Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo attendees dressed up as characters from “Game of Thrones” at 2020’s event. (C2E2 / Facebook)

Superheroes and villains, a reimagined “Nutcracker,” vision boards and holiday plays usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

(RJA1988 / Pixabay)

This time last year, many people celebrated the holidays virtually, as the COVID-19 vaccine was not yet widely available. But this year, the faithful can plan some in-person gatherings to celebrate the holidays.

The Joffrey Ballet ensemble in “The Nutcracker.” (Photo by Todd Rosenberg)

Pure winter magic. The Joffrey Ballet’s altogether unique production of “The Nutcracker,” has never looked more glorious or been danced more ideally.

The Mestiza Shop on 18th Street offers wares made by local artists as well as imported goods. The items range from the traditional to the quirky – but all with a distinctively Latina accent. (WTTW News)

The Mestiza Shop on 18th Street offers wares made by local artists as well as imported goods. The items range from the traditional to the quirky – but all with a distinctively Latina accent.

Tens of thousands of riders participate in the annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. (Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade / Facebook)

Now in its 44th year, the ride draws tens of thousands of participants and collects heaps of toys for children in need.

(WTTW News)

“We’re coming together with one simple message: the time to get your shot is now,” said Dr. Claudia Fegan, chief medical officer of Cook County Health.

Airbnb is renting out the “Home Alone” house for one hijinks-filled night. (Sarah Crowley / Airbnb)

Calling all filthy animals: Airbnb is renting out the “Home Alone” house this month for one hijinks-filled night.

(Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

A group of North Side alderpeople and community organizations are teaming up to recycle non-working holiday lights, which, it should be emphasized, cannot and should not be placed in regular recycling bins.

(Photo by True Shot Studios)

Holiday markets, international music, ice carving and a fairy tale play usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(WTTW News)

Brandis Friedman and a panel of guests talk about how Black-owned small businesses are navigating the holiday shopping season amid supply chain issues and labor shortages. Watch the discussion now.

In this Nov. 29, 2010 file photo, a consumer looks at Cyber Monday sales on her computer at her home in Palo Alto, Calif. (AP Photo / Paul Sakuma, File)

Consumers are expected to spend between $10.2 billion and $11.3 billion on Monday, making it once again the biggest online shopping day of the year, according to Adobe Digital Economy Index.

The State Dining Room of the White House is decorated for the holiday season during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)

The first lady, a longtime community college professor, invited Maryland second graders for Monday’s unveiling of the holiday decorations. They were inspired by people the president and first lady met while traveling around the country this year, according to the White House. 

Workers unload packages and letters from mail trucks at the United States Postal Service sorting and processing facility, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo / Charles Krupa)

Postal workers who recall packages and letters piled up in distribution hubs are better prepared this time as they gear up for another pandemic crunch. But low product inventories, and port and supply chain disruptions are creating new uncertainty about getting gifts delivered.

The Holiday Train will welcome riders Nov. 26 through Dec. 22. (Courtesy of Chicago Transit Authority)

CTA has declared, “The magic is back.” Passengers will be able to board the Holiday Train and Holiday Bus this year, although a few restrictions are still in place due to COVID-19.

(stevepb / Pixabay)

Whatever it is you are cooking, we all have memorable stories about the food that has been prepared and the recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation. These are those stories. 

(HeartlandMom / Pixabay)

One of the best parts about the holiday is the leftovers, which if you plan your meal right can last you for days.