Braving 25-degree temperatures and a biting wind chill that made it feel like 15, Orland Park residents bundled in blankets, winter coats, and hats gathered for Sunday’s beloved Christmas Parade.
“Even in the cold, this parade warms your heart,” said Cathy Garner, who joined her twin daughters for the festive tradition.
The parade, held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 along Ravinia Avenue, featured more than 40 floats, performers, and local businesses. It concluded with the lighting of the village Christmas tree, officially marking the start of the holiday season.
The event is a cherished tradition for many families in Orland Park. For Ariana Virgin and her 73-year-old grandmother, Rosa, attending the parade has become a staple of their holiday celebrations. “We’ve been coming for years,” Ariana said. “It’s our tradition, and Grandma wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Under thick blankets, seated in fold-out chairs with steaming cups of cocoa, the Virgin family embraced the chill to celebrate Rosa’s favorite holiday.
The festive procession offered something for everyone. Garner, riding on School District 135’s float, handed out candy to cheering spectators alongside her twin daughters, Lola and Penelope. “I did most of the work,” Garner joked, “but seeing the kids’ faces light up made it all worthwhile.” Performances from local groups added to the excitement, including the Chicago Riots Junior Roller Derby team, which skated effortlessly on the pavement, and Elevate Dance Company, whose energetic routines, including popping, locking, and moonwalking, wowed the crowd.
Richards Bicycle delighted attendees with an inflatable Snoopy lounging in the back of a truck, while Joey’s Red Hots kept things lively by tossing hot dogs into the crowd. One well-aimed throw struck a spectator in the face, sparking laughter throughout the audience.
As the parade concluded, attendees gathered near Village Hall for the lighting of the Christmas tree, a newer addition to the evening’s festivities. Mayor Keith Pekau invited children from the crowd to join him on stage for the countdown. Cheers erupted as the tree lit up, casting a warm, festive glow across the village. “This truly gets everyone in the holiday spirit,” said Sue Koleno, a senior village administrator and event organizer. “The kids’ excitement makes it all worthwhile, even in the cold.”
Inside the Civic Center, families escaped the bitter air to enjoy holiday crafts, games, cookies, and more hot cocoa. The warm treats and activities offered a cozy complement to the outdoor festivities, providing families an opportunity to create lasting memories.
For first-time attendees like the Quintas family, the evening offered a heartwarming introduction to Orland Park’s holiday traditions. “We came for the hot cocoa, the parade, and maybe to catch a glimpse of Santa,” one family member said, bundled in blankets. For longtime attendees like the Virgin and Garner families, the parade represented more than just a festive event—it was a celebration of community and connection.
“It’s not just about the floats or the tree,” Garner said. “It’s about sharing moments with neighbors and creating memories that last.”
As families lingered near the glowing tree, reluctant to let the night end, Rosa Virgin summed up the evening’s spirit.
Clutching her granddaughter’s hand, she said, “Christmas is about being together. And that’s what tonight was—a night of togetherness.”