The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Pere Marquette park. Featuring live music, fireworks and the ceremonial lighting of the downtown lights. The light festival features thousands of lights and holiday displays.

Model trains will wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of poinsettias. The village is made entirely of natural materials and features a variety of Chicago-style homes and famous buildings such as the neighborhood bungalow, Chicago Theatre and Chicago Water Tower Place. Nov. 26-Jan. 8.

Docents help children and others learn through interactive displays and games in the showrooms. New topics every month. September: "Traveling Seeds"; October: "Cone Bearing Plants"; November: "Fruits, The Seasonal Food Harvest"; December: "Eggs and the Conservatory Critters"; January: "Urban Wildlife"; February: "Chocolate"; March topic: "Survival in the Jungle"; April: "Carnivorous Plants"; May: "Water Works."

Build a snowman out of biodegradable and natural items to win. Fill out an entry form at the main office.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can traverse the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville or the 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Starting Sunday, Nov. 4, the trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 .m. daily until March 9.

Guided nature walk through the hushed winter woods, followed by a snack and hot cocoa. Dress warmly for the weather. Registration required.

20,000 twinkling lights and hand-decorated trees transform Cosley Zoo into a fairy tale winter wonderland.Visit the animals and purchase a cup of hot chocolate, your tree, wreath, and holiday gifts.

Light the kinara with The Tuskegee Airmen Inc., Alderman Willie B. Cochran, the South Side Community Arts Center, Truestar Magazineand Teen Talk Radio Theater.

Includes performing artists, cultural activities, and vendors. Guests can visit the African Marketplace to purchase traditional clothing, food and more located in the college's lobby. The Kwanzaa Ceremony begins at noon every day and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, starting with the Kwanzaa Ritual, an explanation of the Kwanzaa Symbols and Principles, and ending with the Cultural Edu-tainment and Expressions.

Includes Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, and Complimentary Carriage Rides. For more information, visit www.downtowndg.org or call (630) 725-0991.