Geneva Christmas Walk, Holiday House Tour: See What's In Store

GENEVA, IL — Upholding tradition, Christmas in Geneva will look similar to years past as both the locally loved Holiday House Tour and Christmas Walk are returning in early December.

Both happening on the same weekend, the Christmas Walk will kick off festivities at 6 p.m. Dec. 6. The Holiday House Tour will run simultaneously from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and again from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7.

On Dec. 6, the evening will be filled with season firsts. Bob's Candy Cane Parade and Graham's Chocolates' first candy cane of the season will be presented Friday evening in downtown Geneva. Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, will offer cookies to fest-goers, and the city will light its Christmas tree for the first time.

"Serenaded by carolers, families stroll Geneva’s historic marketplace, nibbling on fresh-roasted chestnuts, and tucking into brightly lit shops and restaurants along the way," Geneva Chamber of Commerce Communications Director Johanna Patterson wrote in a news release.

Children will have the chance to mingle with Kris Kringle at his home at 10 S. Third St. Reservations, which cost $10 per time slot, open Nov. 4 on the Chamber's website.

Five homes, "decked to the nines with holiday cheer," were selected to participate in the weekend's Holiday House Tour.

Tickets to the festive tour cost $42 and include holiday tea and the scent of the season from Inluro, while supplies last. Proceeds go toward decorating Geneva for the season.

The Chamber provided the following descriptions of the houses participating in this year's Holiday House Tour:

Stunning Modern Cape Cod

Welcome to the "Beech House!" This stunning stone and cedar Modern Cape Cod-style home, originally built in 1952, exudes a cozy, relaxed elegance that seamlessly blends its beach-inspired decor with the warmth of Christmas. Named for the gorgeous and rare American Beech tree in the front yard — a prominent feature of this beautiful corner lot — the district's architectural Cape Cod style and interior design completed by Haven Design Group, speak to the quintessential American summer house; evoking daydreams of slower days and beachside New England retreats.

Beautiful California-Style Ranch

This enchanting 1947 ranch home is a beautiful fusion of classic charm and modern sophistication. Nestled in a picturesque neighborhood, this 3,100 square foot, five-bedroom, four-bath home has been meticulously updated and expanded by Wetmore Construction to offer a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort. Originally an all-brick home, the latest transformation includes a spacious cedar addition that extends gracefully from the back of the house, enhancing both its footprint and functionality.

Historic Gem

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of a beautifully preserved 1914 Arts and Crafts bungalow. Nestled in the heart of town, this gable-front gem was awarded a Historical Structures Plaque by the Geneva History Museum. Once home to George and Marian Michael- longtime business owners of the Marian Michael and Teen Shop in Geneva, it’s 2022 addition by Wetmore Construction has brought modern comfort to the unique charm of the early 20th-century craftmanship.

Cozy Cottage

Step into a nostalgic holiday postcard in this 2,250 square foot mid-century ranch, originally built in 1949. This cozy home is a Weyerhaeuser Panel Home built by General Timber Service Inc. in Dubuque, Iowa. The home was believed to be partially built in Iowa and then shipped and erected on-site in Geneva. The current homeowners purchased the home in 2013 and completed a 1,000-square-foot addition in 2014 to make it a three-bedroom, two-bath home. The addition was designed by local architect Tim Nelson and included the two exterior dormers, arbors on the front of the house and a pergola over the back patio. The surrounding landscape, designed by Plandscape, Inc., catches the soft glow of Christmas lights and enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere that awaits inside.

Sparkling Remodel

Envelop yourself in the magic of the season and a touch of opulence with this stunning American Foursquare. Originally built in 1906 as the parsonage for the neighboring United Methodist Church, this home had a significant 2024 addition and remodel by Wetmore Construction. Situated just off Geneva’s Historic Third Street, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom beauty sparkles, creating a warm and festive space that captures the essence of holiday joy and is ready for a celebration.