Celebrate the holidays in the South Suburbs with the whole family! Read some of our picks below and find the most updated list on our calendar. Don’t forget to check out other kid-friendly holiday events in the city, North/Northwest Suburbs and Western Suburbs.
‘A Christmas Story’ Comes Home
When: Nov. 9-Dec. 31
Where: Indiana Welcome Center I-80/94 & Kennedy Ave., Hammond, Indiana
Visitors to the Indiana Welcome Center are welcome to relive favorite childhood memories of in anticipation of Christmas as they gaze at animated window displays depicting scenes from the holiday movie classic.
When: Nov. 15
Where: Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge
Kick off the holidays with giveaways, train rides, crafts, letters to the military and a tree lighting.
When: Nov. 19
Where: Apollo Recreation Center, 12521 South Kostner Avenue, Alsip
Join Mrs. Claus, Prairie Jr. High Band and Choir and the preschool class in celebration of the holiday season. After the outdoor oooh-ing and ahhh-ing at the lit tree, head into the warm gymnasium for carols, cookies, and cocoa.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Lake Katherine
When: Nov. 29
Where: Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights
Activities include a visit with Santa Claus, real reindeer, crafts, face painting and story time, plus hot chocolate and cookies.
Home for the Holidays at the Rialto
When: Nov. 25-Dec. 23
Where: Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
Festivities include holiday movies, concerts and plays, including a Teddy Bear Tea on Nov. 29; a showing of the movie “The Polar Express” at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30; “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” the musical at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 and a showing of the 1947 version of “Miracle on 34th Street” at 11 a.m. on Dec. 14. The season kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 with “A Very Rialto Christmas,” a family concert for the family.
Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade
When: Nov. 29
Where: Chicago street between Van Buren and Jackson,
