Start getting in the Holiday Spirit by visiting Chicago Southland this weekend. Whether you’re interested in celebrating the holiday lights, taking in a performance or exploring nature in winter, you will find it
Just Beyond the City Limits.

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Holiday Happenings

Friday, December 2nd - Sunday, December 4th
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN TINLEY
Oak Park Avenue Train Station
17375 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 444-5678
Holiday celebration inside a large heated tent featuring entertainment, tasty treats, crafts, gift vendors, carriage rides, children's rides, ice carving, a visit with Santa Claus and much more!
F 6-9PM; Sa 12-6PM; Su 12-5PM

Friday, December 2nd - Sunday, December 4th
THORNTON HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Throughout Thornton
(708) 877-4456
Holiday activities throughout the village including breakfast with Santa, children's activities, craft and bake sales, performing groups, live nativity scene, an evening light parade and Alaskan sled dogs.
F 5PM; Sa 9AM; Su 8AM

Friday, December 2nd
PALOS PARK HOLIDAY MARKET
Recreation Center
8901 West 123rd Street, Palos Park
(708) 671-3760
Gather together for the annual Village Tree Lighting, enjoy the sounds of the season by local choral groups, shop for that special gift with two levels of vendors, enjoy holiday glug with McDivots while you visit with Santa.
5-9PM

Friday, December 2nd
HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN HOMEWOOD
Martin Avenue & Ridge Road
Homewood
(708) 206-3393
Experience the festivity of the season at the annual Holiday Lights in Homewood. The celebreation features a tree lighting, reindeer petting zoo, trolley rides, ice carvings and Santa.
6-9PM

Friday, December 2nd
MORAINE VALLEY JAZZ ENSEMBLE - HOLIDAY CONCERT
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
The Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble is a 20-member big band which explores a wide range of styles from the classic swing of Duke Ellington and Count Basie to soulful blues, burning Latin-jazz and gritty funk. The band also features contemporary works by such composers as Bill Holman and Bob Florence and iconic vocal arrangements such as those performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
7:30PM

Friday, December 2nd
DINNER WITH SANTA
Founders Community Center
140 Oak Street, Frankfort
(815) 469-9400
Celebrate the holidays by joining Santa and Frosty the Snowman for dinner. Each child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa and receive a goody bag. After your child has given Santa their “wish list”, enjoy some fun family entertainment. Our dinner menu will include a slice of cheese pizza, cookie and a drink. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must pre-register. NO TICKETS will be sold at the door. Space is limited, please register early. Registration Deadline: November 29 or until filled. Fee: $9/NR $12 per person
6-7:30PM

Saturday, December 3rd 
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT
1950s Park Forest House Museum
227 Monee Road, Park Forest
(708) 481-4252
This nostalgic look at Christmas Past is decorated in vintage Christmas, including Gurley Candles and rotating metal Black Forest Green tree.
1-3:30PM or by appointment

Saturday, December 3rd - Sunday, December 4th
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
(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

Saturday, December 3rd - Sunday, December 4th
CHRISTKINDL
Downtown Frankfort
11 South White Street, Frankfort
815-469-2177 x243
An annual tradition that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Come visit Downtown Frankfort the first weekend in December for a variety of family-friendly activities. This weekend also features our very popular Cookie Walk. Purchase Cookie Walk tickets online or at these 3 merchants – This & That Gifts, White Street Cafe, La Vie Vintage.
12-4PM

Saturday, December 3rd
SANTA'S PIT STOP
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
The “Big Guy” will be making his annual stop at the Sportsplex. Bring your camera to capture a picture of your child’s visit with Santa.
9AM-12PM

Saturday, December 3rd
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
City Hall
15440 South Central Avenue, Oak Forest
(708) 687-4050 x1043
Ring in the holiday season at the annual tree lighting ceremony and parade. Enjoy caroling at the gazebo and cookies and refreshments with Santa Claus in the fire station.
11AM

Saturday, December 3rd
THE POLAR EXPRESS STORYTIME TRAIN
Metra Station Parking Lot
203rd Street east of Kedzie Avenue, Olympia Fields
(708) 481-7313
Train ride to Chicago: visit with Santa & reading the Polar Express. Train ride home: caroling & goody bags. Plus 3 hours in Chicago. $15
12:45-6PM

Saturday, December 3rd
THORNTON TOWNSHIP HOLIDAY DINNER
South Suburban College Fitness Center
15800 South State Street, South Holland
(708) 596-6040 x3168
Thornton Township and Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli continue to provide a social service safety net to all seventeen municipalities that encompass Thornton Township.
Doors open 11:30AM; 12-4PM

Saturday, December 3rd
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Lansing Historical Museum (Lower Level of Lansing Public Library)
2750 Indiana Avenue, Lansing
(708) 474-7497
The Lansing Historical Society will display more than 30 Christmas trees, nativity scenes, recipes and other displays representing holiday customs around the world.
11AM-1PM

Sunday, December 4th
MORAINE VALLEY CONCERT BAND - HOLIDAY MUSIC AND MORE!
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
708-974-5500
The Moraine Valley Concert Band presents their 12th season with three themed concerts, including our annual holiday concert, a celebration of masterworks for concert band and an afternoon of audience favorites. The band is comprised of over 50 college students and adult community members who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
3PM

Sunday, December 4th
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE
Thornton Historical Society Museum
114 North Hunter Street, Thornton
(708) 877-8901
See the museum decorated for the holidays. Visit with Santa and receive a gift while you enjoy delicious treats. There will also be a caroling sing-a-long.
2-4PM

Sunday, December 4th
CHRISTMAS IN THE COMMONS
Village Commons
101 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox
815-462-6400
Visit New Lenox to see a dazzling light display featuring the largest lighted Santa in the country! Christmas in the Commons will now encompass festivities throughout the month of December, including our new holiday lights and ice skating. These events will begin with our Kick-off Celebration on December 4. This celebration will feature visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday performances, a coloring contest for children, horse-drawn wagon rides, and much more. The afternoon on December 4th will end with the presentation of the Village's new holiday light display and official Christmas tree.
1-5PM

Arts & Culture

Friday, December 2nd - Saturday, December 3rd
LOTTON ART GLASS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Lotton Art Glass & Studios
24760 South County Lane, Crete
(708) 672-1400
Experience the thrill of watching magnificent works of art being created by four successful glass artists. Meet the world famous Lotton Family and tour the gallery and studio.
F 10AM-8PM; Sa 10AM-5PM

Friday, December 2nd
CHARLES MATSON LUME | WHAT WAITS IS OFTEN DISGUISED (FOR WILLIAM STAFFORD)
Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
Charles Matson Lume creates a site-specific installation using light and common materials to address issues around the ineffable, poetry and waiting. Matson Lume believes that the arts plays a vital role in the health of our civilization, and stands with the poet William Carlos Williams when he states: “It is difficult/to get the news from poems/yet men die miserably every day/for lack/of what is found there.”
9AM-4:30PM

Friday, December 2nd
MASTERS OF SOUL
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre
410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
(708) 747-0580
An encore performance for Masters of Soul with a holiday twist! MASTERS OF SOUL is a celebration of the Motown era featuring hits from the Temptations – Gladys Knight & the Pips – Marvin Gaye – Smokey Robinson & the Miracles – Four Tops – Diana Ross & Supremes and much more!
7:30PM


Saturday, December 3rd
SALT CREEK BALLET - THE NUTCRACKER
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
A magical tale featuring Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, a brand new set & costumes – along with waltzing flowers, giant mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A delightful holiday tradition for all ages! Photos with Santa at 3PM
1PM & 5PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, December 3rd
WEE WONDER SERIES - TURTLE TIME
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Children in preschool and kindergarten are invited to their very own nature program.
1:30PM

Saturday, December 3rd
HOLIDAY NATURE CRAFTS
Plum Creek Nature Center through the Forest Preserve District of Will County
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher
708-946-2216
Learn how to create nature-themed holiday Decorations while sipping hot chocolate and listening to carols. Adults and kids will have their own nature crafting options and all participants will make something to take home. Materials will be provided. The free program is for ages 5 and older; registration is required.
1-3PM

Saturday, December 3rd
LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! HIKE
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Join Sand Ridge Nature Center's monthly hiking club. A naturalist will lead a vigorous, two-mile hike on our trails.
1:30PM

Sunday, December 4th
BEEKEEPING: MEET A BEEKEEPER
Plum Creek Nature Center through the Forest Preserve District of Will County
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher
(708) 946-2216
Visit Plum Creek Nature Center on the first Sunday of the month to meet with their knowledgeable beekeepers and see a working beehive on display! The veteran beekeepers will be stationed at the live bee exhibit to tell the story of our most familiar social insect, the honeybee, and will answer questions and chat with the public. No registration is required for this program
12:30-3PM

Sunday, December 4th
COOK COUNTY CRITTERS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Many animals call the Nature Center home. Meet one of these animals during a casual afternoon encounter.
1:30PM

Sunday, December 4th
PIONEER LIVING
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Have you ever wondered what life was like 200 years ago? Visit our cabins and find out what the pioneers experienced.
1:30PM

Family Fun

Friday, December 2nd - Sunday, December 4th
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park
(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 are subject to change.
F 4-9PM; Sa 10AM-9PM; Su 12-7PM

Learn Something New

Ongoing
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA
Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
700 East Tri-State Tollway, South Holland
(708) 596-8300
Last year the exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" came to the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. The traveling exhibit was created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The exhibit features eight kiosks and covers Lincoln's childhood, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War, the 27th Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination and other important periods and events in his life. This is a temporary exhibit, so don't miss the opportunity to learn about a famous part of America's history!
Open 7 days a week

Shopping

Saturday, December 3rd - Sunday, December 4th
SWAP-O-RAMA FLEA MARKET
The Great Hall at the Tri-State Swap-O-Rama
4350 West 129th Street, Alsip
(708) 344-7300
Chicagoland's most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices.
7AM-4PM

You’ll want to explore all of the “SHOPPERTUNITIES” in Chicago Southland.

Friday, December 2nd
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Sports

Saturday, December 3rd

5K JINGLE BELL RACE
Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club
19433 Renwick Road, Crest Hill
(815) 838-1183
The Jingle Bell 5K Race is certified and accurately marked and measured. The course features mostly rolling terrain with a few hills on paved roads and fairways, through scenic Prairie Bluff Golf Course. All participants will receive an official 5k race shirt and enjoy the post-race party including chili lunch, cookies and hot chocolate. RACETIME will keep the official time and results of the race. Prizes will be awarded to the Overall Male and Female runner. Awards will be given to the top two runners in each age division.
7:30AM pre-registration; 9AM start

If you’re planning further ahead, please check our calendar of events.

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