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 27 upcoming Holiday 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
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
MINGLE & JINGLE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Dec 13, 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
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
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
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
CHRISTMAS AT THE BREWERY
Dec 16, 2018
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor, IL
708-957-2739
We offer 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 offer 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
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
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
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
FAMILY/KIDS NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Dec 31, 2018
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
Family/Kids New Year’s Eve Party, reservations required – Adults $27.00, kids 12 and under $11.00
4-8pm
Visit Website $ c h
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-9323
Family/Kids New Year’s Eve Party, reservations required – Adults $27.00, kids 12 and under $11.00
4-8pm
Visit Website $ c h
NEW YEAR'S AT NOON
Dec 31, 2018
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Alsip
5000 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL
708-389-1003
Join us for an exquisite three-course luncheon followed by a Champagne Toast and festive party favors at noon while you enjoy dancing and sounds of live entertainment with all the classic hits! Register at the Alsip Park District online, in-person or mail in by 12-18-18 - Registration code: 155582-A
Visit Website $ h
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Alsip
5000 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL
708-389-1003
Join us for an exquisite three-course luncheon followed by a Champagne Toast and festive party favors at noon while you enjoy dancing and sounds of live entertainment with all the classic hits! Register at the Alsip Park District online, in-person or mail in by 12-18-18 - Registration code: 155582-A
Visit Website $ h
NEW YEAR'S COUNTDOWN
Dec 31, 2018
Founders Community Center
140 Oak Street, Frankfort, IL
815-469-9400
Kids, get ready to countdown to 2019!!! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with dancing, party games, a giant inflatable, crafts and ice cream. There will be a “Countdown to 2019” balloon drop at noon to celebrate the New Year! 4-10 Yrs.
11AM-12:30AM
Visit Website $ d h
Founders Community Center
140 Oak Street, Frankfort, IL
815-469-9400
Kids, get ready to countdown to 2019!!! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with dancing, party games, a giant inflatable, crafts and ice cream. There will be a “Countdown to 2019” balloon drop at noon to celebrate the New Year! 4-10 Yrs.
11AM-12:30AM
Visit Website $ d h
NEW YEAR'S EVE FAMILY PARTY
Dec 31, 2018
Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park
7759 South Harlem Avenue, Burbank, IL
708-598-8580
Celebrate 2019 at Chicago’s Greatest Family New Year’s Eve Bash – Monday, December 31st from 8 PM to Midnight! Enjoy great food and fun games plus ring in the New Year with a special balloon drop, toast and countdown celebration! Advanced reservations required. Visit www.hauntedtrailsburbank.com for more info! $25.95/guest
8PM-12AM
Visit Website $ h o
Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park
7759 South Harlem Avenue, Burbank, IL
708-598-8580
Celebrate 2019 at Chicago’s Greatest Family New Year’s Eve Bash – Monday, December 31st from 8 PM to Midnight! Enjoy great food and fun games plus ring in the New Year with a special balloon drop, toast and countdown celebration! Advanced reservations required. Visit www.hauntedtrailsburbank.com for more info! $25.95/guest
8PM-12AM
Visit Website $ h o
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT
Jan 2, 2019 - Jan 5, 2019
1950s Park Forest House Museum
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 1-3:30 or by appointment
Visit Website $ c h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
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 1-3:30 or by appointment
Visit Website $ c h
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Jan 2, 2019 - Jan 5, 2019
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
DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT
Feb 8, 2019
Arbor Park School
17301 Central Avenue, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-7270
The Arbor Park School comes alive with colored lights, balloons, sweetheart decorations and music that will fill the night. A photographer (at an additional charge) is available to capture this night’s memories, and you can take your pictures home that evening. As tradition goes, each lovely lady will receive an elegant corsage. Truly a night to be remembered! $25 resident couple; $30 NonResident; $10 additional guest
7-9PM
Visit Website $ h
Arbor Park School
17301 Central Avenue, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-7270
The Arbor Park School comes alive with colored lights, balloons, sweetheart decorations and music that will fill the night. A photographer (at an additional charge) is available to capture this night’s memories, and you can take your pictures home that evening. As tradition goes, each lovely lady will receive an elegant corsage. Truly a night to be remembered! $25 resident couple; $30 NonResident; $10 additional guest
7-9PM
Visit Website $ h
OAK FOREST FLEADH
Mar 2, 2019
Cicero Avenue Corridor
151st to 159th on Cicero Avenue, 15536 Cicero Avenue, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-4600
The Oak Forest Fleadh includes customer appreciation parties, a 5K run/walk, an open streets event (ride, blade, skate), a family parade and a pub and restaurant open house.
5K 8:30AM; Open Bike ride 10AM; Parade 11AM; Pub & Restaurant open house 5PM-3AM
Visit Website c h o p s
Cicero Avenue Corridor
151st to 159th on Cicero Avenue, 15536 Cicero Avenue, Oak Forest, IL
708-687-4600
The Oak Forest Fleadh includes customer appreciation parties, a 5K run/walk, an open streets event (ride, blade, skate), a family parade and a pub and restaurant open house.
5K 8:30AM; Open Bike ride 10AM; Parade 11AM; Pub & Restaurant open house 5PM-3AM
Visit Website c h o p s
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s EASTER (W, SA)
Mar 16, 2019 - Mar 30, 2019
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Easter decorations including die-cuts, Easter Gurley candles and Vintage Easter baskets. 70th Anniversary Exhibit continues.
W & Sa 1-3:30PM; other days and times by appointment
Visit Website d h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Easter decorations including die-cuts, Easter Gurley candles and Vintage Easter baskets. 70th Anniversary Exhibit continues.
W & Sa 1-3:30PM; other days and times by appointment
Visit Website d h
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s EASTER
Apr 3, 2019 - Apr 27, 2019
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Easter decorations including die-cuts, Easter Gurley candles and Vintage Easter baskets. 70th Anniversary Exhibit continues.
W & Sa 1-3:30PM; other days and times by appointment
Visit Website d h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Easter decorations including die-cuts, Easter Gurley candles and Vintage Easter baskets. 70th Anniversary Exhibit continues.
W & Sa 1-3:30PM; other days and times by appointment
Visit Website d h
EASTER EGG HUNT
Apr 13, 2019
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park, IL
708-403-7275
Hippity Hop…the bunny is making his stop at Centennial Park. Come out and help us gather eggs. Ages 1-9
10AM SHARP
Visit Website h o
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park, IL
708-403-7275
Hippity Hop…the bunny is making his stop at Centennial Park. Come out and help us gather eggs. Ages 1-9
10AM SHARP
Visit Website h o
PHOTOS WITH THE BUNNY
Apr 14, 2019
Oak Park Avenue Train Station
6700 South Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-444-5678
Bring the family out for Photos with the Bunny at the Oak Park Avenue Metra train station. Come out and have your photo taken with the big guy himself! Please bring your own camera.
12-3PM
Visit Website h
Oak Park Avenue Train Station
6700 South Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-444-5678
Bring the family out for Photos with the Bunny at the Oak Park Avenue Metra train station. Come out and have your photo taken with the big guy himself! Please bring your own camera.
12-3PM
Visit Website h
BEECHER FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Jul 3, 2019
Firemen's Park
673 Penfield Street, Beecher, IL
708-946-2261
Carnival, food, raffles, live music, beer tent, bingo. Parade and fireworks on July 4th. Something for everyone - bring the entire family!
Visit Website f h o p
Firemen's Park
673 Penfield Street, Beecher, IL
708-946-2261
Carnival, food, raffles, live music, beer tent, bingo. Parade and fireworks on July 4th. Something for everyone - bring the entire family!
Visit Website f h o p
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