As winter break approaches, the city is alive with holiday activities. From the windows at Macy’s to Lincoln Park’s Zoo Lights, Chicago has got it all.

Jump on the “L” on December 18, 20, or 21 and ride the Holiday Train into the city. Haven’t taken a picture with Santa yet this year? Don’t worry. Take the train Saturday the 21st to take that picture with Santa—and get a candy cane from his elves. The holiday car is decked out with multi-colored lights, red bows and garland, according to the CTA website. On the interior of the train, red and green lights are strung, the hand poles are decorated like candy canes, and holiday music fills the air. This is truly a spectacular urban site to see.

One of my personal holiday favorites is the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. Just a few blocks from the Metra, this German Christmas market has everything: coo coo clocks, handmade tree ornaments, bratwursts and chocolate covered fruit.  The market runs every day through Christmas Eve with 75 food and non-food vendors—most visiting directly from Germany.

According to their website, the market started in 1995. It is inspired by the original Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545. This year, for the first time, the Christkindlmarket is introducing the Christkind, a fairy-like creature who is the Santa of Germany. She will be at the market everyday taking pictures with children (and those who are children at heart).

I visited the market the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the first weekend of the month-long event, and it was packed. Despite waiting 40 minutes for a bratwurst and hot chocolate, it was a great experience. I also ended up with a new scarf (ironically, from an Ecuadorian vendor). If you are looking for something fun to do this holiday season, the Christkindlmarket perfectly embraces the Christmas spirit. And who knows? Maybe a great gift for a friend or family member will catch your eye.

German shopping not satisfying enough? Head to Macy’s on State Street to check out the windows before going inside to pick up some Christmas gifts. This year, the department store’s windows are decorated with a nostalgic theme, featuring many scenes from when it was Marshall Fields. My favorite window was of women making the famous Frango Mints (an excellent gift idea, if you still need something). While no window theme can live up to my absolute favorite, the Paddington Bear display from years ago, the current display is still worth seeing.

Not up for shopping? How about ice-skating at Millennium Park?

A great way to get some exercise before the Christmas ham and other delicious holiday foods, you can see the city during the “best time of the year.”  While it costs $10 for skate rental and can be crowded, the view is worth the price.

If you just want to make one stop for holiday shopping and to get a dose of holiday magic, drive down to the Lincoln Park Zoo for Zoo Lights. The wonderful display of lights covers the entire zoo, and the best part: it’s free. Besides admiring all of the brilliant lights, people can decorate holiday cards, go holiday shopping, check out the animals (duh, it’s a zoo), go on carousel and train rides, and take the perfect Christmas photo with Santa. And if ice-skating near “The Bean” at Millennium Park was not an option, you can skate next to the LPZ Farm for $10 until March 2.

Now, all of these holiday activities are Downtown. However, if you want to see a stunning light display close by all from the comfort of your own car, check out the Wilmette home just North of Harper Elementary School. Ever see the movie Deck the Halls? It’s pretty similar, if not better, since they have their own radio station visitors tune to in order to hear the music synced with the light show.

Whether it is a taste of Germany at the Christkindlmarket or an over-the-top and music display nearby, there is something for everyone to celebrate this holiday season.