The village of Frankfort launched its annual Reindeer on the Green event in 2019, the last year the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce sponsored the decades-long Christkindl celebration.
This year the village transforms Reindeer on the Green into Christkindl Weekend from Dec. 14 to 15 in downtown Frankfort.
“There was some discussion over the last few years about bringing it back so the village decided to take over and coordinate the event,” said Sue Lynchey, village events coordinator.
“Basically, it’s going to be a two-day event versus a one-day. We’re adding several new activities and bringing back some of the traditional ones that went on for years prior to 2024,” Lynchey said.
It will include former Reindeer on the Green favorites such as Frankfort Girl Scouts Service Unit 718 singing carols, from noon to 1:30 p.m. and real reindeer from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be trackless train rides from 1 to 4 p.m. both days.
The lantern parade, a staple of the original Christkindl celebration during its more than 30 years, returns Saturday with host Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum gathering participants at 4 p.m., stepping off at 4:30 p.m. from 132 Kansas St. and marching down Kansas Street to Breidert Green.
“That’s been a long tradition in the community. I know they are excited to bring that back,” said Lynchey, of Frankfort.
She estimated there were more than 500 attendees at Reindeer on the Green in 2023, including village residents and visitors from surrounding communities.
Lynchey predicted a couple thousand people could visit the free Christkindl Weekend throughout its two days if there is decent weather.
“We want to offer everyone an opportunity to come out and experience,” she said.
“When it’s a little bit challenging financially for people at this time of year, we want to make sure that everyone feels welcome. It’s something we’ve always done as far as offering free activities and events. It’s our way of giving something to the community to enjoy,” she said.
New activities include the Frankfort Brass Band playing holiday tunes from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Orland Park-based Ballet 5:8’s “The Nutcracker” performances at 12:30, 1 and 1:30 p.m. Sunday and Sammy Listro, of Tinley Park, leading carols and an audience sing-along from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Other activities include story, cookies and hot cocoa from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, horse-drawn wagon rides from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nutcracker make and take ornaments from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sunday, a roaming Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, strolling Dickens carolers from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, and wandering Grinch and Cindy Lou Who from 2 to 4 p.m. both days.
“Christkindl Weekend offers something for everyone with festive happenings, unique shopping and dining, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family,” Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle said in a news release.
“We’re excited to offer a weekend full of free, family-friendly activities that highlight the warmth and spirit of the holidays, and we encourage everyone to come out and experience the magic of the season right here in Frankfort,” Ogle said.
Lynchey said Christkindl Weekend could be good for historic downtown Frankfort businesses.
“They might see an uptick in shoppers and diners during the weekend. Of course that naturally will help them. They’re appreciative and grateful that we put on some of these events that attract people not only from the Frankfort community but surrounding towns,” she said.
Lynchey said downtown Frankfort draws people during the holiday season with festive decorations and lighting but also is a year-round destination due to its proximity to Old Plank Road Trail and the village’s abundant free activities.
“We’re surrounded by all these amazing small businesses and great restaurants and fine dining and casual dining and coffee shops,” she said. “It’s just a great opportunity for us to showcase our town and what we have to offer during one of the most busy times of the year for shopping and dining.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
