Holiday Market, Tree Lighting Greet the Season This Weekend

Although the weather outside might be the opposite of frightful this weekend—temperatures could be in the 50s and 60s—the Village of Tinley Park is letting residents know the holiday season has arrived with events and activities that run Friday through Sunday.

Here's a look at what's on tap day-to-day. All events and activities are free. For more information and details, go to the Downtown Tinley website.

Friday, Nov. 30

Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: 6 p.m. Holiday music will be played, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Zabrocki Plaza, by the Oak Park Avenue Metra station
What to expect: This year's 35-foot holiday tree gets the star treatment as village officials kick off the season with the annual tree lighting.

Holiday Market
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: South parking lot of the Oak Park Avenue station
What to expect: Find that special handmade gift or get a head start on all that holiday eating. Live entertainment will be performing at the market throughout the weekend, starting with the Central Middle School Eighth-Grade Band Ensemble at 6:30 p.m. Go to the village website for a complete schedule.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Tinley's Toyland Parade
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: The viewing area runs along Oak Park Avenue, from 175th Street north to Zabrocki Plaza.
What to expect: Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Tinley Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped children's gift, which will be donated to a local charity. There will be a collection center near the Holiday Market.

Ice Carving Demonstration
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Zabrocki Plaza
What to expect: Watch a professional sculptor create art out of ice.

Sunday, Dec. 2

Parade of Lights
When: 5 p.m.
Where: The new viewing area runs along Oak Park Avenue, from 177th Street north to 172nd Street.
What to expect: All the standards of a summertime parade—floats and bands—mixed with holiday flair.

Saturday and Sunday Events

Photos With Santa
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (tickets for Santa will not be distributed after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday)
Where: Oak Park Avenue station
What to expect: Santa. Lists. At least one admonition of: "You can't have that! You'll shoot your eye out!" Visitors are encouraged to bring a non‐perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food pantry.

Old-Fashioned Carriage Rides
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Oak Park Avenue station
What to expect: Tour downtown Tinley Park in a horse-drawn carriage.

Holiday Movies
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Old Zion Landmark Church
What to expect: Watch family friendly holiday classics in between shopping at the Holiday Market or seeing Santa. The movies are far all ages, so don't expect the Christmas classic Die Hard to be showing.

YOUR TURN: Will you be out at the Holiday Market, one of the parades or any of this week's downtown events? Share your photos and videos here on Patch. You can upload them to the Neighborhood Gallery and show everyone how Tinley Park celebrates the season.

Check Out Patch's 2012 Holiday Guide for More Seasonal Stories:

• Is This the Sound of Holiday Shopping? (Video)
• Contest: Enter the Great Patch Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

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