There is something to do for all interests this weekend in Chicago Southland. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season or see a show, you will find it just beyond the city limits.

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Holiday Happenings

Friday, December 11th
CHRISTMAS IDOL
Eisenhower Center
2550 178th Street, Lansing
(708) 474-8552
If you think you have what it takes, register today for the coolest Christmas Karaoke contest in the area. First place prizes will be awarded.
6-8PM

Saturday, December 12th - Sunday, December 13th
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 the indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including the newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30PM. 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. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy a 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 12th
PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS
TF South High School Cafeteria
18500 Burnham Avenue, Lansing
(708) 474-4170
Come eat pancakes & sausage while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your camera!
7-11AM

Saturday, December 12th
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Matteson Community Center
20642 Matteson Avenue, Matteson
(708) 441-4500
Join Matteson for your Holiday cheer and good tidings. Enjoy a special tree lighting, Continental Breakfast, pictures and a special gift with Santa.
10AM-1PM

Saturday, December 12th
HOLLY DAYS FIGURE SKATING EXHIBITION
Ice Arena
9320 South Kenton Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-5173
Skaters of all ages perform to their favorite holiday songs. This event will really get you in the spirit of the season.
1:30-6:30PM

Saturday, December 12th
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

Saturday, December 12th
AN IRISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS WITH THE WILLOUGHBY BROTHERS
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest
(708) 687-9323
Gaelic Park is proud to present An Irish Family Christmas featuring The Willoughby Brothers in concert on Saturday, December 12th. The five brothers, with a passion for singing and performing from a very young age, hail from Co. Wicklow in Ireland. Their repertoire features a blend of Irish ballads, popular classics and contemporary songs.
Doors open 7PM; Concert at 8PM

Saturday, December 12th
VISIT WITH SANTA
Crestwood Recreation & Wellness Center
5331 West 135th Street, Crestwood
(708) 371-4810
Santa Claus is coming to town! Free admission for all ages.
11AM-2PM

Saturday, December 12th
WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL
Roesner Park
16053 Richmond Avenue, Markham
(708) 596-3366
Enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the Festival of Lights, great food, shopping, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, crafts, a present for every child and so much more.
5-8PM

Sunday, December 13th
COMMUNITY TREE TRIMMING EVENT
Centennial Park Warming House
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Does your community group want to get into the holiday spirit early? Join the Village of Orland Park in gearing up for our holiday season by participating in Community Tree Trim. By sponsoring a tree with the Village, your organization will enjoy the holiday season and celebrate the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink’s 12th season at Centennial Park. We invite you to join us at our Skate with Santa event to decorate with your group and celebrate the holiday season. Groups can begin decorating at 12PM and Santa will arrive at 2PM that day. Enjoy cookies, holiday music and hot chocolate!
12-2PM

Sunday, December 13th
TEA WITH SANTA
The Pickwick Society Tea Room, Gifts & Antiques
122 Kansas Street, Frankfort
(815) 806-8140
One Sunday afternoon in December, Santa visits the tearoom to delight children of all ages. Children and adults share an afternoon tea tray made with special seasonal items; featuring fresh baked Pickwick scones, tea sandwiches and desserts. Everyone gets some special attention from Santa and a little something to remember their time at the Pickwick Society’s Tea with Santa!
1-3PM

Sunday, December 13th
GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING
Central Park Building
15601 South Central, Oak Forest
(708) 752-8132
The Oak Forest Park District will supply the gingerbread house and all the building supplies. Mrs. Claus will join in the fun to read Christmas stories that will entertain the entire family.
1-3:30PM

Arts & Culture

Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
OH 'HO 'HO HOLY NIGHT
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Santa is injured and may not be able to drive the sleigh this Christmas Eve. Santa has sent for Eric Louis Fletcher, III, but Eric’s been on the naughty list for 27 years. This isn’t going to be good and Santa will need a miracle to pull this off. Follow Eric’s adventure as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas in this original Christmas comedy musical, ‘Oh Ho Ho Holy Night!' featuring songs from some of your favorite Christmas carols.
F-Sa 7:30PM; Su 2PM

Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
A CHRISTMAS CAROL - PLAY
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 342-4200
Covered Bridge Children's Theater presents Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". A non musical play for all ages.
F 6PM; Sa 4:30PM; Su 2PM

Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
MYSTIC CHIMES: THE LEGEND DAWNS
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 342-4200
Covered Bridge Teen's Theater presents "Mystic Chimes: The Legend Dawns," a prequel to the Peter Pan saga. Suitable for all ages.
F 8:30PM; Sa 7PM; Su 4:30PM

Saturday, December 12th
AN EVENING WITH TAKE 6
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
As winners of 10 Grammy Awards and 10 Dove Awards, the multi-platinum selling a cappella group, Take 6, is beloved throughout the musical universe. These six virtuosic voices unite in crystal clear harmony for an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop. With praise from such luminaries as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston, the multi-platinum selling sextet is recognized as the preeminent a capella group in the world. Join Take 6 for an evening of holiday favorites including White Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Christmas Time is Here, Jingle Bells, You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and many more! COME EARLY FOR A PRE-SHOW HOLIDAY COCKTAIL PARTY, AND GET YOUR SIX SIP PASS OF TASTING WINE! $20 FOR PASS.
8PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, December 12th
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LEAVES?
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Learn about conifers (evergreens), deciduous trees and why some trees keep their leaves during winter. Program will conclude with a hike. Please dress for the weather.
1:30PM

Saturday, December 12th
RESTORATION WORK DAYS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Help restore wildlife habitat and nature will restore you. Individuals and families welcome. Not suitable for kids ages 9 & under. Kids ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
10AM-12PM

Sunday, December 13th
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 Sand Ridge Nature Center cabins and find out what Illinois’ pioneers experienced.
1:30PM

Sunday, December 13th
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Many animals call our nature center home. Meet one of these animals during a casual afternoon encounter.
1:30PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, December 12th
WAX CLINICS
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn how simple it is to care for your skis. The experts will discuss ski maintenance, including useful tips and waxing demonstrations.
1PM

Sunday, December 13th
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI SEMINARS
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn how cross-country ski equipment should fit. We'll cover skis, boots, poles and clothing-including classic, ski skating and telemark equipment - plus winter safety and what to expect from your first cross-country skiing experience.
1PM

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

Friday, December 11th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Friday, December 11th
MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Downtown Frankfort
Frankfort
(815) 469-3356
Many businesses remain open until MIDNIGHT with progressive sales and deals throughout the evening. Each business designs their own specials & promotions. Some businesses offer holiday refreshments too! Shop 'til you drop. Join us for Fun Shopping in Frankfort!
6PM-12AM

Sports

Friday, December 11th - Saturday, December 12th
LIVE HARNESS RACING
Balmoral Park Race Track
26435 South Dixie Highway, Crete
(708) 672-1414
View Live Harness racing, simulcast harness and thoroughbred racing.
7:10PM

Saturday, December 12th
SPORTS COLLECTIBLE SHOW
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 423-1758
Sports Collectible Show featuring sports cards, NASCAR, toys, comic books, collectible cards and more.
9AM-2PM

Sunday, December 13th
SKATE WITH SANTA
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Come skate with Santa and enjoy cookies, holiday music and hot chocolate. Call the weather hotline for up-to-date closure information (708) 403-6290.
2PM

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