Lots of holiday events planned in Orland Park

Originally published November 9, 2014 (Submission copy)

Halloween is behind us; the trail of empty candy wrappers and penicillin pumpkins are all that remain.

That means we are in the home stretch. From now until the holidays is a non-stop, calendar busting, race to the finish. Here are some reminders of upcoming Orland Park events, so that you don’t miss them!

Ornaments are currently being collected for the Village of Orland Park Tree. They may be delivered to the information desk in the lobby of the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until November 14.

The requirement is that ornaments must be durable and weatherproof for use outdoors in this Chicago weather! They should be eight to ten inches in size; light weight and light in color; and relatively simple in design. They should be decorated with colorful materials that, if possible, are reflective. Ornaments constructed of glass or other breakable materials will not be accepted.

Ornament crafters are encouraged to use recycled materials in an effort to minimize environmental impact. They must be ready for hanging with a heavy wire attached to the top corners. Ornament makers are encouraged to add their name, organization and the year on the backs of the ornaments they create. Mayor McLaughlin will officially begin the holiday season in Orland Park at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, when he lights the village’s tree at the close of the Winter Festival.

Santa will take residency at Orland Square Mall beginning on Thursday, November 6, through December 24. The Holly Jolly fellow is located in the upper level, Carson’s Court. New this year – save time and avoid the line.  Make a date with Santa and reserve an appointment at www.simon.noerrsanta.com.

The Village Of Orland Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Centennial Park, 15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, opens on Saturday, November 22, and will be the site of many activities! Bonfire nights will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning December 5 and continuing until February 22. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be provided! A special guest will be at the rink at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14! Come and Skate with Santa and enjoy cookies, holiday music & hot chocolate, too!

The Village of Orland Park Holiday Festival and Mayor Daniel J. McLaughlin’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, at the William Vogel Memorial Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue. The Mayor and Santa will arrive at 3:00 p.m.! The day is chock-full of fun holiday events, arts, crafts, face painting, musical performances, entertainment, sleigh rides, and then ending, of course, with the ceremonial tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.

Again this year, the Caring Santa will stop by on December 7 at Orland Square Mall. Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families to visit Santa. Register online at http://orlandsquarecaringsanta.eventbrite.com.

The Village of Orland Park Theater Troupe will perform “The Rented Christmas”. Three performances are scheduled, with the first at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12; 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue. Ticket costs are: $13.00 for adults; $11.00 for seniors and students; and $9.00 for children.

According to the brochure, the premise of this play is, “John Dale hasn’t enjoyed a ’real Christmas’ for years. In the spur of the moment, he decides to ’rent’ a Christmas from Anne Weston, who owns the local rent shop. Anne is at first flustered with the requirements:  a tree with presents, Christmas carols and also a wife and five children. Anne feels she has solved the problem of a Christmas family by calling the actors’ guild. But the young actors come down with the measles so she turns to the local orphanage. When the guild can’t locate a ’mother,’ Anne steps in to play the role herself. Based on the short story by J. Lillian Vandervere, the story of how John Dale’s rented Christmas turns into a new life for all concerned makes this a warm story for the holiday season.”

If you missed Santa at the Village of Orland Park Tree Lighting Ceremony or during his many visits to Orland Square Mall, then catch him as he makes a Santa’s Pit Stop beginning at 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, December 13, at the Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. This event is free to all ages.

Information about Village of Orland Park events can be found at: www.orlandpark.org.

Enjoy the season!