ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

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 400,000 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.

Nov. 25-Dec. 16 | Caroling at Cloud Gate, 6 p.m., Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, (312) 742-1168, www.millenniumpark.org

This free program, presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, showcases Chicago choral groups and invites visitors to participate in a holiday sing-along.

INDIANA

Nov. 26 | Winter Market, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in the municipal parking lot north of the post office, 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

Dec. 3 | Nouveau Fest, 1-5 p.m., Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, (269) 561-2396, www.southhaven.org

This event provides an opportunity to taste the first wines from the fall's vintage; featuring Nouveau wines, hors d'oeuvre, cellar tasting/tours and plenty of space to visit with friends and relative.

Dec. 4 | Hospice Holiday Home Tour, South Haven Area, 1-5 p.m., (269) 637-3825, www.southhaven.org

The South Haven Area Hospice Foundation sponsors this event featuring some of South Haven's most elegant homes for a delightful holiday tour.

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, www.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.