Customs service

Tried and true
The Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza has brought German vendors and their grilled sausages, potato pancakes, candied almonds and other treats to town annually for 13 years (Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Sts, 312-744-3315; through Dec 24).

New on the scene
One would think the German enclave of Lincoln Square would’ve jumped on this festive moneymaker decades ago. But this is the neighborhood’s first Christkindl Market (Lincoln Ave between Leland and Lawrence Aves, 773-506-2191; Fri 5,3–10pm; Sat 6, 9am– 10pm; Sun 7, 11:30am–7pm).

Newbie advantage
While Lincoln Square’s market lasts only three days compared to downtown’s four-week affair, it offers at least one attraction the Loop lacks: Horse-drawn carriages transport revelers around the block—and back to an era of Christmas past.

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Tried and true
For years, harried holiday shoppers have lined up, sometimes for several hours, to dine in the glow of the Walnut Room’s Great Tree at Macy’s (111 N State St, 312-781-3139).

New on the scene
Millennium Park’s Park Grill (11 N Michigan Ave, 312-521-7275) has been open for a few years now, but its gape-inducing view of the skating rink and city skyline have increasingly drawn hungry shoppers back year after year.

Newbie advantage
While Mrs. Herring’s chicken pot pie remains a perennial favorite at Macy’s, Park Grill’s special Christmas Eve menu includes seasonal goodies such as citrus cured Christmas duck breast and eggnog tart. And let’s face it—the stately State Street store hasn’t felt quite the same since Macy’s takeover.

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Tried and true
The Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade has confounded drivers and elated underserved kids for 30 years with its annual toy drive that ties up traffic along Western Avenue (Western Ave from 83rd St to Foster Ave, 773-866-8697; Sat 6, 9:30am).

New on the scene
For the first time, a few Latino organizations have banded together for Chicago Latino Toys-for-Tots. Instead of delivering toys via parade, goods are collected at a party and distributed by Erie Neighborhood House (Rumba, 351 W Hubbard St, 312-222-1226; Dec 18, 6pm).

Newbie advantage
While the traditional Toys for Tots draws thousands of curbside onlookers during what’s often one of the most frigid days of the year, the Latino version celebrates the season in a warm club where you can nosh on hors d’oeuvres and toast your good deed at a hosted bar.