ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Dec. 8-10 | Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival, various times and locations, Chicago, cbbfestival.com

This festival celebrates Chicago's unprecedented appreciation of roots music and culture at three venues featuring 35 bands. Hosted by the Kingtello, React Presents, and Silver Wrapper, a bevy of homegrown talent will unite with some of contemporary music's most accomplished and influential artists for three days of collaboration and cause.

Dec. 9 | JazzCity featuring Ari Brown & Edward Wilkerson, 7 p.m., Hamilton Park, 513 W 72nd St Chicago, (312) 747-6174, chicagoparkdistrict.com

This event celebrating the past, present and future of jazz in Chicago, is a collaboration initiated by the Jazz Institute of Chicago with the Chicago Park District. Numerous JazzCity projects have gone from the neighborhood parks to the awesome stages at Millennium Park and the Chicago Jazz Festival.

INDIANA

Dec. 3-4 | Christmas Long Ago, 2-6 p.m., Buckley Homestead County Park, 3606 Belshaw Rd., Lowell, (219) 769-7275, lakecountyparks.com

Homestead is offering an all-new twilight Christmas program incorporating a living play where visitors meet characters on the farm during the 1910s. Tours last about one and a half hours, and participants are encouraged to dress for the cold. Advance tickets are required.

Dec. 3, 10, 17 | Stained Glass Tours, 1-3 p.m., various locations, Michigan City, (219) 928-8091, uptownartsdistrict.org

This tour will feature the mystery and enchantment of glass where the beautiful and inspiring illustrations of faith and holiday decor are elegantly displayed at the following churches: First Congregational Church, 531 Washington; St. Paul Lutheran Church, 818 Franklin; St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 411 W 11th St.

Dec. 14, 21 | Wag Your Tail Wednesday, 4-7 p.m., The Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Dr., Hammond, (219) 989-7979, southshorecva.com

Cats and dogs are welcome to take their photos with Santa. For every pet photo purchased, $1 will benefit I Want a Home Rescue, and organization which finds foster homes for abused, physically handicapped, aged, or homeless animals.

Dec. 27 | The Harlem Globetrotters Celebrate the Hammond Civic Center, 7 p.m., Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., Hammond, ticketmaster.com

This event features a night of exciting family entertainment and excellent basketball prowess to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Hammond Civic Center. The Globetrotters' 2012 World Tour will showcase incredible handball wizardry, fresh comedy, and amazing rim-rattling dunks.

MICHIGAN

Dec. 6, 13, 20-23 | Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, 5:30-9 p.m., Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, (616) 975-3155, meijergardens.org

As part of the Meijer Gardens' Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition, a scenic carriage ride will take guests around the luminescent sculpture park.

Dec. 9 | Fine Arts Concert, 7:30 p.m., Hanson Theatre, Lake Michigan College for Arts and Technology, 2755 E Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, (269) 927-1221, lmcmainstage.org

The Lake Michigan College Chamber Players and Jazz Band will present their annual concert, featuring selections from the "Nutcracker" by. P.I. Tchaikowsky, "Suite of Carols" by Leroy Anderson, and Miles Davis' 1957 classic album "Birth of the Cool."