Christmas, Holiday Events In The Palos Area

PALOS, IL — There is no shortage of things to do in the Palos 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:

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.

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.

Eat Pancakes With Santa At Church of the Holy Nativity, 9300 S. Pleasant Ave., Chicago – Santa will be dropping by for pancakes Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity, 9300 S. Pleasant Ave., Chicago. The church’s awesome “Breakfast With Santa” runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and features raffles, a movie and bake sale. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10, pics with Santa are $5. Buy tickets online via EventBrite.

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.