plus our best originals! Catch them Dec. 23 from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Four Horseman at Ballydoyle: For some metal Metallica mayhem just before Christmas, catch these rockers at 28 W New York St.

Mooseheart Lights: This is the 8th year of Mooseheart's 1.8 mile lights displays. For $10 a vehicle, spectators can check out more than 80 displays, plus a new half-mile extension that includes a farm area. The show runs every night from 5 p.m. - 9 through Dec. 31. A live Nativity scene will be a part of the new stretch Dec. 14 and 21 - 24.

$1-2 Classic Movie Mondays at Paramount: Theater is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. Cash only for admission. Concessions available for purchase (with cards), sponsored by Fox Valley Park District.

• Dec. 11, 7 p.m. White Christmas, $1
• Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, $2
• Dec. 23, 10 a.m. The Polar Express

Don't see your event? Send an email to aurora@patch.com and we'll be sure to include it.

If you're willing to venture out, check out surrounding
guides in Naperville & Oswego.

Main image: Elf the Musical, photo: Thomas J. King