This coming week my husband and I will be returning to Chicago to visit family for Thanksgiving, as we did last year. I’ve been wondering what we might do to make the most of beginning the holiday season in this exciting metropolis. Last year we took in a performance of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre — a wonderful treat, but we didn’t want to simply repeat last year’s experience, especially when the city must have so much to offer.

Fortunately, a press release arrived in my inbox this week from the Chicago Loop Alliance, representing businesses and organizations in the bustling Loop district. The notice announced the group’s fourth annual Winter WonderLoop, heralding its “Random Acts of Holidays” as well as more than 100 special events, offers, promotions and destination suggestions from the alliances’ members. These include discounts on everything from stress-reducing massages, hotel rooms and special packages to a cupcake-decorating class and weekend parking.

I really liked the descriptions of some of those random holiday acts, occurring on Black Friday and every Saturday in December through December 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. One might enjoy free hot drinks and pastries, street performances courtesy of the Goodman Theatre or the Joffrey Ballet, bands and strolling carolers from local colleges and high schools, and free pop-up photo booths — props included.

If all that weren’t enough, the editors of Time Out Chicago, a visitors’ guide to the Windy City, compiled a list of 10 Wonders of the Loop. There are several I definitely would love to take in: checking out the window displays at Macy’s on State Street, browsing the booths of the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, observing the “Wreathing of the Lions” on the front steps of the Art Institute, and ice skating in Millenium Park. And while I won’t be in town on December 18 to sing along with the pros at the “Do-It-Yourself Messiah,” I’d like to take part in the caroling, offered nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, at the iconic Cloud Gate (also known affectionately as “The Bean”) in Millenium Park.

That’s one of the delights of the holiday season: No matter where you find yourself this next month, you will likely be able to find plenty of activities and sights to take in which are unique to that place and special to the season. Check with a city’s visitors’ bureau or your hotel’s concierge to discover that holiday flavor.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor