Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: December 23, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - December 23, 2025

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Holiday Service Update

City Hall will close at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23 and will continue to be closed through Thursday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. It will also be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day.

Refuse/recycling collection services will not be postponed Monday - Wednesday during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. The holidays will be observed by LRS on Thursday, December 25 and Thursday, January 1, 2026. Thursday and Friday collection services will be postponed by one day both weeks. Check the LRS Holiday Schedule for more information here.

Overnight Parking Suspended for Holiday

The City's overnight parking ban will be suspended from Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 a.m. through Saturday, January 3 at 6:00 a.m. All other parking restrictions will remain in effect.

NOTE - There is no parking on City streets during a winter weather event - where snow or ice are in excess of 1 inch.

Christmas Tree Collection

LRS collects live Christmas trees during the first two FULL weeks of January at no charge. Trees placed out after that time will require prepayment and prescheduling.

Remove all materials from the tree prior to disposal, including ornaments, tinsel, lights etc.
Christmas trees cannot be in plastic bags or wrapped in plastic – they will not be collected
All wreaths and roping must be included with normal trash on residents’ normal collection day
Any trees that are over 7ft tall would need to be cut in half to have it removed

Holiday Light Recycling

As you get your home decorated for the winter holidays, be sure not to toss any broken holiday lights in the garbage! The Holiday Light Recycling Program is now open and you can drop off your lights at the Darien Police Department at 1710 Plainfield Rd. Please do not use plastic bags, just place your lights directly in the bins. Holiday Light recycling will go until February, 2026.

“Christmastime in Darien”

The Lakeview Choir had the special opportunity to record “Christmastime in Darien,” composed by Phillis Nordstrom Johnson, in collaboration with local recording artist Joel Simpson. A Darien native, Simpson’s goal in producing this recording was to help preserve the beloved song following the recent passing of its composer. Featured soloists on the track are Elle Panuska, Sean Sweeney, Elise Oberle, and Henry Feylo.

Listen to "Christmastime in Darien" here!

City Council Meeting Canceled

The City Council meeting scheduled for January 5 has been canceled. The next scheduled meeting is scheduled for January 19. See future meetings and more on the city's calendar here.

Citizen of the Year

Help us find the next Citizen of the Year! If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please consider nominating them for this honor.

Like last year, we will not only be honoring our Citizen of the Year, we will be paying tribute to individuals selected by their organizations as their “member of the year.” Add the following dates to your calendars and submit your nominations here.

Tuesday, January 6th: Deadline for Submitting Nominations for Citizen of the Year

Friday, March 6th: Celebratory Dinner and Dance at Alpine Banquets in Darien

Dancing with the Darien Starz

Just like the TV Show, Darien is bringing you Dancing with the Darien Starz featuring Darien area dancers from local NFP groups supporting Cancer Research. Ticket includes: (4) hour open bar, family style dinner, raffles, split the pot, and a professional dance competition! Get your tickets NOW at: darien.il.us/business then click on the flyer...

Darien Park District Events

Grandma and Me Snowflake Tea

Enjoy a fun morning tea party with your grandchild at the Park District on January 10! There will be snacks, tea, and crafts - register here.

Ultimate Princess Party

Do you have a Princess (or two) in your family? The Darien Park district is ready to treat them like royalty at the Ulitimate Princess Party on January 30. All children must be registered and accompanied by an adult. Learn more here.

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.