Tree-Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings

TINLEY PARK, IL — You might still be buried in Thanksgiving leftovers, but it's time to start thinking about the next round of celebrating. The village will be holding its annual Holiday Happenings event from Dec. 1-3 in downtown Tinley Park.

Here's a look at the schedule for the three-day celebration:

Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave. A community sing-a-long will start the festivities at 5:30 p.m.

Holiday Market: The heated tent near the Oak Park Avenue train station, 67o0 South St., will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.

The Tinley Toyland Parade: Begins at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the procession, which will start at 175th Street and travel north along Oak Park Avenue and South Street. Parade-goers are asked to donate an unwrapped toy for Together We Cope at the collection center near the Holiday Market.

Photos With the Clauses: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the train station. Tickets for complimentary photos will be handed out until 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and until 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Visitors are asked to donate a nonperishable food item for the Tinley Park Food Pantry.

Parade of Lights: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, traveling north from 177th Street to Oak Park Avenue.

Carriage Rides: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, throughout the downtown.

Ice-Carving Demonstration: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Zabrocki Plaza

Go to the Village of Tinley Park's website for details and information about other activities during the three-day Holiday Happenings event.

Holiday Happenings in Tinley Park (Photo via Patch archive)