With Small Business Saturday coming up on November 30th, the Christmas countdown has begun and there’s just a few short weeks to get prepared. No matter who is on your shopping list this holiday season, you’ll find something they’ll adore or an experience they'll cherish when you do your shopping in the Chicago Southland. Check out our Holiday Gift Guide blog for 10 perfect presents in the Chicago Southland!

As Santa makes his trip across the world, he always spends a little extra time in the Chicago Southland. Check out some of these events where your little ones can meet old Saint Nick!

For those looking to get some cute photos with Santa, head over to the Orland Square mall in Orland Park for the Santa Photo Experience running everyday till December 24th. Orland Square will also be hosting a sensory-friendly Santa Photo Experience for children with special needs on December 8th. On December 7th, take advantage of Santa photo opportunities at Founders Community Center in Frankfort and Orland Park Sportsplex.

Your little ones can enjoy fresh pancakes with the big man himself on December 7th at Breakfast with Santa at the Lansing Christian School, Breakfast with Santa at Matteson Community Center and Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch at Dellwood Park Community Center Gym in Lockport. Lunch with the Grinch will take place December 18th-22nd at Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank. Make your reservations before they fill up!

Get your kids out on the ice on December 15th for Skate with Santa at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Orland Park.

Come see the Christmas trees light up all around the Chicago Southland at one of these tree lighting events and festivals.

On December 1st, you can attend the Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Festival at the Orland Park Civic Center and the Chicago Ridge Village Hall Tree Lighting. Head to the Lynwood Municipal Center for the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 4th. December 5th will be host to the Palos Park Recreation Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Party as well as the Lighting of the Green on the Breidert Green in Frankfort. You'll find a few holiday happenings on December 6th, including the Tree Lighting at Monee's Village Hall, the Winter Wonderland tree lighting and festival at Veterans Memorial Park in South Holland and the Holiday Lights event in Downtown Homewood. The Holiday Market and Tree Lighting Celebration at Heritage Park in Homer Glen will commence on December 7th. Finally, the Village of Hazel Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at the Vernard Alsberry Jr. Municipal Center takes place on December 13th.

Celebrate the season with sleigh bells and slide whistles at one of the holiday themed concerts, choirs and orchestras in the Chicago Southland this December.

On December 1st at St. John Neumann in Homewood and December 8th at Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland, the South Holland Master Chorale will be performing their Holiday Concert set. The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert will take place on December 14th at Trinity Christian College Ozinga Chapel in Palos Heights. At Freedom Hall in Park Forest on December 17th you can see Lisa Rock - A Carpenters' Christmas which promises to be a night of covers from The Carpenters' cherished holiday albums. At Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center in Palos Hills, you can stop by on December 19th for Boston Brass & Brass All-Stars Big Band's Christmas Bells Are Swingin'!

With the winter winds in full effect, it's not as easy to just head outside and have some fun. Thankfully, the Chicago Southland has tons of indoor activities to keep you entertained, like Dave & Buster's in Orland Park. Check out the bar and restaurant, arcade and prize area before heading over for some evening excitement!

Every month of the year, the Chicago Southland brings you fun and excitement! Visit Chicago Southland has officially released its Fall 2024/Winter 2025 Festivals and Events Guide! This guide includes 257 total listings happening in Chicago Southland communities between November 2024 and April 2025 including holiday celebrations, performing arts, festivals, expos, seminars, workshops and much more. Order your copy today!

A gaming and entertainment sensation has arrived in the Chicago Southland! Wind Creek Chicago Southland, a sprawling 70,000-square-foot casino and resort, is now open in Homewood and East Hazel Crest. This luxurious destination is set to redefine gaming and hospitality in Illinois. The casino is already operational, with the hotel slated to open in early 2025. As the first AAA Diamond-rated casino in the state, Wind Creek Chicago Southland boasts a stunning array of amenities. With over 1400 cutting-edge slot machines, 56 gaming tables, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, and a poker room, there's something for every gaming enthusiast.

You can visit Wind Creek Chicago Southland at 17300 South Halsted Street in East Hazel Crest any day of the week, 8AM-4PM. Must be 21 years of age or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).