Holiday Lights In Homewood: Parade Planned Before Tree Lighting

HOMEWOOD, IL – The holiday lights will be switched on in Homewood on Friday, Dec. 7 during the "Holiday Lights in Homewood" event from 5-9 p.m. that night. Here's a look at the activities planned for the night via the village of Homewood.

4-9 p.m.: Area boutiques will be open with holiday specials. In addition, the Artisan Street Fair returns for a holiday edition, bringing a bounty of unique artists for a two-day market that will continue on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Artisan Street Fair Market is in storefronts along Martin Ave in between Ridge Road and Kroner Lane.

5 p.m.: Martin Avenue Outdoor Market opens, hosting food vendors, a live reindeer petting zoo, music by the Southwest Community Brass Ensemble and an ice sculpting demonstration by Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures – Chicago’s premier ice carving company (Demonstrations at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.).

7 p.m.: An antique car parade precedes the tree lighting ceremony at Irwin Park, 1900 Ridge Road. Santa and his friends arrive on a fire engine to flip the switch for the grand tree lighting. Santa greets children on Ridge Road from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Support These Causes

• The Cancer Support Center is back selling premium-grade Fraser Firs and garland from Michigan with easy pick-up and loading assistance. Pre-sales are available here.
• The Homewood-Flossmoor Orchestra students host a cookie decorating fundraiser to raise money for their performance tour in the spring to Italy.

'Home Alone' Screening

The Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, is hosting a Home Alone Holiday Party from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring a free screening of Home Alone at 5 p.m. in the Michael Wexler Theater.

Santa's Workshop

Visitors can also make holiday ornaments in Santa's Workshop, and browse the PopUp SCIENCE Shop.

Street Closure

Ridge Road will be closed to traffic so visitors can enjoy Holiday Lights in Homewood on foot.

Free Trolley

A new free trolley route transports festival goers around the event.

From The Mayor

“Homewood is the go-to destination to honor your holiday traditions,” said Mayor Rich Hofeld. “It’s a wonderful time of year to explore the downtown and shop and eat at our local restaurants. Our community always enjoys coming together especially during this festive holiday season.”

Photo courtesy of the village of Homewood