Orland To Welcome Holiday Season With Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park is set to welcome the holiday season with the annual Christmas parade, tree lighting and festival on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Orland Park Village Center, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave.

"Coming together as a community to welcome the holiday season is a long-standing tradition in Orland Park," said Mayor Keith Pekau. "I look forward to spending the festive occasion with residents again this year as we gather to celebrate the season."

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

Immediately following the parade, join Mayor Pekau for the official lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Village Circle outside of Village Hall. The tree lighting includes an extensive holiday lights display throughout the Village Green. Community trees, generously donated by the Orland Park Lions Club, are “adopted” and decorated by local area groups, families, businesses and organizations.

Looking for a tree to take home? The Orland Park Lions Club will offer Christmas Trees and wreaths for sale at the event from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on December 1. Winners of the Village’s coloring contest will be announced at the event.

Everyone is invited to head into the Orland Park Civic Center to enjoy activities including holiday games and crafts, pictures with Santa, DJ, great performances from local dance and cheer troupes, coloring contest display, and food and drinks including Belgian waffles, kettle corn, hot chocolate and more!

Parking information and more is available online at orlandpark.org/Christmasfest or by calling the Village’s Recreation & Parks Department at (708) 403-5000.