ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St. & Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (773) 684-1414, www.msichicago.org

Described as a beloved Chicago holiday tradition, this event features more than 50 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of ethnic communities across the city to reflect holiday customs from all over the world. Attendees will experience ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, school choirs and other festivities. Also, through Jan 8: "Smart Home: Green + Wired"; "Dr. Seuss & The Art of Invention"; Through Mar 15: "Rocky Mountain Express"; "Tornado Alley."

Nov. 18-March 11 | McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, noon-8 p.m.Monday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat (through Dec.17), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat (beginning Jan. 7), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Millennium Park, 55 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, (312) 742-1168, www.millenniumpark.org

The rink, now in its eleventh season, draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public.

Nov. 23-Dec. 24 | 16th Annual Christkindlmarket, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, (312) 492-2175, www.christkindlmarket.com

Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Christkindlmarket is a holiday market fashioned after century-old markets in Germany. It features German and international vendors displaying hand-crafted ornaments, toys, foods and other unique gifts. Most days, there will also be musical entertainment to put visitors into the holiday spirit. Special Hours: Thanksgiving Day, Nov 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Christmas Eve, Dec 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nov. 24 | McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 8-11 a.m., State Street from Randolph to Congress, Chicago, www.chicagofestivals.org

More than 4000,000 visitors are expected to line the route for this annual televised event, which features marching bands, equestrian units, floats, performance groups, celebrities and everyone's favorite Thanksgiving parade staple, enormous helium balloons.

INDIANA

Nov. 21 | Talent Open House, 1-5 p.m., Towle Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond, (219) 937-8780, www.towletheater.org

The theater will welcome local actors/singers into a coffee house style set-up with listening stations and reading areas to check the next season's nonmusicals "The 39 Steps" and "Leaving Iowa," and the summer musical "Next to Normal." Guests can read the scripts from each show and take a look at the cuttings that will be used for auditions next spring.

Nov. 26 | Winter Market, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Crown Point Civic Center, 101 S Eact St, Crown Point, (219) 662-3290, www.crownpoint.in.gov

This event, an offshoot of the Annual Farmers' Market, offers holiday crafts, homemade jams and food items, seasonal coffees, local honey, artisan soaps and more. Visitors will be able to view festive decorations and lights in Crown Point aboard a trolley ride, which begins at dusk.

Dec. 2 | Holiday Art Walk, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., downtown South Bend, (574) 233-8400, www.circaartsgallery.com

Visitors can immerse themselves in a creative urban shopping experience as they explore nine galleries on the Colfax Avenue and Lincoln Way West Arts corridors.

Dec 2. | Holly Days, 5-7 p.m., downtown Valparaiso, (219) 464-8332, www.valparaisoevents.com

Valparaiso kicks off its holiday season with this free family event, which offers caroling, a live nativity scene, hot refreshments, train rides, holiday shopping and Santa riding into town on a fire truck.

MICHIGAN

Nov. 18-Dec. 11 | Mistletoe Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix St, South Haven, (269) 637-1041, www.southhaven.org

This annual Christmas Boutique will have more than 40 participating local artists on exhibit. All arts and crafts will be for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art Center.

Nov. 25-Dec. 3 | Festival of Trees, City Hall, 539 Phoenix St, South Haven, (269) 637-4342, www.southhaven.org

Many beautiful trees and wreaths will be displayed and auctioned off at South Haven's City Hall in time to celebrate the holidays.