As people around the world gear up for the holiday season, countless families descend on Chicago to see the city’s sights and sounds as they celebrate with their families. While the Art Institute and the Willis Tower may hold appeal for adults, the city’s holiday festivities are kid-friendly fun that your whole family can enjoy.

A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge taking account of his life over Christmas is a theatrical experience you can’t miss this holiday season. The Goodman Theatre puts up a limited-run production of this holiday favorite, starting the second week of December.

Caroling at Cloud Gate: If your children love the music of the holiday season, but you’re less than enthused about the idea of traipsing from door to door in the blistering Chicago cold, take your family to Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate on a Friday from November 27^th to December 18^th. Many of the Chicago area’s premier choirs perform holiday classics for free at this charming holiday celebration.

Christkindlmarket: Inspired by Europe’s Christmas markets, this open-air market is the largest in the city and is the kind of holiday fun both adults and kids will enjoy. Peruse stall after stall of beautiful, handmade gifts for everyone on your list, and stop for a bite at one of the many vendors selling traditional German treats.

ZooLights: The Lincoln Park Zoo is always a hit for families, and the holiday season is no exception. Wow your little ones with a trip to see the ZooLights, a beautiful light display that takes place throughout the zoo. Once you’re done oohing and aahing, you can enjoy the rest of the winter merriment the zoo has to offer, from skating to ice carving.

The Nutcracker: Start a new holiday tradition this year by taking the kids in your family to see a performance of the classic Nutcracker ballet at Auditorium Theatre. The Tchaikovsky-scored ballet is performed by the Joffrey Ballet company, one of the world’s premiere dance troupes, and provides hours of fun and festive entertainment that will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you holed up at home — embrace the holiday spirit in Chicago style with a trip to one of the city’s many exciting winter events and celebrations.

Note: This is a guest post by Candace Schaffer; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author. Candice Schaffer works at Knightsbridge Park, a leading digital marketing firm for luxury real estate brands such as Four Seasons Private Residences and Fasano Hotel and Residences at Shore Club.