Christmas is right around the corner, but you don’t have to wait until Dec. 25 to witness the magic of Christmas lights in the village of Forest Park. Decorations have already been lighting up the nights this holiday season. 

If you are in the mood for Christmas cheer, grab yourself a mug of hot chocolate, add some extra marshmallows, and make your way through these attractions in Forest Park. 

“Light up Beloit” – 800-1100 block of Beloit Avenue

An effort by residents John Cunningham and Rob Sall, the two undertook the challenge of organizing neighbors on Beloit Avenue between Roosevelt and Harrison to light up their trees with Christmas lights to spread holiday cheer. The duo held two volunteer days and saw community support through donations of money as well as time. 

“Projects like this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our neighbors both financially and through volunteering to help install the lights,” said Cunningham on his Facebook page. 

“We live in a very high paced society, often filled with negativity and despair, whether that is at home, work, school, or at the local, state, or even world level,” Cunningham told Forest Park Review. “Our efforts are to create a smile, a glimmer of hope so to be, to let people escape, even as fleeting as it may be.” 

Candyland – Intersection of Harvard and Beloit by Ed’s Way Market 

With life-size candy canes, lollipops, and gumdrops, a “sweeter” winter display. 

Another brainchild of John Cunningham and Rob Sall, the Candyland display is set on village beds that “had been long forgotten and neglected.” In the summer, the duo focuses on cultivating plants in those areas, but Cunningham said there was no reason they could not spread joy during the winter months. 

“I am chronically ill and really struggle daily with pain,” said a Forest Park resident on Facebook. “It’s little things like this, and those stunning lit trees on Beloit that bring a touch of light to my dark days.” 

The decorations, which include gingerbread men and elves with a face cut out to allow for photos, were built by Cunningham and Sall. They began building them in September, working through the installation in mid-November. 

Christmas display on corner of Thomas and Ferdinand

A snowman and Christmas tree show off the winter festivities on the corner of Thomas Avenue and Ferdinand Avenue. One of the three displays arranged by John Cunningham and Rob Sall, this corner includes more greenery, which was donated to the cause to give an upgraded presentation to the display beds. 

Charlie’s Restaurant – 7427 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park

If you need a bite but want to stay in a festive mood, Charlie’s Restaurant, a popular local diner in Forest Park, is the place to go. For those who want to dine under sparkly fairy lights, reservations are available for seating in their heated greenhouse, which is pet friendly but limited to two people. 

Decked out as a winter wonderland, the restaurant will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Park District Holiday Home Decorating Contest Entries – around Forest Park 

Multiple residents got into the holiday spirit, decorating their homes in hopes of winning the coveted “Holiday Home Decorating Contest” put on annually by the Park District of Forest Park. 

Submissions are still open through Dec. 14 with judging taking place from Dec. 16 – 18 until 4 p.m. Two winners, one for “Best in Show’’ voted on by the Park District staff, and “People’s Choice” voted on by the community via Facebook, will be selected.  

Houses that have already been entered can be seen at the following locations:  

500 block of Ferdinand
1100 block of Marengo
800 block of Circle
Dunlop and Fillmore
1500 block of Elgin- This house also won the Halloween Decorating Contest sponsored by the Park District in October.