Holiday events: Trees, lighting displays and more

From elaborately decorated trees to drive-through lighting displays to boat parades and train shows, a variety of holiday spectacles are being staged through the end of December and into early January around the country. Here are a few of them.

Railcats National Anthem Tryouts

Fourteen-year-old Madison Bucher of Valparaiso sings "The Star Spangled Banner" for judges Nikki Kimbrough, left, Radley Robinson and Percy Thornbor, Jr. Friday during tryouts for singers of the national anthem for Railcats home games.

Railcats National Anthem Tryouts

Marshall Anderson of Lakes of the Four Seasons sings the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada," during anthem tryouts for Railcats games. Fred Simunic, seated, waits his turn to tackle the same tune.

Railcats National Anthem Tryouts

Judge Percy Thornbor, Jr. listens as best friends Alma Rempis, left, and Diane Szany, students at Portage Christian School, sing "The Star Spangled Banner" on Friday during tryouts for singers of the national anthem for Railcats home games.

Beltin' it out

Singers and family members listen to Hannah Funston, of Merrillville, as she sings the national anthem Saturday monring at the Diamond Center in Gary. Funston was among those who auditioned to sing before a RailCats home game.

Beltin' it out

Kailey Holmquist, 11, of Portage, sings the national anthem Saturday during her audition with RailCats officials in Gary.

Beltin' it out

Radley Robinson, community relations manager for the Gary South Shore RailCats baseball team, talks to singers Saturday at the Diamond Center in Gary as they prepare for auditions to sing the national anthem.

Beltin' it out

Erika Eenigenburg, of Cedar Lake, belts out a sultry version of the national anthem Saturday at the Diamond Center as she joined other local singers who auditioned to sing before Gary South Shore RailCats baseball games this season. In the past, about 42 spots have been filled by soloists, d…

HAWKSANTHEM - Polzin at Blackhawks

Chicago - Michigan City Coast Guard Chief Rebecca Polzin, right, of Griffith and retired U.S. Army veteran John Kawa of Roselle, Illinois sit together in the penalty box during the beginning of the Blackhawks game in the United Center Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011. Polzin and Kawa were able to part…

HAWKSANTHEM - Polzin at Blackhawks

Chicago - Michigan City Coast Guard Chief Rebecca Polzin, left, of Griffith stands at center ice with singer Jim Cornelison during the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before the Chicago Blackhawks game at the United Center in Chicago Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011.

HAWKSANTHEM - Polzin at Blackhawks

Chicago - Michigan City Coast Guard Chief Rebecca Polzin, center, of Griffith stands at center ice with singer Jim Cornelison, right, and retired U.S. Army veteran John Kawa during the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before the Chicago Blackhawks game at the United Center in Chicago Su…