From after-hour events at beloved Chicago institutions to raunchy holiday theater productions, here are some adult-focused events to get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday light shows captivate people of all ages for the simplest of reasons: They make the season bright.

WTTW News visited the 18th Street railyard to see the behind-the-scenes work involved in transforming Metra trains for the holiday season. This year will mark Metra’s fifth year of holiday train rides.

The Clark family of Kane County has donated its nearly 50-foot-tall Norway spruce to Chicago for the city’s holiday display in the hopes it will bring “joy and wonder to millions."

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has announced its annual search for the city’s official Christmas tree, which will be the centerpiece of holiday celebrations in Millennium Park.

Chicago is once again hosting collection sites for real trees at 27 locations around the city, Jan. 3-17.

From light shows to plays, sing-alongs and festive pop-ups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs.

A baby Jesus lays in a manger in the snow, wrapped in a silver emergency blanket with his wrists zip-tied. Mary stands nearby outside the Lake Street Church in Evanston, wearing a plastic gas mask and flanked by Roman soldiers in tactical vests labeled “ICE.”

After strictly limiting visitors, city officials said they are working with the Christkindlmarket's organizers to allow more people to enjoy the experience, safely.

The beloved holiday tradition will return starting next week and run through late December, the Chicago Transit Authority announced.

One of the hottest tickets this holiday season is passage on the Chicagoland Bookstore Trolley, spreading cheer one hardcover and paperback at a time.

The tree lighting ceremony will take place Nov. 21 in Millennium Park.

Applications are now open for the city’s official Christmas tree, which will stand at the center of celebrations in Millennium Park.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s “Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Light” exhibits are still here to keep your Christmas spirit alive. The annual exhibit started in 1942 with a single tree that was newly decorated for 12 days to represent the nations fighting alongside the U.S. during World War II.

From light shows to theater, themed bars and dance spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs.

Many stores and offices are closed on the two holidays to give employees a chance to spend time with loved ones during the holiday season. This year, Christmas Eve falls on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Christmas falls on Wednesday, Dec. 25.