Tinley Park, Illinois – A quiet south suburban neighborhood has become an unexpected holiday destination after a Tinley Park family transformed their driveway into a festive, German-inspired Christmas village that has taken months of planning and craftsmanship.
The homemade attraction, known as Alpine Village, is the creation of homeowner Jason Deal and his family. Built entirely on their property, the detailed display features miniature storefronts, warm lighting, seasonal décor, live demonstrations, and a welcoming atmosphere that has drawn neighbors, visitors, and even a very special guest.
A Holiday Project Months in the Making
Alpine Village did not come together overnight. Deal said the project typically takes at least six months of preparation, involving design planning, woodworking, setup, and coordination with neighbors and local groups.
Miniature buildings line the driveway, inspired by traditional Christmas markets found in Germany and Austria. Inside the village, visitors can enjoy displays resembling festive storefronts, demonstrations by woodworking clubs, and seasonal touches that make the space feel immersive rather than decorative.
“We tend to jump off the deep end a little bit,” Deal said, explaining how the idea quickly grew beyond a simple holiday display.
This marks the second year the family has created Alpine Village, and the scale has expanded significantly from its first iteration.
Community Support Brings the Village to Life
What makes Alpine Village especially unique is the level of community involvement behind it. One neighbor volunteered part of their front yard to make room for the growing display, while another offered snow-shoveling services to keep the area safe and accessible for visitors.
Local woodworking clubs contribute by hosting ornament-making demonstrations, adding an interactive element that brings the village to life. Even before opening hours, passersby often stop to take photos and figure out how such an elaborate setup fits into a residential driveway.
“We were trying to figure out where this even is on his property, because it just encompasses the whole thing,” one visitor said while touring the display ahead of the weekend opening.
A Visit From Santa and a Charitable Mission
The village’s reputation has grown enough to attract Santa Claus himself, who paid a special visit after hearing about the display.
“When I’m in Germany and Austria around Christmas Eve, I never get a chance to stop and take in the sights,” Santa joked during his visit, praising the authenticity of the setup.
Beyond spreading holiday cheer, Alpine Village also serves a charitable purpose. Deal and his family collect donations for the Salvation Army and a local kitten rescue organization. Visitors who donate coats are rewarded with a free scarf, reinforcing the spirit of giving that defines the project.
Open to the Public for a Limited Time
Alpine Village is open to the public Friday through Sunday in December, operating from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The display is free to visit, though donations are encouraged.
This weekend marks the final opportunity for visitors to experience the village this season, and crowds are expected as word continues to spread.
Looking Ahead to a Bigger Vision
Deal says the driveway village may just be the beginning. The family hopes to expand the concept into a full-scale Christmas market in future years, potentially moving the attraction into a downtown setting.
“We definitely want to expand this,” Deal said. “The plan is to go into a full Christmas market in the downtown area — whether that’s downtown Tinley Park, Orland, or Frankfort.”
For now, Alpine Village stands as a reminder of what creativity, community support, and a shared love of the season can achieve — even in the most unexpected places.
If you’ve visited Alpine Village or seen a unique holiday display in your neighborhood, share your experiences in the comments below.
