Your Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Tinley Park

As the holidays quickly approach, residents can take part in a bevy of activities this December in an effort to get into the holiday spirit. All of the events listed below are family friendly and are being held at various spots throughout the village.

Friday, Dec. 2

Kick off the holiday season with Mayor Zabrocki and other village officials at Zabrocki Plaza as the village's Christmas tree is lit for the first time this year. There will be holiday music starting at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting taking place at 6 p.m.

Take a stroll into the heated tent in the Metra Station parking lot and shop for holiday items, crafts and more. There will be live music and entertainment, along with activities for children, including decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,
Bring the family and enjoy “Rio,” a film about a domesticated Macaw, Blu, who takes off for an adventure of a lifetime to Rio de Janeiro. Snacks and juice boxes will be served for children, covered beverages brought from home will also be allowed.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Tinley Park marks the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus with a parade down Oak Park Avenue. Families are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for any age to the parade to donate to local charities.

Following the Toyland Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pose for pictures with residents inside the train station. Those taking photos will receive a special gift from the North Pole. Residents are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local food pantry.

Take a stroll into the heated tent in the Metra Station parking lot and shop for holiday items, crafts and more. There will be live music and entertainment, along with activities for children, including decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

Take a trip back in time with that special someone on this horse-drawn trip around historic Tinley Park.

Watch as ice carvers use their talents to create fantastic ice sculptures in front of your eyes at Zabrocki plaza.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Children of all ages will enjoy these carnivals rides that will be setup in the Metra parking lot.

Take a stroll into the heated tent in the Metra Station parking lot and shop for holiday items, crafts and more. There will be live music and entertainment, along with activities for children, including decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

Take a trip back in time with that special someone on this horse-drawn trip around historic Tinley Park.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will pose for pictures with residents inside the train station. Those taking photos will receive a special gift from the North Pole. Residents are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local food pantry.

The Arts Alive! Community Band, Jazz Band and Community Chorale will welcome the holidays with this concert by the . The bands will perform both classic holiday songs and new holiday tunes as well, singing along is encouraged!

See all the holiday lights thanks to this parade that will take place along Oak Park Ave.

Monday, Dec. 5

: 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., at the
This event will feature activities and crafts for children in grades K-1. Contact the library for more information at 708-532-0160.

: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the
This holiday concert will feature Andrew Carpenter at the library, with songs including “Molly on the Shore,” Sleigh Ride,” and selections from Handel and Bach.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

: 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., at the

This class, for children ages 3-5, will feature gingerbread house making, snacks and crafts. Registration for both mothers and their children is required. Contact the park district at 708-342-4200.

Saturday, Dec. 10

: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.,

Santa makes a stop at the park district for a hot breakfast and holiday fun with residents. Advanced registration is require. Contact the park district at (708) 342-4200.

Sunday, Dec. 11

The Chansonettes: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the
The Chansonettes present a holiday concert in three-part harmony, featuring new and family holiday songs. Advanced registration is required for each member of a family attending. Contact the library for more information at 708-532-0160.

Monday, Dec. 12

: 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. And 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the
Join the library for some reindeer games, reindeer songs reindeer crafts. This activity is for ages 3-5 years old. Registration is required before attending, for more information call 708-532-0160.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Reindeer Games with Rudolph: 5:15-6:30 p.m., at the
Attendees will help Rudolph get in shape for the big night with a series of fitness activities. Each participant will receive a lighted red nose to help guide the way through activities. Following the activities, Rudolph will lead attendees to a visit with Santa, featuring hot chocolate, cookies and crafts. This event is for kids ages 3 to 11. For more information, contact the park district at 708-342-4200.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Secret Gifts and Reindeer Food: 10 a.m. to noon,
The program, for kids ages 6 to 10, will have attendees making four homemade gifts for their family, and then making reindeer food for Christmas Eve to help Santa's reindeer going on the big night. For more information, call 708-342-4200.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Secret Gifts and Reindeer Food: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.,

The program, for kids ages 6 to 10, will have attendees making four homemade gifts for their family, and then making reindeer food for Christmas Eve to help Santa's reindeer going on the big night. For more information, call 708-342-4200.

The Mrs. Claus Story Hour: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.,

Mrs. Claus will share stories that will make you laugh, giggle and call to mind the real meaning of Christmas. There will be cookies and milk during the stories too. All families are welcome at this event. Call 708-342-4200 for more information.

Monday, Dec. 19

: noon to 3 p.m., at the
Stressed out about how to get that perfect bow or wrap that oddly shaped present? Head to this workshop for some one-on-one help with those tough to deal with holiday presents and enjoy holiday music and a light lunch. Some wrapping paper and bows will be provided, but please bring your own supplies as well. For more information, call 708-532-0160.

Sunday, Dec. 25

Christmas: All day
Enjoy all the presents Santa brought, visit family and enjoy the holiday!

Looking for more holiday-related news? Check out our 2011 Holiday Guide!

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