Holidays in the Heights

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Holidays in the Heights returns!

The events and activities below are expected to be better than ever.

  1. LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS
Opens November 28, 2025, for kick off night
Memorial Park (76th Ave & College Dr.)
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

-Gather around a fire for holiday hot chocolate and treats
-PH Fire Department will be brining Santa on the fire truck
  1. Holiday parade on harlem

DECEMBER 6 AT 10:45 AM

PARADE ENTRY FORM

  1. Santa Parade Entry Form 2025 pdf

To register online click here.


Parade will begin at 10:45 am at 126th & Harlem and end at College Drive.

This will be a festive day in town with the Kris Kringle Market taking place at the municipal lot from 10AM-5PM.

Please note that Harlem Ave will be closed from 127th through College Drive from 10:30am - noon.

For more information on participation or the parade feel free to contact:

Heather Begley: heather.begley@gmail.com
Sharon Courtney: scourtney76@gmail.com
  1. Tree Decorating Contest

It’s that time of year again to sign up for the City’s Annual Holiday Tree Decorating Contest. There is no fee to enter the contest and trees will be provided by the City. The trees will be displayed in COMMUNITY PARK – near the gazebo across from City Hall - through the holiday season.

Sign up + Guidelines

  1. Tree Decorating Application and Guidelines 2025
  1. Kris Kringle MArket

December 5, 2025 - 5:00 PM-9:00 PM 

December 6, 2025 - 10:00AM-5:00PM

Municipal Lot, 12217 S. Harlem Avenue

Get your holiday shopping done under two heated tents with tons of vendors. You'll also find a Kids Corner, Santa, and a Food Court. 

Reach out to Rachel Bauer for VENDOR opportunities. rbauer@palosheights.org

Kris Kringle Market Flyer 2025

For SPONSORSHIP Information reach out to Kara Hansen khansen@palosheights.org 

Sponsorship Form 

  1. You've Been Elfed

There are some elves on the loose in Palos Heights! Sign your child up to be "Elfed" this holiday season! A special guest will drop an Elf on the Shelf and the "Elf on the Shelf" book at the participant's house with a note from the new Elf. You will receive some holiday candy, a craft, and the new Elf and Book. The deadline is Monday, November 24th. *Elfed boxes will be delivered to the participant's doorstep on Monday, December 2nd, so they have plenty of time to enjoy treats during the holiday season. Please note: this event is limited to Palos Heights Residents.


Call 708-361-1807 for more information.

  1. Santa's Mailbox

December 1st to December 19th, 2025 the mailbox will be available! 

Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th Street

Santa’s elves will install a mailbox at the Palos Heights Recreation Center from December 1-19 Santa has informed the Parks & Recreation Department that he will write back to all the children who put a letter into this mailbox. Santa’s only request is that all children include a self-addressed stamped envelope.


Call 708-361-1807 for more information.

  1. Noon Year's Eve

December 31

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th Street

Ring in the New Year at noon instead of midnight! The gym will be transformed into a miniature Times Square with music and a "countdown to noon" balloon drop. Tickets are $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents.

Call 708-361-1807 for more information.