Christmas, Holiday Events In The Alsip-Crestwood Area

ALSIP-CRESTWOOD, IL — There is no shortage of things to do in the Alsip-Crestwood area to get the winter holiday season off to a rollicking good start.

Christmas and Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, intersect this year, with Hanukkah running Dec. 18-26. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the holidays.

Here are some area holiday events leading up to the big day:

Mount Greenwood Holiday Stroll, 111th Street between Sacramento and Pulaski, Chicago – The Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association’s Holiday Stroll kicks off from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.The shops and businesses along Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood neighbor’s vibrant business district on 111th Street will be offering special deals, characters, music, raffles and much more.

Holiday In The Heights Kris Kringle Market, 12217 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights – One of the largest Kris Kringle Markets in the south suburbs features over 70 vendors, kids activities, crafts, libations, food and more inside a heated tent. Stroll among the nearby unique shops and restaurants at Olde Palos Shopping Centre. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Kevin Dowling 'Christmas Is For Kids’ Memorial Toy Drive, 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park – The annual Kevin Dowling "Christmas Is for Kids Toy Drive" happens Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at 115 Bourbon Street. Cost of admission is a new toy. Features food, beverages and raffles. Just bring a new toy, book, gift card or make a donation. There will be activities for kids including face painting, popcorn and visits with Santa.

Holiday Road, Western Avenue between 99th and 111th Streets, Chicago – The Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association will host Holiday Road featuring holiday activities, specially priced merchandise and festive food and drink items, along with complimentary motor coach transportation to ferry shoppers to participating businesses.

Santa Lands In A Helicopter, Sprayfari Aquatic Park, 11930 S. Kostner Ave., Alsip – Santa will be making his big entrance when he lands in a helicopter at Alsip Park District’s Winter Fest,from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Features food trucks, live reindeer, horse drawn wagon rides, ice skating, entertainment, crafts and vendors and more. FREE.

Bridgeview Park District Jammie Christmas - Get comfy in your favorite Christmas jammies for some holiday magic at the Bridgeview Park District, 8100 S, Beloit Ave., Bridgeview. The party starts at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4,and features a Christmas flick, a warm comfy meal, S’mores, a snowball fight, Christmas characters and more. Santa will be in his jammies too. So wear your jammies (required), bring your pillow and Christmas blankie. Cost is $12 per person, children 2 and under free. Register in person or online.

Christmas Market with Santa, Crestwood Recreation and Wellness Center, 5331 W. 135th St., Crestwood – The CRWC and Crestwood Public Library are hosting a day of holiday festivities, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, featuring holiday themed merchants, letters to Santa, decorating Christmas cookies, crafts, hot chocolate and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Live Nativity At Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 104th Street and Kostner Avenue, Oak Lawn – Mt. Zion will present a LIVE Nativity at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, featuring live animals and the story of the Christ Child. Kids can pet the animals and afterward refreshments will be served inside fellowship hall. FREE.