Traditional German winter holiday market features holiday decorations, vendors in stalls and cottages selling German gift items and foods, entertainment and activities for all ages. The annual Children's Lantern Parade on St. Martin's Day is a highlight for children. Check the website for a detailed schedule of hours and events. New in 2012, Kinder Korner, a resource for children, teachers and parents, that includes at-market activities.

Various activities held throughout the holiday season including light parade and lighting ceremony, entertainment, demonstrations and giveaways.

Visit Santa Nov. 25 from 6-8 p.m. and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, Nov. 28-Dec. 20 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Special hours on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, and Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Please note Santa takes a break each day from 3-4 p.m.

Featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and entertainment. Check website for detailed schedule. Weekends from Nov. 10-Dec. 23, 2012.

Santa visits on Saturday-Sunday and there are special activities each weekend.

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.

Spontaneous, family-friendly experiences around the Loop that include street performances from Goodman Theatre and Joffrey Ballet; giveaways of hot beverages, pastries and prizes from Corner Bakery; free pop-up photo booths, complete with props, from SmileBooth; strolling carolers and bands from local colleges and high schools; and Berghoff Restaurant mascot "Herman the German" giving away custom steins, ornaments and treats. Plus seasonal displays, decorations, and the 10 Wonders of the Loop.

Enjoy indoor and outdoor lighted displays, designer wreaths and trees, a replica English country train platform, and the Model Railroad Garden in seasonal decor.

Enjoy brunch with Santa Claus. After brunch, kids will enjoy a variety of crafts and activities, and a photo with Santa. Reservations required. Call (847) 362-5050.

An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet will be served at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., followed by a photo opportunity with Santa. Afterwards, visit the zoo's animals. Call (708) 688-8355 for reservations.

Event includes a Swedish pancake breakfast, traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree, and a special visit with Tomten. Prepaid reservations are required.

Features more than one million twinkling lights illuminating the zoo's walkways. Enjoy animated light displays, laser light shows, ice-carving demonstrations, live musical and dance performances, costumed characters, animal Zoo Chats with keepers and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Dec. 23).

Chef Alain Roby goes for a three-peat as he obtains his third Guinness World Record. The "World's Longest Sugar Cane" will stretch 40 ft., beginning at the Geneva Courthouse and stretching to the intersection in front of the All Chocolate Kitchen at 33 South Third Street.

Historic Holidays at Clarke House Museum  | Chicago

Experience a traditional mid-nineteenth century Christmas at Clarke House Museum this holiday season. Discover the simple joys of homemade decorations, including pine boughs and a tabletop Christmas tree, which adorned the 1850s Chicago home. Learn about gifts exchanged by families like the Clarkes and pick up a period recipe to try.

Santa's little house on the Naperville Riverwalk will be occupied by Santa and kids can visit and have their photo taken.

Features music/entertainment, carolers, holiday craft vendors, food, a craft beer area, seasonal libations, a Kids' Corner with art activities and more. Held under a heated tent.

Drive-through light show includes a mile of Santa, reindeer, candy canes, penguins, Old Man Winter, lighted trees and more.

170,000 square feet of holiday fun features indoor ice skating, entertainment, rides and inflatable slides. There are also thousands of glistening lights, plush holiday décor, and holiday trees. Plus, special family fireworks on New Year's Eve at 7 p.m.

Have breakfast with Santa on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building. Call (312) 654-5019 for reservations.

See model trains loop around a holiday-themed track. Santa has his own car. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas.

A guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building with natural materials or garden scavenger hunt for natural objects

Search for gnomes in the Children's Garden using your best "I Spy" skills. Checklist provided.

Event includes hot chocolate and cookies, a visit with Mrs. Claus and Wonderland Express exhibition. Tickets will be available online and onsite at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. Visit  www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland for more information, ticket pricing and to order tickets.

Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the conservatory's Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden to plant an imaginary garden, build a tropical habitat, help water the plants, or read a book under the tropical canopy. Runs through entire 2012.

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.