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!

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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.

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.

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.

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