Events
With over 800 Festivals & Events running year round, concerts that include the top touring musical acts, countless farmers markets and car shows in the Chicago Southland, the hard part isn’t deciding IF you should come but rather which event you ARE going to attend.
Whether it is Snow Day Festival at the Plum Creek Nature Center in January, Irish Fest at Chicago’s Gaelic Park in May, any of our year round farmers markets or Lansing Autumn Fest in October, you won’t have to travel far to find family friendly activities for any age.
Please click here to view our blog and to find out the latest information about what is happening this weekend in the Chicago Southland.
Cultural Events
Fairs / Carnivals
Parades
Below are the next 30 upcoming events in the Chicago Southland. Use the form above to search for specific events.
Wheelchair Accessibled Displays/Arts/Crafts
ag Agricultural/Food/Harvest
c Cultural Event
w Workshop/Seminar
$ Admission Fee
h Holiday Celebration
o Outdoor Activity
s Sports Event/Recreational
f Fair, Carnival
e Expo/Consumer Show
p Parade
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT
Dec 1, 2018 - Dec 29, 2018
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
Vintage Christmas includes Gurley Candles, a rotating Black Forest Green tree decorated in Mid-Century Modern ornaments. Decorations in every room. Nostalgic look at Christmas Past.
W & Sa 1-3:30PM or by appointment
Visit Website $ c h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
Vintage Christmas includes Gurley Candles, a rotating Black Forest Green tree decorated in Mid-Century Modern ornaments. Decorations in every room. Nostalgic look at Christmas Past.
W & Sa 1-3:30PM or by appointment
Visit Website $ c h
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Dec 1, 2018 - Dec 29, 2018
Lansing Historical Museum
Lower Level of Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Avenue, Lansing, IL
708-474-7497
A display of more than 30 Christmas trees with exhibits, costumes, Nativity scenes, Santa dolls, recipes and explanations of holiday customs around the world
M-Tu 6-8PM; W-Th 3-5PM; Sa 11AM-1PM Closed Christmas Eve and Day, New Years Eve and Day. Tours arranged at other times by calling.
Visit Website h
Lansing Historical Museum
Lower Level of Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Avenue, Lansing, IL
708-474-7497
A display of more than 30 Christmas trees with exhibits, costumes, Nativity scenes, Santa dolls, recipes and explanations of holiday customs around the world
M-Tu 6-8PM; W-Th 3-5PM; Sa 11AM-1PM Closed Christmas Eve and Day, New Years Eve and Day. Tours arranged at other times by calling.
Visit Website h
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF PARK FOREST, ILLINOIS EXHIBIT AND DISPLAY
Dec 1, 2018 - Dec 29, 2018
1950s Park Forest House Museum, St. Mary's Church
227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
Park Forest residents began arriving August 30, 1948. Incorporation was February 1, 1949. Displays and tours highlight the first five years of Park Forest. $5, 12 & UNDER FREE
W & Sa 1-3:30PM or by appointment
Visit Website $ c
1950s Park Forest House Museum, St. Mary's Church
227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
Park Forest residents began arriving August 30, 1948. Incorporation was February 1, 1949. Displays and tours highlight the first five years of Park Forest. $5, 12 & UNDER FREE
W & Sa 1-3:30PM or by appointment
Visit Website $ c
SWAP O RAMA FLEA MARKET
Dec 1, 2018 - Dec 30, 2018
4350 West 129th Street
Alsip, IL
708-344-7300
Chicagoland's finest-most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices - every weekend.
W 7AM-2PM; Sa & Su 7AM-4PM
Visit Website $ d o
4350 West 129th Street
Alsip, IL
708-344-7300
Chicagoland's finest-most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices - every weekend.
W 7AM-2PM; Sa & Su 7AM-4PM
Visit Website $ d o
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
Dec 1, 2018 - Dec 31, 2018
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park, IL
708-403-7275
Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise. Rink closes when warming house closes.
Warming house/Skate Rental Hours (subject to change) M-Th 4-7PM; F 4-9PM; Sa 11AM-9PM; Su 12-7PM
Visit Website o s
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park, IL
708-403-7275
Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise. Rink closes when warming house closes.
Warming house/Skate Rental Hours (subject to change) M-Th 4-7PM; F 4-9PM; Sa 11AM-9PM; Su 12-7PM
Visit Website o s
CHRISTMAS IN THE COMMONS
Dec 2, 2018 - Dec 23, 2018
Village Commons
101 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL
815-462-6400
Christmas in the Commons features a holiday market, a skating rink, visits from Santa, and a light display that is second to none!
Sa, Su 4-8PM
Visit Website h
Village Commons
101 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL
815-462-6400
Christmas in the Commons features a holiday market, a skating rink, visits from Santa, and a light display that is second to none!
Sa, Su 4-8PM
Visit Website h
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
Dec 7, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018
The Drama Group
Milord Studio Theatre, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-755-3444
F & Sa 7:30PM; Su 2PM
Visit Website $ c
The Drama Group
Milord Studio Theatre, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-755-3444
F & Sa 7:30PM; Su 2PM
Visit Website $ c
RUDOLPH DASH
Dec 14, 2018
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
We will warm up with fun fitness activities then head to the indoor track for our dash! Kids will run the track and a special visitor will meet them at the finish line.
5:30-6:45PM
Visit Website $ s
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
We will warm up with fun fitness activities then head to the indoor track for our dash! Kids will run the track and a special visitor will meet them at the finish line.
5:30-6:45PM
Visit Website $ s
CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT
Dec 14, 2018
15601 South Central Avenue
Oak Forest, IL
708-687-7270
Families are invited to come and watch the classic Christmas movie “A Christmas Story”. Come in your pajamas, and bring a blanket to snuggle up with on the mats (folding chairs will be available to those who need them). Popcorn and other Christmas themed snacks will be available for purchase.
7PM
Visit Website h
15601 South Central Avenue
Oak Forest, IL
708-687-7270
Families are invited to come and watch the classic Christmas movie “A Christmas Story”. Come in your pajamas, and bring a blanket to snuggle up with on the mats (folding chairs will be available to those who need them). Popcorn and other Christmas themed snacks will be available for purchase.
7PM
Visit Website h
HOLIDAY HAYRIDE
Dec 14, 2018
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Join us for one of two time slots as we ride on a decorated hay wagon around the streets of Palos Heights singing Christmas carols. Upon return to the nature center we will enjoy food, fun and traditions.
6:30-8PM; 7-9:30PM
Visit Website ag o
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Join us for one of two time slots as we ride on a decorated hay wagon around the streets of Palos Heights singing Christmas carols. Upon return to the nature center we will enjoy food, fun and traditions.
6:30-8PM; 7-9:30PM
Visit Website ag o
TEEN THEATER PRESENTS IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Dec 14, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a story about the saga of George Bailey, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. $8
F 8:30PM; Sa 7PM; Su 4:30PM
Visit Website $ c o
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a story about the saga of George Bailey, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. $8
F 8:30PM; Sa 7PM; Su 4:30PM
Visit Website $ c o
CHILDREN'S THEATER PRESENTS YOUNG SHERLOCK
Dec 14, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Take a trip back in time to when young Sherlock Holmes was a student at Butterworth Academy. $8
F 6PM; Sa 4:30PM; Su 2PM
Visit Website $ c
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Take a trip back in time to when young Sherlock Holmes was a student at Butterworth Academy. $8
F 6PM; Sa 4:30PM; Su 2PM
Visit Website $ c
MIRACLE ON MARTIN
Dec 15, 2018
Martin Avenue Square
18020 Martin Avenue, Homewood, IL
708-798-3000
Join in more holiday fun at Miracle on Martin! Enjoy roasted marshmallows, holiday carolers, an old fashion horse wagon ride, and holiday shopping!
2-6PM
Visit Website h o
Martin Avenue Square
18020 Martin Avenue, Homewood, IL
708-798-3000
Join in more holiday fun at Miracle on Martin! Enjoy roasted marshmallows, holiday carolers, an old fashion horse wagon ride, and holiday shopping!
2-6PM
Visit Website h o
CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS WORKSHOP
Dec 15, 2018
Don Gorman Recreation Center
4412 Henry Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-7270
Children ages 3-10 come to the Don Gorman Rec Center for fun games, prizes, refreshments, raffles, door prizes, and best costume contest!
11AM-1PM
Visit Website $ h s
Don Gorman Recreation Center
4412 Henry Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-7270
Children ages 3-10 come to the Don Gorman Rec Center for fun games, prizes, refreshments, raffles, door prizes, and best costume contest!
11AM-1PM
Visit Website $ h s
WHITE CHRISTMAS WITH M-PACT
Dec 15, 2018
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
Imagine the smooth soul of Sam Smith, the percussive power of Stomp, the funk and groove of Bruno Mars, the sophisticated harmonies of Take 6, and the brass bite of the Michael Bublé Big Band… all created by the human voice alone! Hailed one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world by the San Francisco Chronicle, m-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer in the realm of vocal music... and what could be more perfect than m-pact for the holidays? You can't help but get in the holiday spirit! The holiday showcase will feature favorites like Do You Hear What I Hear; Away in a Manger; O Come, O Come Emmanuel and more.
7:30PM
Visit Website $ c
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
Imagine the smooth soul of Sam Smith, the percussive power of Stomp, the funk and groove of Bruno Mars, the sophisticated harmonies of Take 6, and the brass bite of the Michael Bublé Big Band… all created by the human voice alone! Hailed one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world by the San Francisco Chronicle, m-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer in the realm of vocal music... and what could be more perfect than m-pact for the holidays? You can't help but get in the holiday spirit! The holiday showcase will feature favorites like Do You Hear What I Hear; Away in a Manger; O Come, O Come Emmanuel and more.
7:30PM
Visit Website $ c
WINTER BONFIRE
Dec 15, 2018
Camp Shabbona Woods
15810 South Torrence Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Join us as we enjoy an evening around a bonfire telling stories, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. Register by 1/18
4-8PM
Visit Website o
Camp Shabbona Woods
15810 South Torrence Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Join us as we enjoy an evening around a bonfire telling stories, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. Register by 1/18
4-8PM
Visit Website o
PALOS HEIGHTS FARMERS MARKET
Dec 15, 2018
Palos Heights Recreation Department
6601 West 127th Street, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1800
Indoor Farmers Market to be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Department on Saturday November 17 and December 15, 2018, and Saturday January 12, February 9 and March 9, 2019
8AM-12PM
Visit Website ag d
Palos Heights Recreation Department
6601 West 127th Street, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1800
Indoor Farmers Market to be held at the Palos Heights Recreation Department on Saturday November 17 and December 15, 2018, and Saturday January 12, February 9 and March 9, 2019
8AM-12PM
Visit Website ag d
BEYOND THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 15, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018
Lincoln Way West High School
21701 Gougar Road, New Lenox, IL
312-725-4752
Ballet 5:8's twist on the classic holiday ballet is for the entire family: a magical adventure that leads to the story of the first Christmas. $10
2PM & 7PM
Visit Website $ c
Lincoln Way West High School
21701 Gougar Road, New Lenox, IL
312-725-4752
Ballet 5:8's twist on the classic holiday ballet is for the entire family: a magical adventure that leads to the story of the first Christmas. $10
2PM & 7PM
Visit Website $ c
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Dec 15, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of our indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including our newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
Sa-Su 4-9PM
Visit Website $ h o
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of our indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including our newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
Sa-Su 4-9PM
Visit Website $ h o
CLOE GROUP GUN & SPORTSMAN SHOW
Dec 15, 2018 - Dec 16, 2018
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
815-263-2810
8AM-2PM
Visit Website
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
815-263-2810
8AM-2PM
Visit Website
CHRISTMAS AT THE BREWERY
Dec 16, 2018
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor, IL
708-957-2739
We off free horse-drawn carriage rides for our diners through charming downtown Flossmoor all decked out with holiday lights. Santa and his trusty side kick Jingles will pose for pictures with children and listen to their secret wishes. The night will be cozy, musical and full of holiday magic! Join us for our most treasured tradition. Reservations required.
4-8PM
Visit Website h
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor, IL
708-957-2739
We off free horse-drawn carriage rides for our diners through charming downtown Flossmoor all decked out with holiday lights. Santa and his trusty side kick Jingles will pose for pictures with children and listen to their secret wishes. The night will be cozy, musical and full of holiday magic! Join us for our most treasured tradition. Reservations required.
4-8PM
Visit Website h
LUNCH WITH THE GRINCH
Dec 19, 2018 - Dec 23, 2018
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
6501 West 79th Street, Burbank, IL
708-229-8700
Join us as we play the animated movie during hours of operation, plus Mr. Grinch walks around and takes pictures. Order some special kids menu items/desserts. Reservations required.
Visit Website $ h
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
6501 West 79th Street, Burbank, IL
708-229-8700
Join us as we play the animated movie during hours of operation, plus Mr. Grinch walks around and takes pictures. Order some special kids menu items/desserts. Reservations required.
Visit Website $ h
MINGLE & JINGLE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Dec 20, 2018
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
Perfect solution for small businesses who like to celebrate the holiday season with a spirited and reasonably priced celebration. Reservations required – tickets $37.00
Visit Website $ h
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
Perfect solution for small businesses who like to celebrate the holiday season with a spirited and reasonably priced celebration. Reservations required – tickets $37.00
Visit Website $ h
WINTER SOLSTICE BUCKTHORN BURN
Dec 21, 2018
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Visit Website $ d o
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Visit Website $ d o
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTION
Dec 21, 2018
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-997-0245
Visit Website
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-997-0245
Visit Website
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Dec 22, 2018 - Dec 23, 2018
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of our indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including our newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
Sa-Su 4-9PM
Visit Website $ h o
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of our indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including our newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
Sa-Su 4-9PM
Visit Website $ h o
SPORTS CARDS AND MORE SHOW
Dec 23, 2018
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-334-4237
9AM-2PM
Visit Website $ d s
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-334-4237
9AM-2PM
Visit Website $ d s
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Dec 26, 2018 - Dec 31, 2018
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of our indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including our newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
W-SU 4-9PM
Visit Website $ h o
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of our indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including our newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
W-SU 4-9PM
Visit Website $ h o
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTION
Dec 28, 2018
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-997-0245
Visit Website
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-997-0245
Visit Website
NOON YEAR'S EVE DAY CELEBRATION
Dec 31, 2018
Homewood Auditorium
2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL
708-798-3000
Bring the family out to ring in the New Year with a countdown and balloon drop at the stroke of noon! Enjoy treats and activities! Free
11AM-1PM
Visit Website h
Homewood Auditorium
2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL
708-798-3000
Bring the family out to ring in the New Year with a countdown and balloon drop at the stroke of noon! Enjoy treats and activities! Free
11AM-1PM
Visit Website h
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12/11/2018 - 2019 National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Tournaments
12/07/2018 - Chicago Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau a 2019 Readers’ Choice Award Winner
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