In Tinley Park, Holiday Happenings abound
From parades and music to carriage rides and shopping, Tinley Park kicks off the season in jolly style with three days of Holiday Happenings Dec. 3-5. Events will take place in or around the Oak Park Avenue train station.
“All the fun is rolled up into this weekend,” says Donna Framke, marketing director for the Village of Tinley Park. “It’s a great way to mark and enjoy the holiday experience.”
The village debuted its threeday Holiday Happenings weekend in 2005.
“The Holiday Happenings weekend evolved from there and has become a communitywide tradition,” Framke said. “(It) includes a Christkindl-inspired holiday market, an array of delicious
food and beverage options, horse-drawn carriage rides, an excellent lineup of entertainment from school and community groups, and more.”
And don’t forget, that includes not one but two parades in the mix.
“Santa’s official arrival to Tinley Park is on Saturday morning led by the Toyland Parade, and the weekend culminates with an awesome Parade of Lights on Sunday,” Framke said. “It’s a delightful weekend, and there really is something for everyone.”
Festivities start Friday with the Holiday Market under a large heated tent, featuring live music and vendors selling handmade gifts. Kids can make holiday crafts, decorate cookies and write letters to soldiers. The market will be open 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Oak Park Avenue train station.
Saturday morning marks the anticipated arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus as part of Tinley’s Toyland Parade, which steps off at 11:45 a.m. and runs from 175th Place north along Oak Park Aveune to North Street. Immediately
after the parade, the Clauses will visit Oak Park Avenue train station. Families are encouraged to donate an unwrapped toy for a local charity; the collection center is at the holiday market.
From noon to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, old-fashioned carriage rides, the Tinseltown Track Train, a snow-globe photo opportunity and photos with Santa will be offered. Tickets for free photos with the man in red will be distributed until 3:30 p.m. both days. Visitors are asked to donate nonperishable food items.
Organizers expect up to 20,000 revelers during the three-day event.
“The whole community really comes together,” Framke said. “Including the Vogt Visual Arts Center, which puts up a fun model train and miniatures exhibit, and the historical society, which hosts an open house and magic show.”
On both Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, the Vogt Visual Arts Center will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Tinley Park Historical Society’s will be open noon to 5 p.m. The historical society will present Mr. D’s Magic Show 3 p.m. Sunday.
Last but not least, the Parade of Lights will cap off the weekend 5 p.m. Sunday as it starts to wend its way north along Oak Park Avenue, featuring floats, community groups, local businesses and school bands. Word on the street is that a special guest from the North Pole will be in attendance.