There is something to do for all interests this weekend in Chicago Southland. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season or see a show, you will find it just beyond the city limits.

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Holiday Happenings

Friday, December 18th
9TH ANNUAL DECK 'N' THE HALLS
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Alsip
5000 West 127th Street, Alsip
(708) 272-4208
Rediscover the true meaning of the Holidays. The DoubleTree by Hilton has taken care of all the planning so you, your co-workers, family and friends can just enjoy the spirit of the season. Traditional favorites with a new twist, featuring a DJ and a photo booth. Must be 21 or older to attend.
7PM-12AM

Saturday, December 19th - Sunday, December 20th
LUNCH WITH THE GRINCH
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
6501 West 79th Street, Burbank
(708) 229-8700
The classic animated version of the Grinch all day and of course bring your cameras because the Grinch is surprisingly photogenic! Reservations are highly suggested, as they will fill up fast! It’s their busiest event of the year!
12-4PM

Saturday, December 19th - Sunday, December 20th
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
(708) 688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of the indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including the newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30PM. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy a nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
Sa-Su 4-9PM

Saturday, December 19th
CHRISTMAS STORY TIME
Paperback Trading Co.
8825 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 598-8442
Christmas Story Time featuring the book, "WHAT'S A CHRISTMAS?" There will also be fun craft activities.
2-3PM

Saturday, December 19th
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT
1950s Park Forest House Museum
227 Monee Road, Park Forest
(708) 481-4252
This nostalgic look at Christmas Past is decorated in vintage Christmas, including Gurley Candles and rotating metal Black Forest Green tree.
1-3:30PM

Sunday, December 20th
SANTA CLAUS AT ILLINOIS TOLLWAY OASIS
Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
700 East Tri-State Tollway (I-294 / I-80), South Holland
(847) 871-7548
Children and families can visit Santa Claus at the Illinois Tollway Oasis. Visitors will be allowed to snap their own photos with Santa and also can bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
11AM-2PM

Sunday, December 20th
CHRISTMAS AT THE BREWERY
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor
(708) 957-2739
Annual family friendly holiday celebration at Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery featuring horse drawn carriage rides through quaint downtown Flossmoor and visits with Santa for the children.
4-8PM

Sunday, December 20th
CHRISTMAS BINGO
Paperback Trading Co.
8825 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 598-8442
Sunday Afternoon Christmas Bingo for the 5-12 year old children with gifts for everyone.
4-5PM

Arts & Culture

Saturday, December 19th
CHICAGO TAP THEATRE IN TIDINGS OF TAP
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College
Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
Featuring dances to celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and the winter season…with all-live music. If you’re tired of the same old holiday entertainment, then come see why Chicago families have made Tidings of Tap! their new holiday tradition. Featuring rhythm and whimsy-filled interpretations of your favorite Christmas, Chanukah and Winter songs, this is a fun yet sophisticated, family-friendly evening.
7:30PM

Saturday, December 19th
ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - A VERY MERRY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center
19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort
(708) 481-7774
Guest conductor Victor Yampolsky takes the IPO podium to lead the orchestra in an evening of holiday classics, including the familiar strains of the Waltz of the Flowers and other jewels - from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite to Humperdinck’s charming Hansel and Gretel to Mozart's and LeRoy Anderson's festive Sleigh Ride. Filled with holiday spirit, listeners will be singing along with the orchestra by the end of the program. Special guests include soloist Kimberly McCord and the Grande Prairie Choral Arts singers. Sponsored in part by the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust. Special pre-concert family activities begin at 7PM.
8PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, December 19th
BIRDS AT THE FEEDER
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
One of the easiest ways to learn to identify birds is by watching them at a feeder. Join nature experts as we try to attract various bird species.
1:30PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, December 19th
AROMATHERAPY
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Various scents can relax and soothe us. Learn about natural aromas and their healing effects. Ages 21 and up with a limit of 25 attendees.
1:30PM

Ongoing
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA
Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
700 East Tri-State Tollway, South Holland
(708) 596-8300
Last year the exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" came to the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. The traveling exhibit was created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The exhibit features eight kiosks and covers Lincoln's childhood, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War, the 27th Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination and other important periods and events in his life. This is a temporary exhibit, so don't miss the opportunity to learn about a famous part of America's history!
Open 7 days a week

Shopping

Sunday, December 20th
TOY SHOW
Oak Forest Park District Gymnasium
15601 South Central Avenue, Oak Forest
(708) 687-7270
Offering a number of collectible toys that you are unable to find anywhere else. This includes GI Joe, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Legos and much more!
9AM-2PM

Sports

Friday, December 18th - Saturday, December 19th
LIVE HARNESS RACING
Balmoral Park Race Track
26435 South Dixie Highway, Crete
(708) 672-1414
View Live Harness racing, simulcast harness and thoroughbred racing.
7:10PM

Saturday, December 19th - Sunday, December 20th
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS OPEN
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 118th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Trails will be opened and groomed as snow conditions permit. All skiers must obtain a free trail pass. Rentals available until 2PM. Rental equipment must be returned by 3:45PM. Rental Rates: Individual-$15; Senior-$10; Family-$40; Groups-call in advance, reservation only. Valid driver's license or $100 deposit required. Ages 18 & up or accompanied by parent or guardian. Equipment is for use at Sagawau only.
9AM-4PM

Sunday, December 20th
SKATE WITH SANTA FAMILY FUN EVENT
Ice Arena
9320 South Kenton Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-5173
Regular Open Skate fees apply. Music provided by a DJ.
1-2:30PM

If you’re planning further ahead, please check our calendar of events.