Peotone’s 11th Annual Christmas in the Village Returns Dec. 13

By Andrea Arens

The 11th Annual Christmas in the Village transforms downtown Peotone into a holiday wonderland Dec. 13, offering 13 hours of activities from an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast to a 5 p.m. lighted parade.

The all-day celebration features more than 40 free or low-cost activities across Peotone High School, downtown businesses, and community venues.

Morning kicks off with breakfast, Santa photos

The PTO’s pancake breakfast at Peotone High School starts at 8 a.m., serving stacks for $7 per person (preschoolers free). Santa photos and the SkillsUSA Craft and Vendor Fair run alongside breakfast service.

Children can make ornaments at St. Paul the Apostle Parish’s craft table or participate in activities sponsored by the high school Book Club.

Downtown becomes holiday marketplace

The Peotone Historical Society opens the Mill for self-guided tours, serving hot apple cider and cookies while Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for pictures.

The high school band performs in the commons while Main Street Dance Academy stages choreographed performances in the auditorium at 9 and 10:30 a.m.

Local businesses offer holiday-themed activities: Cornerstone Coffee House hosts craft-making, Johnson’s Greenhouses serves s’mores by the fire, and Peotone Public Library features a Harry Potter-themed mini-golf course and poetry walk. Midtone Tattoo Studio offers temporary Christmas tattoos.

Afternoon brings reindeer, parade preparations

Free wagon rides wind through town throughout the day. The Will County Young Farmers host a pedal pull tractor competition for children.

Live reindeer arrive downtown at 3 p.m., followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck at 3:30 p.m.

The Santa Shuffle fun run starts at 2:15 p.m., ending at Cornerstone Coffee House with hot cocoa and jingle bell wristbands.

Lighted parade caps celebration

The Christmas in the Village Lighted Parade begins at 5 p.m. from Peotone Junior High School, winding through downtown in the event’s finale.

Game On Bar & Grill raffles decorated Christmas trees to benefit local organizations, while the American Legion serves fish fry plates.

“I want to thank the committee for all their hard work and our sponsors, because without them we wouldn’t be able to host this event,” said Christmas in the Village Commission Chair Tammy Bettenhausen Cowger. “Most importantly, I want to thank the community for their support for the past 11 years.”

Event details:

• When: Dec. 13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Peotone High School, downtown district, local businesses
• Parade: 5 p.m. from Peotone Junior High School
• Cost: Most activities are free or under $10
• Info: Peotone Christmas in the Village Facebook page