Christkindlmarket Aurora. (Credit: Eric James Walsh)

German-inspired outdoor markets, festive trains and buses, carols and Latino dishes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Michael Mayer / Flickr)

Ring in the new year with live music, comedy, ice-skating, yoga and bubbly and brews. Here are 10 New Year’s Eve parties in and around Chicago.