Ah, the holiday season. A time where we give for those we love, binge eat candy canes, and enjoy hot cocoa as Mother Nature makes the mercury drop. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, but when you’re in my hometown, Chicago, Christmastime definitely comes early. Now, I’m going to add a little disclaimer that some of these things might sound a bit “suburban-y” or tourist-y. But nevertheless here are some of the joyous holiday things that you will only find in Chicago:

1. Christkindlmarket

I know what you’re thinking. “Really, Patrick, the Christkindlmarket is FIRST in your list of a Chicago Christmas?!! Are you sure you’re not from St. Charles??!!” Ok, fine. I’ll admit that Christkindlmarket is a bit basic, but come on man. Who doesn’t love a good warm cup of apple cider in those commemorative little mugs that change each year? Also they have all of those chocolates that look like wood and the awesome German foods and European candies! What’s not to love?! Judge me all you want, but a Christmas in Chicago is NOT complete without a trip to the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza downtown.

2. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Magnificent Mile, which is the stretch of Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive in the Streeterville neighborhood, is undoubtedly the greatest place to shop for the holidays in the city. Every year, a parade is held through the street to formally open the holiday season, with floats from Mickey Mouse to Hubert the Harris Lion and a fireworks display over the Chicago River. Though it happens before Thanksgiving, it’s still another event that marks the start of the most wonderful time of the year.

3. Millennium Park tree lighting

New York has Rockefeller Plaza and Washington has the White House lawn, but Chicago has Millennium Park for its Christmas tree lighting. Formerly at Daley Plaza, the tree now stands at the end of Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue, marking a glistening point for anyone walking east down that street. Most trees in recent years come from up north, such as this year’s, a 62-foot-tall spruce tree from Wisconsin. What’s the holidays without a tree, right?

4. CTA holiday train

Earlier this year, I wrote about how Chicago’s L trains are so unique than any other transit system. What I forgot to add to that list is that every year, the CTA rolls out a special holiday-themed train throughout its lines during the holiday season. Decked out in lights and Santa hosting the announcements, this surprisingly apple cider-scented train provides a bit of holiday cheer to commuters throughout the city.

5. Ice skating under the Bean

If you know me, I cannot ice skate for my life, but I have to give a tip of the hat to the ice skating rink beneath the world-famous, tourist-approved Bean sculpture. I guess you can say Millennium Park is Chicago’s 30 Rock.

6.Marshall Field’s storefront windows

Marshall Field’s might be Macy’s now, but its flagship store on State Street, and its iconic green clock overlooking the street, downtown will always be known as Marshall Field’s. Every year the store decorates each of its windows along State with several beautiful holiday-themed displays, this year being titled “Reasons to Believe”, which will most certainly give you reasons to believe in the holiday spirit in Chicago.