Kick-off the holiday shopping season and shop local. The streets of Downtown Highland Park are transformed into a winter wonderland, with 'real' snow, live reindeer, horse drawn sleigh rides, holiday dancers, singers and performers, s'more making in the great outdoors, food and drink, and more.

The mansion served as the Nickerson's winter residence during the late 19 ^th century, and the family spent every holiday season in Chicago lavishly entertaining acquaintances, friends, and family from near and far. During this tour, participants are transported back to the winter months of 1899, where they discover through a servant's eyes how the Nickersons celebrated the holidays. As applicants to a position in domestic service, participants learn the best methods for preparing plum pudding, how to prevent the new electrical lights on the Christmas tree from catching it on fire, and more.

Exhibit includes numerous artifacts, photographs and other documentary items that tell the story of Chicago's iconic candy makers, including Snickers, Lemonheads, Butterfingers and Cracker Jack.

One of the Chicago area's largest and most spectacular holiday light displays, encompassing a 1.8-mile drive-through course. Features larger-than-life holiday characters, children-oriented figures, and mythical creatures, plus architectural lighting. A special visit from Santa takes place on Dec. 7-9, 15-16 and 21-23.

Enjoy music, hot chocolate, a bonfire and visits from winter characters while waiting for the arrival of Santa. Downtown Homewood businesses offer specials all night with musical trolley rides around town and Independence Park transforms into a winter "Funland."

Adjacent to Macy's in the fountain will be giant ornamental display. The three holiday trees display light shows set to music. A walk-through tree will be located near the Koi Pond. As you approach, the lighting changes. There will also be a skating rink near Bloomingdales that launches Nov. 17 (weather permitting). The price to skate per person is $12 and $10 if you bring your own personal skates.

A skating rink near Bloomingdales opens Nov. 17 (weather permitting). Hours are Monday through Thursday noon to 9 p.m., Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Holiday hours may be extended, visit westfield.com for details.

The show will be projected onto a portion of the building, bringing it to life with a customized 3-D projection featuring elves, icicles, snow and other holiday images, all set to dramatic holiday music. This technology, called PaintScaping, has never been seen in Illinois before.