Orland To Welcome Holiday Season With Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park is set to officially welcome the holiday season with its annual Christmas parade, tree lighting and festival on Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Orland Park Village Center, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m.

This year’s theme, Winter WondORLAND, adds new interactive elements to the family-favorite holiday event, including live reindeer, meet-and-greets with costumed characters, bounce houses and more.

“What makes this event so special is how it brings our community together,” said Mayor Jim Dodge. “It’s more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of the joy, generosity and togetherness that define Orland Park during the holidays.”

The event begins at 4 p.m. with the Christmas parade traveling down Ravinia Avenue from 151st Street to the official Village Christmas Tree at Village Hall. The parade will feature 50 local businesses and organizations with decorated vehicles, floats, music and hundreds of walkers, including the Carl Sandburg High School Marching Eagles and the special arrival of Santa Claus.

Immediately following the parade, around 5 p.m., the Carl Sandburg High School Chamber Singers will lead carols before Mayor Dodge and the community countdown to the official lighting of the Village Christmas Tree in the Village Circle outside Village Hall.

The tree lighting will also illuminate the extensive holiday light displays throughout the Village Green. Community trees, generously donated by the Orland Park Lions Club, are “adopted” and decorated by local groups, families, businesses and organizations.

After the tree lighting, everyone is invited to enjoy the Winter WondORLAND Christmas Festival. Outdoor activities include visiting live reindeer, meeting Anna and Elsa at the Princess Palace, strolling through the Enchanted Village Green, jumping in the Candyland bounce house, sipping hot chocolate or other refreshments, warming up by the fire pits and taking photos in Santa’s sleigh.

New this year, visitors can head inside the Village Hall lobby to take photos with Santa surrounded by the enormous 20-foot tree and train set. All children will receive a free plush giveaway while supplies last.

Inside the Civic Center, families can enjoy more free activities, including performances by local dance and cheer groups, storytelling and sponsor giveaways in the Annex Room. In the Exhibition Room, guests can make winter-themed crafts or have a snowball fight with Olaf. Coloring contest entries and winners will be posted in the Grand Hallway, along with holiday- and kid-friendly vendors offering treats for purchase.

Parking information and additional details are available at orlandpark.org/christmasfest or by calling the Village’s Recreation and Parks Department at 708-403-5000.