With the winter holiday season upon us, the village of Tinley Park is getting residents into the Christmas spirit by providing a variety of family-friendly activities in which the whole community can indulge.
Holiday Market
From December 2 – December 4, 2011, entertainment and festivities will ensue at the Oak Park Avenue train station's south parking lot. Shop for handmade holiday crafts, gifts and goodies under heated tents while local entertainers perform. There will be plenty of treats to eat as well as kids' activities, including cookie decorating and craft-making.
Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony
On December 2 at 6:00 p.m in Zabrocki Plaza — just outside the Oak Park Avenue Metra train station — village officials will light the 35-foot Christmas tree. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music.
Parade of Toys
On 11:30 a.m. on December 3, Tinley’s Toyland Parade can be viewed from 175th Street to Zabrocki Plaza. Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Oak Park Avenue train station right after the parade. Families are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to a local charity.
Carriage Rides
Take a horse‐drawn carriage ride through historic downtown Tinley Park on December 3 and 4 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Ice Sculptures
Watch artists create magical creatures out of blocks of ice on December 3, 2:00 p.m. at Zabrocki Plaza.
Holiday Films
Catch a holiday movie on December 3 or 4 at the Old Zion Landmark Church, 6727 174th Street, from noon until 5:00 p.m. across the street from the Oak Park Avenue train station.
Carnival Rides
Kids can take a free Ferris wheel ride or hop aboard a miniature train at the Oak Park Avenue train station on December 3 and 4, from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Parade of Lights
Santa will be back on Sunday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m. at 179th Street along Oak Park Avenue in this Parade of Lights that includes holiday floats and performances by local school bands and community groups.
Photos with Santa
On December 3 and 4 from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Oak Park Avenue train station, kids can get their pictures taken with Santa at no charge. Children will receive a gift from the North Pole, and families are encouraged to bring a donation for a local food pantry. Please note that no tickets to see Santa will be distributed after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
