Revelers makes their way down the Avenue of the Americas in front of Radio City Music Hall during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Nov. 28, 2019. (AP Photo / Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

The Macy’s parade has been a traditional holiday season kickoff and spectators often line up a half-dozen deep along the route to cheer about 8,000 marchers, two dozen floats, entertainers and marching bands. 

(Credit: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade)

A Thanksgiving parade, sing-along, holiday trains and buses, and a film festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Santa, Sid Fletcher, sits behind a glass barrier as he hears Kendra Alexander of St. James, Minn., during her visit Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at The Santa Experience at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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“Be smart. Be caring. If you have the tiniest tickle in your throat, the tiniest feeling, worry about yourself and worry about everybody else, and know Santa will always be there next year," said 57-year-old Kevin Chesney, who's been donning the big red suit since he was a kid.

Lincoln Park Conservatory's annual winter flower show has a candy-cane theme of red and white poinsettias. (Lincoln Park Conservancy / Facebook)
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Another holiday tradition makes a comeback in 2021, as winter flower shows open Wednesday at both the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park conservatories. Timed reservations are required.

Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade returns in 2021. (Chicago Thanksgiving Parade / Facebook)

Speaking at a press conference Monday afternoon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot addressed concerns about the safety of large public gatherings after a man crashed his SUV into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin over the weekend, killing at least five people. 

A Target store is shown in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. (AP Photo / Matt Rourke)

Target will no longer open its stores on Thanksgiving Day, making permanent a shift to the unofficial start of the holiday season that was suspended during the pandemic.

(WTTW News)

Of the 53.4 million Americans planning to visit family and friends or enjoy a mini-vacation, 90% will be hitting the road in cars. For those looking to avoid the worst of the traffic, AAA has identified a few windows of opportunity.

(AP Illustration / Peter Hamlin)

It depends. It can be safe if you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but officials say people who haven’t gotten the shots should delay travel.

(Courtesy CLATA)

The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance is bringing some sazón to Chicago’s holiday season with the free, outdoor entertainment series “Destinos al Aire, a Holiday Extravaganza!” The Latino Theater Alliance’s Christine Perez says the events are a way to bring holiday spirit to Chicago while celebrating the diversity of our Latino cultures.

(Courtesy of National Turkey Federation)

The cost of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 is up 14% from 2020, according to an annual survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation.

(Millennium Park / Facebook)

Holiday lights, intricate artwork, butterfly yoga and stand-up comedy usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division / Facebook)

The bells will be clanging, but coins won’t necessarily be clinking as the Salvation Army kicks off its annual Red Kettle campaign Monday. With people carrying less cash, the Salvation Army has adjusted to accept more contactless payment methods in 2021.

Chicago's official 2021 Christmas tree, loaded up and ready for transport from Logan Square to Millennium Park. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

Chicago’s official 2021 Christmas tree was hoisted from its longtime home on a Logan Square block and loaded onto a trailer Friday morning. Destination: Millennium Park.

(The Dugout Bar / Facebook photo)
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The Dugout Bar in Wrigleyville will remain closed indefinitely after police officers responding to a call for help about a person being attacked in the 900 block of Addison Street found a large New Year’s Eve party, officials said.

(WTTW News)

At some point, Christmas trees get brown, the needles fall off, and it’s time for them to go. But that doesn’t necessarily mean tossing your tree in the trash.

A screenshot from the “Black Voices” community conversation on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (WTTW News)

It’s a New Year’s Eve tradition. Check out our virtual discussion about the history of Watch Night services with Brandis Friedman, host of “Black Voices,” and a panel of guests.