Winter is fast approaching. Chicago, being a big tourist city, has many activities and events taking place within the next month. Here are my top picks for winter/holiday attractions of the season, not in any particular order.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo – Nov. 27 – Jan. 3, 2016

ComEd presents Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights. The free event kicks off the night of Black Friday, and includes 3D displays, musical light shows, and live ice carving. This year is the first year LPZ is also doing ice skating at the farm in the Zoo.

“My favorite Chicago winter activity is ZooLights because I love seeing the zoo transform,” says Amy Zwikel, art teacher. “It’s so pretty seeing all the animal habitats light up.” 

Skate admission is $5, and skate rental is $5 as well. Visit http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights for more information.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light – Nov. 19 – Jan. 3, 2016

The Museum of Science and Industry kicks off the holiday season with their annual Christmas Around the World event. The exhibit features hundreds of Christmas trees decorated similarly to how they’re dressed in specific countries, as well as a 45 foot grand tree in the center of the floor. Don’t worry if you don’t celebrate Christmas, because MSI also has displays for the Holidays of light, such as Hanukkah and Diwali. Admission is $18 for adults. Visit http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/ for more information, such as museum hours and other exhibits.

Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest – Dec. 5 – Jan. 10, 2016

Navy Pier is having their 15th annual Winter Wonderfest this season. There’s so many things to do, including ice skating, meeting Santa, riding the indoor ferris wheel, and more.

“My favorite place to go in the winter is Winter Wonderfest,” Jonny Martinez-Goldberg, junior, said. “It’s cool to see the lake frozen over with the reflection of the city lights.”

Admission price ranges from $9 – $23. For more information, visit https://navypier.com/pnc-bank-winter-wonderfest/.

Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks’ ice skating – Nov. 13 – March 2016

Downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park kicked off the winter season this past Friday with the opening of their skating rink. Millennium Park has had it’s McCormick Tribune ice rink for the past 14 years; Maggie Daley Park, however, is in its second year of having their skate ribbon, which opens next Friday. Both rinks attract thousands of tourists every year. Admission for both rinks are free; skate rental is $12. For more information on Maggie Daley Park, as well as it’s skating ribbon, visit http://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/. For more information on the ice rink at Millennium Park, as well as upcoming events at the park, visit http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park10.html.

Chriskindlmarket Chicago – Nov. 20 – Dec. 24

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Chriskindlmarket in Chicago. This German “strip mall” has a variety of vendors selling multiple handmade items, such as cuckoo clocks, tree ornaments, clothes, and toys. German food and drinks will also be sold, including potato pancakes and hot chocolate. Admission is free. The market is located in Daley Plaza. For more information, visit http://www.christkindlmarket.com/.

So if you need something to do over break, use this list to make your winter more enjoyable!