‘Tis the season for the annual Home for the Holidays event to return to the corner of Marion and Lake Streets in downtown Oak Park. This traditional community event has a lot of holiday cheer to spread, offering free horse-drawn carriage rides, local vendors, themed foods. Santa, of course, will be taking some time away from the North Pole to meet the visitors and join them for holiday photos.
“Home for the Holidays has been happening for over 20 years,” says Amelia Dellos, the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance marketing director. The downtown organization organizes this event which takes place on Dec. 21.
This year’s celebration features a long and delicious list of local food and entertainment options, but Dellos is especially excited for the return of horse-drawn carriages. “This is the first time they’re back since COVID, and they’ll be departing on Marion Street,” Dellos said.
Smiles with Santa at the Home for the Holidays event in Oak Park / Courtesy of Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance 
Horse-drawn carriage ride at the Home for the Holidays event in Oak Park / Courtesy of Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance 
Horse-drawn carriage ride at the Home for the Holidays event in Oak Park / Courtesy of Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance
Come hungry! There will be a selection of signature local food vendors and amazing coffee shops from all over Oak Park. Crepas Culichi is offering sweet and savory crêpes and holiday inspired drinks such as the Cindy Lou Who Hot Chocolate, and The Gingerbread Iced Latte. Vigo Coffee will offer a variety of drinks inspired by recipes from their Mexican heritage, and Kribi Coffee will bring their air-roasted coffee beans. Another standout is Wise Cup whose signature coffee and Chai spot highlights the owner’s Indian heritage. All these vendors are offering a free cup of hot cocoa for visitors.
Still shopping for a few last-minute gifts or a holiday outfit? Home for the Holidays is promoting a lot of local businesses with a variety of offerings, including clothing, retro toys, novelty, jewelry, candles, and soaps. Dellos highlighted a few local shops: Scratch ‘N Sniff, Pumpkin Moon, Ten Thousand Villages, and Wells Street Popcorn, which is selling beautiful refillable holiday themed popcorn tins.
“It’s so heartwarming to get the Oak Park community into the holiday spirit,” Dellos said. “It’s so much fun for us to see generations of families — grandparents, parents, and their kids – coming out and celebrating this season, talking to Santa Claus and taking pictures.”
Home for the Holidays will take place Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Marion and Lake streets in downtown Oak Park. The event is free and accessible to the public.
More information about the event is provided at Downtownoakpark.net and Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance’s social media platforms.