Holiday Hayrides and Christmas Musicals: Weekend Events Guide

Friday, Dec. 13

Holiday Hayride at Lake Katherine

At 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. the annual hayride will depart and head through the streets of Palos Heights. Hop aboard and  singChristmas carols and afterwards head back to Lake Katherine to enjoy food, crafts and holiday activities. Cost is $8 per person. For more info, call (708) 361-1873.

The Southwest Symphony Presents Home for the Holidays
St. Michael Church, 14327 Highland Av., will host the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Voices of the Valley and the Music Ministry of St. Michael Church for a very special Christmas concert starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 to $25, can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (708) 802-0686 or online at www.southwestsymphony.com. Seniors are $15, and children 12 and under are free.   

Orland Park Theatre Troupe's Holiday Show "A Simple Miracle"
“A Simple Miracle” was written by longtime troupe member Bryan Riess of Orland Park and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 South Ravinia Ave., at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. A 2 p.m. matinee takes place on Sunday, Dec. 15. Advanced reserve seating tickets may be purchased at the Recreation Department, 14650 South Ravinia Ave.Adult tickets are $13, seniors and students $11 and Children are $9. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.

Also Happening . . . 

• Family Movie Time: Monsters University
• Tarney's Christmas
• HeartSpring Music
• Meet the Artist: Dena Cavazos

Saturday, Dec. 14

Waddles Winter Wonderland
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department will play host to a day of family holiday fun. Come out and watch choir performances, decorate ornaments, visit and take pictures with Santa and have a candy cane hunt in the park. The event is fee. 

The Irish Patriot's First Annual Christmas Lights Contest
The Irish Patriot, 9875 143rd St., will have a Christmas trolley pick everyone up to start judging at 6pm and take you to the participating homes in Orland Park The trolley will circle back to the Patriot to tally up the points while you enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and treats. Adults are $10 and kids under the age of 13 are free. Prizes will be handed out by a very special guest from the North Pole so bring your camera. You can bring toys to donate to Toys for Tots. Call The Irish Patriot at 708-949-8287 for any questions or stop by for an entry form to the contest.

Also Happening . . . 

• Yuletide Tree Craft at Palos Park Library
• Millennium Elementary Santa's Workshop

Sunday, Dec 15

Orland's Antique Row After Hours Shopping Soiree 
The antique shops on Beacon Ave. and 143rd Street will be offering discounts, food, refreshments and fun and at five antique shops all evening long. The action starts at 4p.m.