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!
Sunday, Dec. 1
- 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Winter Container Workshop gives you an opportunity to create a festive winter planter. Attendees can bring their own 12-inch soil-filled container, or purchase one for $10; materials including mixed evergreens, berries, pine cones and red twig will be provided. Lassen’s Tap, 2131 183rd St., Homewood; registration required at 708-860-9542.
Monday, Dec. 2
- 7 p.m., James Hart School Choir Concert; free; school gym, 18220 Morgan Ave., Homewood.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
- 7 p.m., Marian Catholic Choir presents its annual Christmas Choir Concert; free; Croarkin Auditorium on campus, 700 Ashland Ave., Chicago Heights.
Thursday, Dec 5
- 7 p.m., Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Voyage to Excellence Open House lets junior high students explore H-F’s academic and extracurricular programs; free; H-F field house.
- 6 to 9 p.m., The Cancer Support Center 2019 Holiday Spirits annual event features appetizers, live entertainment by the Viking Beautyshop Quartet, raffles and spirits from vendors such as Flossmoor Station, Goose Island, Minhas Distilling, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trail’s Edge Brewing, PRP International and more; $45; Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., Homewood. Details at 708-798-9171.
Friday, Dec 6
- 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Holiday Party two movie showings. “Elf” is presented for free at Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
- 3 to 9 p.m., Christmas Tree and Wreath pick-up and sale benefiting Cancer Support Center, Martin Avenue and Chestnut Road, downtown Homewood.
- 6 to 9 p.m. Holiday Lights Celebration in downtown Homewood with food, music and entertainment, including an old fashioned carousel. Antique cars begin the parade to Irwin Park for the 7 p.m. lighting of the holiday tree, just in time for Santa to arrive on a Homewood Fire Department truck. Visit the Christkindl Market on Martin Avenue and get around town on the hop-on, hop-off train. Melody Mart sponsors a Uka-Caroling event inviting the community to sing along as ukulele players march to the Homewood Science Center.
- 6:30 p.m., Winter Choral Concert, Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.
- 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
Saturday, Dec. 7
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pictures with Santa Day. Thomas’ Photographic Services, 18705 Dixie Highway, 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 $45 and $40, and $20 for children 14 and younger. Details are at 708-235-2222.
- 2 to 5 p.m., Flossmoor Winterfest 2019 includes children’s activities at Flossmoor Public Library, a bonfire and visits with Santa in Flossmoor Park, and concludes with a 5:15 p.m. tree and menorah lighting ceremony there; hot chocolate will be served; free. Information at flossmoor.org.
- 2 to 3 p.m., Holiday Instrumental Concert, Part 1 of Homewood-Flossmoor High’s Holiday Concerts. Enjoy the sounds of the season, presented by H-F’s student-musicians in Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble; free; Mall Auditorium, 900 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
- 4 to 5 p.m., Holiday Instrumental Concert at Homewood-Flossmoor High features the Concert Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble; free; Mall Auditorium, 900 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
- 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
Sunday, Dec. 8
- 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., Breakfast with Santa. Take photos and get a toy from Santa; enjoy brunch buffet of shaved prime rib, omelette station, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, pancakes, roasted potato, fruit, dessert station, kids cookie-making station, kids coloring station; $25 for Adults, $20 for kids 12 and younger; Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. RSVP to 708-798-5600.
- 10 a.m., Jingle Jog 5K, benefitting Glenwood Academy. The Jingle Jog 5K offers walkers and runners of all fitness levels a race experience with views of the Chicago skyline and Lakefront. $45 for adults and $20 for Kid Dash. Theater in the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. Register at www.jinglejog5k.org.
- Noon to 4 p.m., Loulou Belle holiday event – Dude’s Shopping Day, 2049 Ridge Road, Homewood.
- 2 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
- 2 to 3 p.m., Holiday Instrumental Concerts Part 2 at Homewood-Flossmoor High featuring the symphonic band and wind ensemble; free; Mall Auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
- 4 to 5 p.m., Holiday Instrumental Concerts at Homewood-Flossmoor High featuring the Viking Orchestra and Sinfonia; free; Mall Auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
- 4 p.m., South Holland Master Chorale under the direction of Albert Jackson presents its 19th annual Christmas program, “The Morning Star,” featuring works by Corelli, Kuhnau, Mendelssohn and new arrangements of Christmas carols and hymns; freewill offering accepted; St. Joseph Catholic Church, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
- 10:30 to 11 a.m., Winter Storytime. Winter-themed stories for families with young children up to age 6; free, no registration required, but parental supervision is required; Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
- 7 p.m., Irish singer and songwriter Gavin Coyle presents a Christmas concert; freewill offering accepted; St. Joseph Church, 17949 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
- 7 p.m., Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s HFU Workshop for Families – Exam Prep. Discover study strategies, organizational techniques, de-stressing exercises and tips to help students earn top grades on semester final exams; free; South Building Room E1.
Thursday, Dec. 12
- 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
Friday, Dec. 13
- 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
Saturday, Dec. 14
- 9 to 11:30 a.m., Cookie Walk/Craft Sale featuring homemade cookies, candy and craft items; St. John the Evangelist Church, 2640 Park Drive, Flossmoor; details at 708-798-4150.
- 9 to 10:30 a.m., Snow Much Fun, a program of snow-themed crafts, experiments, games and more; family fee is $15 for H-F Park District residents and $19 for non-residents; Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave.; details at 708-957-0300.
- 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Holiday Open House & Bake Sale at South Suburban Humane Society; baked goods and merchant booths for Christmas shopping, plus Santa will be available to take pictures with pets that are up-to-date on all vaccines; $10 per photo; South Suburban Humane Society, 1103 West End Ave., Chicago Heights.
- 11 to 2 p.m., Cookie Walk/Craft Sale featuring homemade cookies, candy and craft items made by church members and local artisans; St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 18850 Riegel Road., Homewood; details at www.homewoodsaintandrew.org or 708-798-8904.
- 3 to 6 p.m., Santa visits Homewood Science Center for an indoor photo opportunity against the sensory-friendly holiday scene; performance by the Bel Canto Choir at 4:30 p.m.; $5 holiday activities in the Santa Workshop; PopUp SCIENCE Shop will be open; Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Hwy, Homewood.
- 3 to 6 p.m., Miracle on Homewood’s Martin Avenue Square features old fashioned horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown area, a chance to roast marshmallows and enjoy warm festive drinks; join costumed carolers as they entertain the community; Martin Avenue at Ridge Road in Homewood.
- 3 p.m., Grande Prairie Singers and Children’s Choir present “Holly Jolly Christmas,” a selection of songs and carols of the season; $20; Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock, Park Forest.
- 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Santa Claus is coming for pizza and pasta. Get in the spirit with holiday music, a visit with Santa and food; $13.95 for adults, $7.95 for kids, Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor. Reservations required at 708-957-8774.
- 7:30 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
Sunday, Dec. 15
- 10 a.m. and noon, Brunch with Santa includes a child’s visit with Santa and brunch; $18.99 for adults, $10.95 for kids (ages 3-12); free for children 2 and younger; Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor. Reservations required at 708-957-8774.
- 1 to 2 p.m., Homewood-Flossmoor Park District hosts “Skate with Santa,” an annual event at the H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor; admission $6; skate rental $4.
- 2 p.m., The Drama Group presents “TARTUFFE, In Search of an American Idol,” a political satirical comedy about a wealthy businessman who entrusts his property and family to an up-and-coming unscrupulous charlatan; $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $17 for students with ID; Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights.
- 3 p.m., The 19th Annual Christmas concert of the South Holland Master Chorale under the direction of Al Jackson, with accompaniment of orchestra and organs and the Southlake Children’s Choir; freewill offering accepted; St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, Indiana.
- 3 p.m., Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Winter Choral Concert opens with the poinsettia procession, followed by the H-F choral groups, including Viking Choir and the Handbell Choir with songs of the season; free; Mall Auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.
- 3:30, 5:30 or 7:30 p.m., Christmas at the Brewery is a chance to celebrate the season with food and drink specials at the historic train station; free horse drawn carriage rides through downtown Flossmoor and a guest appearance from Santa and his sidekick, Jingles; Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor. Select a time and make a reservation at 708-957-2739.
Sunday, Dec. 16
- 7 p.m., Homewood Children’s Choir concert at James Hart School; free; 18220 Morgan Ave., Homewood.
- 7 to 9 p.m., High school students study time will feature snacks and a later closing time to accommodate high school students studying for tests; tutor available; must show school ID; Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
- 7 to 9 p.m., High school students study time features snacks and a later closing time to accommodate high school students studying for tests; Tutor available; must show school ID; Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., FH/HH Choir Holiday Concert at Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor.
- 7 to 9 p.m., High school students study time features snacks and a later closing time to accommodate high school students studying for tests; tutor available; must show school ID; Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
Thursday, Dec. 19
- 6 p.m., Millennium Park’s “Light Up the Park Playdate” offers fun games and activities under the flood lights; Homewood-Flossmoor Park District staff will have hot cocoa available; 18600 Harwood Ave., Homewood.
Saturday, Dec. 21
- 3 p.m., Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays,” including John Williams’ “Merry Christmas,” Anderson’s “Sleighride,” Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” Tchaikovsky’s suite from “The Nutcracker;” and many more; Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Dr., Palos Heights; information is at ipomusic.org or 708-481-7774.
Sunday, Dec. 22
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; South Suburban Humane Society’s Doggie Breakfast benefit featuring Santa taking pictures with your pups; Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor. RSVP to 708-957-2739.
- Noon to 4 p.m., Cheesy Holiday Movie Brunch featuring $5 Bloody Marys, mimosas and beermosas, food specials, games, and some of your favorite cheesy holiday movies on screens all around; Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor; reservations at 708-957-2739.
Thursday, Dec. 26
- 6:30 p.m., Bedtime Storytime for caregivers and children; interactive story time with songs and bubbles; feel free to get cozy and wear pajamas; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
Friday, Dec. 27
- 12:30 p.m., Pokemon Trading Party for kids in kindergarten to sixth grade; bring your doubles and your extras to the library, show them off, and trade with other collectors; free; Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Hwy, Homewood. Registration not required, but appreciated at 708-798-0121.
Monday, Dec. 31
- 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s Happy Noon Year Party with DJ and dancing, s’mores, outdoor bonfire, kiddie cocktail bar and more; $5 per person; Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor; limited tickets, RSVP at 708-957-0300 or 708-957-7275.
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Homewood’s Noon Year’s Eve Party for Homewood residents sponsored by Comcast and White Castle featuring Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, a photo booth, noon balloon drop; limited tickets available at Village Hall, first floor, with a maximum six tickets per family with proof of residency using a photo ID or current utility bill.