Ronald McDonald, Santa Claus, giant balloons, and a cast of thousands will kick off the season at 8:30 AM November 26th at McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade (State Street between Congress and Randolph). Arrive early to stake out your viewing spot for the 76th anniversary of this thrilling spectacle.

On November 25, Santa will lend a hand during the magnificent Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Daley Plaza beginning at 4 PM. Then he’ll take up residence in Santa’s House in the Plaza where he’ll listen to Christmas wishes over Thanksgiving weekend and Fridays-Sundays through December 20.

Head to Northerly Island December 12 from noon-4 PM for Polar Adventure Days - a free event featuring live animals, ice sculpture carvings, winter-themed crafts, and hot cocoa.

Marvel at poinsettias and other lovely blooms during the Holiday Flower Show daily 9 AM – 5 PM (until 8 PM on Wednesdays) at Garfield Park Conservatory. Admission is free for this dazzling exhibition on display November 28 - January 10.

Welcome 2010 at historic Navy Pier as spectacular free New Year's Eve fireworks light up the sky and Lake Michigan during the family show at 8:15 PM and again at midnight. Both shows are free.

Extraordinary shopping is just part of the experience at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. As you stroll among booths selling toys, ornaments, jewelry, and clothing – many handcrafted by artisans – and such German specialties as nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, beer steins, and other unique items, you'll savor the fragrant aromas and lively sounds of a 16th century German marketplace. Christkindlmarket is open daily November 26-December 24, and admission is free.

Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for those on your holiday list? Check out the shops in Chicago's great museums and cultural institutions. Among the city's great hidden shopping gems, these stores offer a wide range of specialty items at many different price levels – from apparel, accessories, books, art, music, paper goods, and home furnishings to special-interest items connected with museum exhibits that you won't find anywhere else. And you don't have to pay museum admission fees to shop.

Beginning November 21, more than a million twinkling lights will illuminate your path up Michigan Avenue for shopping at great retail centers including The Shops at North Bridge, Water Tower Place, and The 900 Shops. Also, don't miss the hundreds of other fascinating stores and boutique along this stretch of road from the Chicago River north to Oak Street.

Party with the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights. With more than 1.5 million lights, this dazzling free-admission event features Santa, craft-making, live ice carving, and the wonderful opportunity to view the animals via moonlight. Open 5-9 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights beginning November 27 and nightly December 18–Jan 3 (excluding December 24 & 25).

Glide around for free November 18-March 14 at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $10. See website for hours.

The Chicago Cultural Center is much more than a place to warm up. This architectural treasure is dressed in its holiday best and packed with fascinating free activities and performances - such as the Dance-Along Nutcracker December 6 at noon and at 3 PM.

The Bank of America Winter Wonder Fest at Navy Pier is a 170,000 square foot indoor playground of holiday fun. Admission and entertainment are free – buy wristband upgrades for rides, ice skating, and special activities. Winter WonderFest runs daily December 4-January 3.

The glittering cityscape reflected in “The Bean” will take your breath away when you join your voice with various choral groups and other folks at Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park on Friday nights November 27-December 18 beginning at 6 PM.

Chicago's iconic holiday eatery? The Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street where you dine under the 45-foot tall Great Tree bedecked with intriguing ornaments, including many from the past. Enjoy entrees ($10-$15) or lighter bites, and don't miss the Holiday Yule Log dessert. Holiday Kids' Menu meals are just $8.95 each and include a free limited edition 2009 holiday mug (while supplies last). Be sure to see the animated windows at street-level which have delighted generations of visitors. And pick up some goodies made with Macy's own popular Frango chocolate to take home.

Notice all the people carrying bags marked “Garrett?” Garrett Popcorn Shops have been a Chicago tradition since 1949. Try the CaramelCrisp or the CheeseCorn, or get the best of both worlds with the Chicago Mix.

Bet you'd like a little Glühwein right about now. You can get this hot spiced wine that comes in a souvenir cup shaped like a boot as well as other tasty treats – including roasted nuts, sweet cakes and pastries, German chocolates, and candied goodies – at Christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza. You'll also find sausages, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, plus other savory German delicacies and, of course, excellent beer.