Christmas arrived with small-town warmth as Palos Heights welcomed the holiday season during a festive weekend filled with lights, music and the cozy charm of its expanded Kris Kringle Market and annual Christmas Parade.
Residents from Palos Heights and neighboring communities gathered to celebrate Holidays in the Heights at the municipal parking lot at 12217 S. Harlem Ave. The market filled a lighted and heated tent with handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, children’s activities and the irresistible scents of seasonal treats. More than 40 vendors attended this year’s greatly expanded event, offering handmade items perfect for Christmas gift giving.
“The Kris Kringle Market brings a whole new group to town to enjoy the ambience and the great restaurants we have to offer,” Mayor Bob Straz said. “It brings back that small town feeling to Palos Heights, just like a Hallmark movie.”
Straz also thanked everyone who attended the city’s tree lighting ceremony and later added, “Events such as these instills in the community the spirit that I believe makes Palos Heights the outstanding family community that we have become.”
The festivities began Friday evening with a tree lighting ceremony led by Straz, accompanied by carolers who filled the crisp night air with holiday music. Earlier in the day, Straz announced the winners of the city’s tree decorating contest, adding to the hometown excitement.
Local business leaders noted the event’s economic impact.
“The excitement and energy that the Kris Kringle Market and annual Holiday Parade bring to Palos Heights is wonderful for our community and local businesses,” said Palos Area Chamber of Commerce President Todd Probasco. “Because the Palos area is smaller compared to surrounding towns, it’s especially important that we continue to enhance and expand our events to help generate increased sales and revenue for our businesses.
“As President of the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, I can proudly say that our group is always exploring new opportunities to support our local businesses so they can grow and thrive, benefiting not only our business community but the entire city as well. The Kris Kringle Market and Holiday Parade are great events that the city puts on.”
The celebration is a collaborative effort between the City of Palos Heights, the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Development staff, the Palos Heights Business Development Committee, local businesses and residents.
Festivities continued the next morning with the annual Christmas Parade, which stepped off from 126th Street and Harlem Avenue and traveled north to College Drive. Families lined the street as floats, community groups and Santa himself made their way through the crisp December air.
The market remained open throughout the day with live holiday music, children’s crafts, festive lights and a food and beverage tent offering beer and wine. Kids visited Santa, worked on holiday projects and enjoyed activities inside the warm tent. Visitors also wandered the nearby Olde Palos Shopping Centre, where small shops and restaurants added to the charming holiday atmosphere.
Organizers said they hoped the weekend reminded residents of what makes Palos Heights special: community pride, local partnerships and the kind of cozy, small-town Christmas spirit that feels straight out of a storybook.
