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Winter has Dutch touch in Michigan

Dutch WinterFest in Holland, Mich., runs from Nov. 17 through Dec. 8. It kicks off with a Holiday Open House with more than 1,500 luminarias lining the streets, strolling carolers, roasting chestnuts, one-of-a-kind shopping and, of course, Santa. The Parade of Lights on Nov. 27 features bands and floats all decked out in holiday lights. The Kerstmarkt Christmas market features vendors who provide unique gifts and foods from charming wooden booths in an open-air European-style market on Nov. 23, 24, 27 and 30 and Dec. 1, 7 and 8. On Sinterklaas Eve, Dec. 7, Sinterklaas (the original St. Nicholas) in tall miter and long, flowing robes appears on his white horse surrounded by his mischievous Zwarte Piet helpers. Get a glimpse of life and work above the shops of historic downtown Holland during the Up On the Rooftops tour of beautiful apartments and offices upstairs on Nov. 30. An Ice Sculpting Competition will take place on Dec. 8 as sculptors use everything from chainsaws to blowtorches to transform blocks of ice into glistening works of art. Other WinterFest events include holiday theater, Holland Chorale concerts and dinner shows, home tours and greens sale. (167 miles from O'Hare, (800) 506-1299, www.holland.org)

Enjoy German Christmas market

The Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt reflects the German heritage of Ferdinand, Ind., Nov. 17 and 18. As with Christmas markets in Germany, this market features quality handmade goods, art, antiques, food, wine and Christmas wares. Enjoy the live glockenspiel and free concerts. Enjoy lights on Grotto Hill after dark. (373 miles from O'Hare, (812) 367-2280, www.ferdinandinchamber.org)

Wave to Santa in Milwaukee

A long tradition continues in downtown Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 17. The hour-long Milwaukee Holiday Parade travels west on Kilbourn Avenue from Prospect Avenue to Third Street, then heads south to Wisconsin Avenue where it will end at the Shops of Grand Avenue. The parade features 20 bands, 30-foot helium balloons, floats, live animals, clowns and, of course, Santa Claus. (80 miles from O'Hare, (262) 377-5935, www.milwaukee.org)

Candles illuminate St. Joe, Mich.

More than 800 luminarias light the way in St. Joseph, Mich., on the evening of Nov. 16 during the Luminary Festival. Holiday music will fill the air as shoppers enjoy free, horse-drawn trolley rides through downtown where businesses provide refreshments. (113 miles from O'Hare, (269) 985-1111, www.sjcity.com/community/fairs_festivals.phtml)

Satisfy your craving for chocolate

Indulge in an evening of unlimited chocolate delights as Destination Kohler's chocolatiers create some of the most decadent treats around during In Celebration of Chocolate Nov. 16. One of the signature events at the American Club in Kohler, Wis., invites guests to satisfy their chocolate cravings with an array of delectable desserts, gourmet chocolates, tempting tortes, elegant eclairs and Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates hand-made in the Kitchens of Kohler. (128 miles from O'Hare, (800) 344-2838, www.destinationkohler.com)

Battle Creek leaves the lights on for you

The Battle Creek International Festival of Lights in Battle Creek, Mich., kicks off with the Holiday Parade on Nov. 17 and continues through Dec. 31 with events that include concerts, carolers, a gingerbread competition, a living Nativity scene and millions of lights throughout the downtown. (187 miles from O'Hare, (269) 962-4076, www.bcfestivals.com/index.taf?s=4)

Fair celebrates cultural diversity

The Holiday Folk Fair International is the oldest, largest, indoor multiethnic festival in the country. On Nov. 16-18 the fair celebrates its 64th year at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis. It celebrates the traditions of everyday life from more than 50 ethnic communities. Thousands of volunteers proudly bring to life their memories and the legacy of their ancestors through food, exhibits, demonstrations, attire, dance and entertainment. (78 miles from O'Hare, (414) 225-6225, www.folkfair.org)

Dual events draw visitors to Danville

Take in a winter wonderland of Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, Children's Room, music and entertainment Nov. 10-14 during the Festival of Trees in Danville, Ill. On Nov. 15 the 10th Annual Night of Lights Parade will feature

lighted floats, bands and end with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Temple Park. (182 miles from O'Hare, (217) 442-2096, www.danvillecvb.com/calendar.php)

Take a holiday home tour in Hudson, Wis.

The annual Christmas Tour of Homes & Craft Sale in Hudson, Wis., features five privately owned homes and the historic Octagon House, all decorated in their Christmas finery. This year's tour takes place on Nov. 17 and 18. A map is provided with each tour ticket and there is a free shuttle bus. The Craft & Art Sale will be held on Nov. 17. (367 miles from O'Hare, (800) 657-6775, www.hudsonwi.org)

See the world in Indianapolis

Enjoy ethnic cultural displays, artist demonstrations, international food and entertainment during the International Festival in Indianapolis, Ind. This year's event will take place Nov. 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Headline entertainment will be the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, America's longest-running multicultural song and dance company comprised of young folk artists dedicated to the preservation of the music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring folk cultures. (204 miles from O'Hare, (317) 225-5501, www.indyinternationalfestival.org)

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Thanksgiving is parade day in NYC

Since 1924, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, N.Y., has gained a reputation for famous floats, giant helium balloons soaring down Broadway, the nation's best bands, hottest celebrities and thousands of clowns. The tradition continues on Nov. 22 when the parade begins at 77th Street and Central Park West at 9 a.m. It turns down Broadway and marches through Times Square to 34th Street where it turns at Macy's Herald Square and ends on Seventh Avenue. Plan to arrive by 7 a.m. if you want a spot on the parade route. If you want to see the balloons being inflated, head to 77th and 81st streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue late in the afternoon the day before the parade. ((212) 494-4495, www.macys.com/campaign/parade/parade.jsp, (212) 397-8222, www.nycvisit.com)

Learn how they ate in the Colonies

Explore the 17th- and 18th-century culinary practices of Virginia during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia beginning on Thanksgiving Day at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center in Williamsburg, Va. Complete dates are Nov. 22, 24, 27 and 29. At Jamestown Settlement, learn how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia's English colonists and Powhatan Indians. At the Yorktown Victory Center, learn about typical soldiers' fare during the American Revolution and trace the bounty of a 1780s farm from field to kitchen. ((888) 593-4682, www.historyisfun.org)

• Event details are subject to change; contact organizers for updated information.