Can't-Miss Holiday Happenings in Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Village of Tinley Park will once again host its annual Holiday Happenings event from Dec. 2 to 4 in Downtown Tinley.

The magical weekend will begin with the Mayor’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. Participants can arrive early at 5:30 p.m. for a community sing-a-long to holiday music.

Visitors will be able to shop for unique holiday designs and creations while enjoying live music by local groups and entertainers at the Holiday Market, which will run the entire weekend inside a large, heated tent adjacent to the Oak Park Avenue train station, 6700 South St., Tinley Park. The market will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Children also will be able to make holiday crafts and participate in face painting and cookie decorating.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck in the Tinley Toyland Parade, which steps off at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 175th Street and will march north down Oak Park Avenue to South Street. Children are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for Together We Cope; the collection center will be located by the Holiday Market.

Children will be able to join Santa for a visit and photos from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Oak Park Avenue train station. Visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the Tinley Park Food Pantry. Tickets for complimentary photos will be distributed until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4.

The Clauses will help close out the festivities during the annual Parade of Lights, which steps off at 5 p.m. from 177th Street and proceeds north down Oak Park Avenue. Come out to see festive floats and vehicles gleaming with holiday lights and featuring local businesses, community groups and school bands displaying the spirit of the season.

Other activities will include old-fashioned carriage rides from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 4; an ice-carving demonstration at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 in Zabrocki Plaza; a campfire from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4; a carousel and other rides from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 4; and holiday activities from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 at Old Zion Church, 6727 W. 174th St., Tinley Park.

Not a minute will go by without something special to enjoy! For more information, please visit www.downtowntinley.com/events.