Holiday Lights 2016-12-02 428_web
Local News

Let the holidays begin! The 2018 Chronicle Holiday Guide calendar

Throughout the month of December, the Homewood-Flossmoor community comes together in dozens of ways to celebrate the holiday season. Let the Chronicle’s calendar be your guide!

Throughout the month of December, the Homewood-Flossmoor community comes together in dozens of ways to celebrate the holiday season. Let the Chronicle’s calendar be your guide!


  The annual Tuba Christmas 
  concert on Dec. 1 starts off 
  the holiday music season
  with oomph.
(Chronicle 
  file photos)
 

Saturday, Dec. 1

  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pop-Up SCIENCE Shop at the Homewood Science Center; curated collection of one-of-a kind STEAM inspired toys; 18022 Dixie Highway; Also open  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 27. 
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pictures with Santa, bring the kids for their portrait with Santa; cost varies; Thomas’ Photographic Services, 18705 Dixie Highway, Homewood. Second session is Dec. 8.
  • Noon to 3 p.m., Holiday Crafts for Kids designed to be gifts or holiday decorations; for kids 6 to 12 years old; $25 for H-F Park District residents, $32 for non-residents; Irwin Community Center, 18022 Highland Ave., Homewood.
  • 1 to 2:45 p.m., Make A Holiday Tree Pinata, session includes songs and information on Latin American Christmas traditions; for kids 4 to 9; $18 for H-F Park District residents, $23 for non-residents; Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave., Homewood.
  • 2 to 4 p.m., Annual Holiday Tuba Concert; free; Mall Auditorium at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
  • 6:30 to 9 p.m., Hamiltunes Sing-Along gives audience members a chance to watch volunteer singers perform a version of the musical “Hamilton;” free; Homewood Public Library, 17913 Dixie Highway.

Sunday, Dec. 2

  • 4 p.m., The 18th annual Christmas concert of the South Holland Master Chorale under the direction of Al Jackson and the Southlake Children’s Choir, with accompaniment of orchestra and organs; free will offering; St. Victor Catholic Church, 553 Hirsch Ave., Calumet City. 

Monday, Dec. 3

  • 7 p.m., James Hart School choir concert; free; school gym, 18220 Morgan Ave., Homewood.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

  • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert; free; Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.
  • 7 to 8:30 p.m., HFU Parent Workshop for H-F parents and students, “Final Exams, Preparing Vikings for Success;” free; TLC room in South Building, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
  • 7 p.m., “On a Christmas Journey” concert by Marian Catholic High School’s four choirs; free; bake sale and poinsettia raffle; Croarkin Auditorium, Marian Catholic, 700 Ashland Ave., Chicago Heights.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

  • 6 to 7 p.m., DIY Holiday Madness, create greeting cards, small sewn projects, custom jewelry charms, decorated champagne flutes and more for persons 18 and over; registration required; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Thursday, Dec. 6

  • 6:30 p.m., Winter Choral Concert, Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.
  The dancers in the windows 
  of The American Dance 
  Center on Ridge Road 
  are one of the most 
  popular attractions of
  Homewood’s Holiday Lights
  festival every year.

 

Friday, Dec. 7

  • 4 to 9 p.m., Artisan Street Fair Market, area boutiques with holiday specials; Martin Avenue between Ridge Road and Kroner Lane, downtown Homewood.
  • 5 to 9 p.m. Holiday Lights celebration in downtown Homewood, including tree lighting at 7 p.m. at Irwin Park; ice sculpting demonstration at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Martin Avenue; live reindeer petting zoo and trolley rides; Christkindl Market; hot chocolate and warm cider served; Martin Avenue between Ridge Road and Kroner Lane, Homewood.
  • 5 p.m., Holiday Party movie “Home Alone;” free; Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
  • 5 to 9 p.m., Santa’s Workshop gives kids a chance to make a candy train, ornament or garland; $5; Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway.
  • 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.

Saturday, Dec. 8

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cookie Walk/Craft Sale at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, featuring homemade cookies, candy and craft items made by church members and local artisans; church is at 18850 Riegel Road, Homewood.  Details at www.homewoodsaintandrew.org or 708-798-8904.
  • Noon to 3 p.m., Holiday Crafts for Kids designed to be gifts or holiday decorations; kids 6 to 12; $25 for H-F Park District residents, $32 for non-residents; Irwin Community Center, 18022 Highland Ave., Homewood.
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Artisan Street Fair Market is in storefronts along Martin Avenue from Ridge Road to Kroner Lane. Shopping continues with Homewood’s food truck alley, located at Martin Avenue Square; downtown Homewood.
  • 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Salt Creek Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. Tickets are $43, $36 and $28, and $18 for those 16 and younger. Details at 708-235-2222.
  • 2 to 5 p.m., Flossmoor Winterfest 2018 includes children’s activities at the Flossmoor Public Library, bonfire and visits with Santa in Flossmoor Park, and hot chocolate for all, details at flossmoor.org.
  • 5 p.m. tree and menorah lighting ceremony at Flossmoor Park.  
  • 2 to 5 p.m., Holiday Instrumental Concert Series 1 – Homewood-Flossmoor High’s Holiday  Concerts featuring the Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble; free; Mall Auditorium, H-F High, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
  • 3 p.m., Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra performs Handel’s “Messiah” with performances by four soloists and the Elmhurst Choral Union; $10 to $67; Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Dr., Palos Heights; information is at ipomusic.org or 708-481-7774. 
  • 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Swim with Santa in the pool at H-F Racquet & Fitness Club; and Dive-In Movie from 7:30 to 9 p.m.; $2 per person for club members $4 for non-members; information is at 708-957-0300.  
  • 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
  Santa Claus will make a 
  number of appearances 
  in the community 
  throughout the holiday 
  season.

 

Sunday, Dec. 9

  • 2 to 5 p.m., Homewood-Flossmoor High Holiday Instrumental Concert Series 2 – Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble 2-3:30 p.m., followed by Viking Orchestra & Sinfonia Ensemble at 4 p.m.; free; Mall Auditorium, H-F High, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
  • 2 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
  • 3 p.m., The 18th Annual Christmas concert of the South Holland Master Chorale under the direction of Al Jackson and the Southlake Children’s Choir with accompaniment of orchestra and organs; St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, Indiana.

Monday, Dec. 10

  • 10:30 to 11 a.m., Homewood Library’s Winter Storytime – winter themed storytime for families with young children and siblings up to 6; parental supervision is required; library is at 17913 Dixie Highway.  
  • 6:30 to 8 p.m., Art Class with Pat Moore: Make holiday cards, gift tags or a decoration.; no art experience required; registration required at 708-798-3600; Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave.   

Tuesday, Dec. 11

  • 6:30 p.m., District 161 5th and 6th Grade Band Concert at Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.
  • 10:30 to 11 a.m., Homewood Library’s Winter Storytime – winter themed storytime for families with young children and siblings up to 6; parental supervision is required; library is at 17913 Dixie Highway.  

Wednesday, Dec. 12

  • 8 a.m., Marian Catholic High School celebrates its 60th anniversary with an all-school mass in conjunction with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe; free; Marian Catholic High West Gym, 700 Ashland Ave., Chicago Heights.
  • 6 to 7 p.m., DIY Holiday Madness, create greeting cards, small sewn projects, custom jewelry charms, decorated champagne flutes and more for persons 18 and over; registration required; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Thursday, Dec. 13

  • 6 p.m., H-F High Community Coffee gives residents a chance to speak with school administrators and board members; free; TLC, South Building, 999 S. Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
  • 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
  • 6:30 p.m., District 161 Fall Orchestra Concert with 5th through 8th grades; free; Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.
  • 6 to 9 p.m., UpsaDaisy Boutique Customer Appreciation Night; 18100 Martin Ave.; Homewood.
  • 6 p.m., Patriots Park “Light Up the Park Playdate” with the Rec-ing Crew staff for fun games and activities under the floodlights; warm beverages will be available; free; 187th and Center Avenue.   

Friday, Dec. 14

  • 5 to 7 p.m., Santa Claus is coming to Wiley’s Grill; includes pizza and pasta dinner; $13.95 for adults; $7.95 for kids; reservations required at 708-957-8774; Wiley’s Grill at Coyote Run, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
  • 7 p.m., “A Night at the Circus!” variety show; $5; Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland Ave., Chicago Heights.
  • 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.

Saturday, Dec. 15

  • Noon to 4 p.m. Holiday Open House and Bake Sale at South Suburban Humane Society, pets get a photo with Santa if vaccines are current; baked goods and merchant booths with holiday gift suggestions; 1103 West End Ave., Chicago Heights.
  • Noon to 3 p.m., Holiday Crafts for Kids designed to be gifts or holiday decorations; for kids 6 to 12; $25 for H-F Park District residents, $32 for non-residents; Irwin Community Center, 18022 Highland Ave., Homewood.
  • 3 p.m., Grande Prairie Singers and Children’s Choir present “Winterlude 2018,” a selection of songs and carols; $20; Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock, Park Forest.  
  • 3 to 6 p.m., Miracle on Martin Avenue Square features horse drawn carriage rides, roasting marshmallows, warm festive drinks costumed carolers; free; downtown Homewood.
  • 3 to 6 p.m., Santa at the Homewood Science Center; free; 18022 Dixie Hwy, Homewood.
  • 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.

Sunday, Dec. 16

  • 10 a.m. and noon, Brunch with Santa includes children visiting Santa, and a pizza and pasta brunch; $17.95 for adults; $9.95 for kids 12 and younger; Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor; reservations a must, details at 708-957-8774.
  • Noon to 4 p.m., Loulou Belle holiday event, Dude’s Shopping Day – 2049 Ridge Rd, Homewood.
  • 1 p.m., Cosplay Showoff, see an M’baku Cosplayer (Black Panther), get some insight into how elaborate Fandom costumes are made, and a demonstration on cosplay creation technique; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Hwy, Homewood.
  • 2 p.m., The Drama Group presents “Dancing at Lughnasa,” a play set in 1936 Ireland and the family dynamics of five sisters who welcome home brother Jack returning from missionary work; $23 adults; $21 senior citizens; $17 students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
  • 3 to 5 p.m. Homewood-Flossmoor High School Holiday Concerts featuring Viking Choir and the Handbell Choir; free; Mall Auditorium, H-F High, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

  • 4:30 p.m., Create a work of art using your imagination and recycled book pages; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
  •  7 p.m., Irish singer and songwriter Gavin Coyle will give a concert for the Christmas season; free will offering accepted; St. Joseph Church, 17949 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
  • 7 p.m., Homewood Children’s Choir and combined fourth and fifth grade choirs concert at James Hart School; free; 18220 Morgan Ave., Homewood.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

  • 6 to 7 p.m., DIY Holiday Madness, create greeting cards, small sewn projects, custom jewelry charms, decorated champagne flutes and more for persons 18 and over; registration required; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
  • 6:30 p.m., Flossmoor Hills, Serena Hills and Heather Hill Choirs and K-1 Concert; free; Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.

Saturday, Dec. 22

  • 9 to 10:30 a.m., Gingerbread creations session; $12 for H-F Park District residents, $18 for non-residents; Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave., Homewood.

Sunday, Dec. 23

  • Noon to 4 p.m., Loulou Belle’s Last Chance Shopping Day, 2049 Ridge Rd, Homewood.

Wednesday, Dec. 26

  • 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Disney Movie Marathon – Jammies Day; bring a blanket and pillow; popcorn and punch is served; 10a.m. “Cinderella;” 11:30 a.m. “The Sword in the Stone;” 1:15 p.m. “Mulan; 3 p.m. “The Lion King;” 4:45 p.m. “Moana;” (Start times approximate. Movies may start earlier or later than stated). Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Thursday, Dec. 27

  • 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Marvel Movie Marathon– Jammies Day; bring a blanket and pillow; popcorn and punch is served; 9:30 a.m. “Captain America: The First Avenger;” 11:45 a.m. “Guardians of the Galaxy;” 2 p.m. “Spider-Man: Homecoming;” 4:30 p.m. “Black Panther;” (Start times approximate. Movies may start earlier or later than stated). Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
  • 6:30 p.m., Bedtime Story Time, caregivers and children enjoy this interactive story time, wear your pajamas; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Saturday, Dec 29

  • 5 to 10 p.m., End of Year Party: Gaming-Zone Comics and Games 18107 Dixie Hwy.  Join Zone Comics and Games for the end of the year party! With your paid entry dinner and soft drinks will be provided.
  • 1 p.m., Kids Artists MarketPlay, use fake money to buy real crafting supplies and then use supplied crafting tools to make a craft to take home; ages 5 through 13; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.  

Monday, Dec. 31

  • 10:30 to 12:30 p.m., Happy Noon Year Party with DJ and dancing, s’mores, outdoor bonfire, kiddie cocktail bar and more; $5 per person; admission by ticket; Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor; information is at 708-957-0300.
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Noon Year’s Eve Party, free to Homewood residents with tickets; features Mr. D’s Magic Show, a photo booth, noon balloon drop; tickets available at Homewood Village Hall with photo ID and current utility bill; details are at homesweethomewood.org; Homewood Auditorium, Chestnut and Dixie Highway.
  • 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., New Year’s Eve dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.; Celebration with music, dancing, passed hor d’oeuvres and appetizer buffet, premium bar, dessert station, party favors from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; La Voûte Bistro, 2034 Ridge Road; reservations at https://www.lavoutebistro.com/nye.

Thanks to Alicia Florence and Marilyn Thomas for compiling the calendar.

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