Handmade holiday village becomes Tinley Park’s winter wonderland

A handcrafted Alpine-style Christmas village is drawing steady crowds and plenty of holiday spirit outside a Tinley Park home, where creator Jason Deal set out to turn a simple childhood request into a community tradition.

Deal, the owner of Elevation Placemaking in Tinley Park, said the idea first began years ago when his young son asked if he could build “a real village someday.” At the time, he offered a casual “we’ll see,” not thinking much of it. But as his woodworking skills grew, so did the possibility of creating something extraordinary.

Eventually, Deal said he prayed for guidance, drafted sketches of small European buildings and decided to take the leap. That was the beginning of Alpine Village, a detailed, German-inspired display that now stands outside his home and draws families from across the Southwest suburbs.

“We wanted to do something that brought neighbors together, demonstrated God’s command to love one another, and was accessible to all families,” Deal said.

This is the second year for the display, which features handcrafted structures, lights, music and interactive elements. Deal said he has always been drawn to German architecture, which he believes naturally aligns with Christmas traditions. The theme also nods to Tinley Park’s sister-city relationship with Büdingen, Germany.

As Alpine Village grew, so did its mission. Deal partnered with The Salvation Army to collect coats and monetary donations. A coat donation earns the giver a new scarf, something Deal hopes will serve as a reminder of helping someone stay warm through the winter. The Salvation Army’s Blue Island office collects donations throughout the season.

A second partnership benefits Feline Fine Cat Rescue in Homer Glen. Donations for the rescue are collected weekly.

Everything at the display is free, including hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, candy canes and small crosses offered at the Nativity booth. Children can also participate in ornament-making, another no-cost activity.

“We don’t charge for anything,” Deal said. “God has given me some unique gifts, just like He has given to everyone. It means a lot to be able to use them to bring joy to our neighbors and create happy memories.”

He hopes the project inspires others to recognize their own talents and find ways to use them for good.

Deal also sees Alpine Village as the beginning of something larger. The display serves as a prototype for his long-term vision of a full-scale Christmas market with distinct themed sections, local vendors and community partnerships. He believes the region could support a European-style market similar to those found across Germany.

“In Europe, there are thousands of Christmas markets, and each town puts its own unique spin on them,” he said. “We are actively seeking investors, partnerships, vendors and sponsors for what could become a major seasonal attraction. Tinley Park feels like a natural fit, but ultimately it will come down to who wants us the most.”

For now, Alpine Village continues to grow each year, offering families a place to gather, donate, sip hot chocolate and experience the storybook charm of a hand-built German village glowing in the heart of Tinley Park.

Visit Alpine Village at 18031 Flamingo Drive.