Brighten Your Holiday Season with Tree Lighting Events and Lights Festivals

’Tis the Season for twinkling lights and heartwarming holiday festivities. Make the season bright by attending a tree lighting ceremony or lights festival in one of the Chicago Southland communities. Here’s a round-up of some places to take in some of the beautiful lights and view decorations. Ho! Ho! Ho!

November 29-January 5

Festival of Lights, Christmas Around the World   
Lansing Historical Museum at Lansing Public Library   
2750 Indiana Avenue (Lower Level)
Lansing

This annual exhibit includes more than 30 Christmas trees along with costumes, nativity scenes, antique toys, recipes and explanations of holiday customs around the world. Open Monday-Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 12-3 p.m. through January 6.

November 29-January 8

Amaze Light Festival
Odyssey Fun World
19111 South Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park

This seasonal event features light displays, massive holiday decorations, food and beverage vendors, the Arctic Express train ride, live performances, a toy store and more. The festival will run from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays through Dec. 14 before moving to seven days a week until Jan. 8. Closed on Christmas Day.

November 30, December 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 26-31

Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo Chicago  
8400 31st Street
Brookfield                                      

Now in its 41st year, Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights, a 41-foot-tall tree choreographed to seasonal tunes, photo opportunities in the ever-popular 20-foot-tall orb and 3D 16-foot-tall gingerbread house, a 600-foot-long “Tunnel of Lights,” and more. Many of the zoo’s animal buildings will be open as well restaurants and gift shops offering an array of unique items for those on your holiday shopping list. Advance tickets required.

December 1

Lighting of the Green
Breidert Green
Kansas & White Streets
Frankfort

Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer and family fun with live music performances, a countdown to the tree lighting, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies.

Lynwood is LIT Holiday Lights Festival KICKOFF
205th & King Arthur Drive
Lynwood

From 5-8 p.m., celebrate the start of Lynwood's holiday light festival with hot cocoa, raffles, cookie & ornament decorating, a lights show and more. The festival runs throughout the month of December, so be sure to swing by and enjoy the lights!

December 2

Christmas Tree Lighting
Village Hall
11720 Kedzie Avenue
Merrionette Park

At 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall, see the holiday tree adorned with decorations light up to signify the start of the holiday season!

Holiday Lights
Downtown Homewood
2020 Chestnut Road
Homewood

Start off the holiday season with a fun evening from 5-9 p.m. that will include a holiday carousel and train, carolers, warm treats, ice sculpture demos and more.

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Village of Hazel Crest
3601 West 183rd Street
Hazel Crest

Celebrate the season with an evening of live entertainment, raffles, dancing with cartoon characters and a visit from Mr. Claus. Bring the whole family for a festive night!

Christmas Tree Lighting
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street
Monee

It’s time for the tree lighting with Santa. View the Holiday Luminaries, gather with friends, enjoy some treats and get into the holiday spirit.

Worth Tree Lighting   
Terrace Center
11500 South Beloit Avenue
Worth

Join the community with special guest, Santa Claus, to ring in the holiday season with the official tree lighting ceremony. Afterwards, head inside for warm cocoa and decorate ornaments. Be sure to hop on the train ride and get a photo with Santa, too.

December 2-4

Holiday Happenings
Zabrocki Plaza Downtown Tinley Park
17375 Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park

Enjoy this fun holiday weekend that will begin with Victorian carolers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday followed by the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Afterwards you can stop in a large, heated tent to shop for presents at the Holiday Market which will be open throughout the weekend. Friday night there will also be performances by Andrew High School Holiday Ensembles and Tiney Park High School Jazz Band. Saturday and Sunday there is also entertainment from Noon-5 p.m. that will include dance performances and choirs. End the weekend wit the Parade of Lights on Sunday at 5 p.m. along Oak Park Avenue.

December 3

Blue Island Light Parade
Western & Prairie Streets
Blue Island

Blue Island’s 21st Annual Light Parade and Festival kicks off the holiday season with bands, floats and vehicles all lit up in festive colors. Starts at Prairie and Western Avenues at 6:30 p.m.

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