Warrenville After Halloween: A Neighbor's Guide to November and the Holly Days Kickoff
Once the pumpkins come off the porch, Warrenville tips quickly into the holiday season. November is quiet and cozy, and then the whole town turns its lights on at once. Here is a neighbor's look at what is coming between Halloween and the new year, built from the official city, library, and Park District pages. Details can shift, so confirm before you head out.
Early November: prairies, veterans, and used books
On Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 PM, the library hosts a talk on the 50th anniversary of the Fermilab prairie restoration, a nice bit of conservation history from right next door. A week later, on Wednesday, November 11 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, the Park District holds a Veterans Day Breakfast at the Community Building gym honoring Warrenville veterans. Check the Park District listing for RSVP details.
The Library Used Book Sale runs Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring a tote bag. It is the cheapest way in town to stock up on reading for the cold months.
A civic date worth knowing
On Wednesday, November 18 at 7:00 PM, the library holds a Truth in Taxation public hearing on its tax levy ahead of the regular board meeting. It is short, open to anyone, and one of the easiest ways to see how local dollars get decided. Our City Hall page collects council and commission meetings, with links to the city's Agenda Center.
Holly Days: when Santa officially arrives
The city describes Holly Days as its annual holiday celebration, the moment Santa makes his official entry into Warrenville. It is typically held on the first Friday night in December, which would be December 4 this year, but the city has not posted that date on the page we checked, so treat it as a likely date and watch the city site for confirmation.
According to the city, the event takes place on Warren Avenue and at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center, across the street from the Police Department. Expect a warm bonfire, raffles, free horse and carriage rides, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit with Santa, with Park District and school dance troops, singers, and bands performing. It is also when Warrenville officially switches on its holiday lights, which you can see from Route 56.
A Sunday to follow it up
On Sunday, December 6 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, the library's Sunday Music Matinee features Elaine Dame with holiday jazz standards. It is free, all ages are welcome, and seating is first come, first served.
Little planning tips
- Dress for a bonfire night. December in Warrenville is cold, and the best spots are outdoors.
- Park early for Holly Days and expect to walk a bit.
- Keep an eye on the events calendar, where we add holiday happenings as they are confirmed.
- Looking for something to do before all that? Revisit our Halloween guide.
Thanks to Sound & Fury Print Shop, the founding sponsor of Warrenville Proud, for helping keep this community guide free. See you at the bonfire.