Festive decorations, traditional Serbian food, concerts, theatrical performances and activities for children will welcome visitors to the St. Nicholas Christmas Village in Lyons, near Chicago, during the 2026–2027 Christmas season.
St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church is organizing this special community event, bringing together Serbian families, friends and visitors while giving everyone an opportunity to support the restoration of the church.
The St. Nicholas Christmas Village is envisioned as a place for gathering, fellowship and preserving Serbian faith, culture and traditions. Organizers are inviting the community to take part in creating a festive holiday atmosphere and to support the event through donations, sponsorships or by showcasing their products and services.
A Festive Program for the Whole Family
Visitors will be welcomed by specially decorated wooden booths offering warm drinks, traditional holiday food, sweets, handmade crafts and souvenirs.
The main hall will host concerts, theatrical performances and film screenings for children and adults. Creative and educational workshops for different age groups will take place in the smaller hall, while the sports hall will offer activities for younger visitors.
A special emphasis will be placed on introducing children to Serbian Christmas customs through games, social activities and family experiences.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to take photographs beside a decorated Christmas tree and a Nativity scene, creating lasting memories in a warm holiday setting.
The village will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on each day of operation.
Invitation to Vendors, Artists and Entrepreneurs
St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church is also inviting producers, artists, entrepreneurs and service providers to participate in the event.
Vendors will have the opportunity to rent a booth and present their products, including homemade food, desserts, handmade crafts, souvenirs and Christmas decorations.
Twenty percent of total booth sales will be donated to St. Nicholas Church.
Businesses and service providers will also have the opportunity to promote their companies and services in the festive setting.
The advertising fee is $200 per booth. Organizers encourage interested vendors to reserve their spaces in advance.
Three Sponsorship Levels to Support the Christmas Village
A major part of the initiative is raising funds to organize the event and support the restoration of the church.
Three sponsorship levels have been established, allowing individuals, families and businesses to contribute according to their means.
Level 1 – Friend of the Christmas Village: $300
This contribution will help cover decorations, lights, holiday ornaments and the preparation of the venue to create a special Christmas atmosphere.
Donors may have their names included on a shared recognition board.
Level 2 – Supporter of the Christmas Village: $500
Contributions at this level will help purchase souvenirs and decorations, as well as food, beverages and equipment needed for the vendor booths.
Supporters may have their names displayed on the recognition board and included in event-related social media posts.
Level 3 – Patron of the Christmas Village: $1,500
The highest sponsorship level will help fund the construction of wooden houses and booths, along with other major organizational expenses.
Patrons will also support the purchase of materials and equipment necessary to host the event.
Their names may receive special recognition on the sponsorship board, in the event program and on social media.
Donations of Any Amount Are Welcome
Organizers emphasize that support is not limited to the three sponsorship packages.
Donations of any amount are welcome, as are contributions of goods, materials or services.
Every contribution will help make the Christmas Village possible while supporting an important shared goal: the restoration of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church.
How to Donate to the St. Nicholas Christmas Village
Several donation options are available for those who wish to support the event financially.
Zelle donations:
Please include “St. Nicholas Christmas Village” in the payment memo.
Donations by check:
Checks are also accepted. Donors are asked to include the same designation indicating that the contribution is for the Christmas Village.
Donations by QR code:
A QR code for donations is also available on the church’s official promotional materials.
More Than a Holiday Event: Supporting the Serbian Community in Chicago
The St. Nicholas Christmas Village holds special significance for the Serbian community in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, bringing together holiday celebrations, cultural preservation and collective support for the church.
Through performances, workshops, family activities and charitable contributions, the event will give younger generations an opportunity to learn more about Serbian customs and the meaning of Christmas.
At the same time, local entrepreneurs and businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with members of the community.
“Faith brings us together, unity makes us stronger, and kindness builds the future” is the message from the organizers, who invite everyone to become part of this holiday celebration.
Whether attending as a visitor, vendor, sponsor or donor, every contribution helps preserve Serbian traditions and support the restoration of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Lyons.
