CTA commuters may complain about service, but everyone enjoys the city's holiday train.

What to expect: This temporary festive train features lights, decorations and plenty of photo ops. Plus, you can meet Santa as you ride around the city.

If you go: Hop aboard a car 11:30am-12:30pm Saturday on the Kimball Brown or 2:30-3:45pm on the Midway Orange line.

• The train runs on various lines and times until Dec. 23. Full schedule here.

Cost: $2.25 for a one-way ticket

More things to do this weekend in Chicago:

🎄 Christmas Trees from Around the World

• Walk through this exhibit of cultural Christmas trees, handcrafted ornaments and decorations. Read about Monica's experience here.
• 5-6:30pm Friday at the Treasurer's Office.

Price: Free. RSVP: 312-603-6931 or [email protected]

☕️ Austin 20th Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

• Stop by this West Side neighborhood for its annual holiday celebration and enjoy live music, hot cocoa and photo ops.
• The parade begins at 5pm Friday followed by a festival on Madison and Laramie.

Price: Free

🎻 Andrew Bird

• Watch this indie rock multi-instrumentalist perform during his "Sunday Morning Put-On" tour.
• 7:30pm Saturday at Highland Park's Martin Theatre at Ravinia (doors open at 4) and Dec. 9-13 at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church.

Price: Tickets start at $65

🫶 Winter Walk on Wilson

Walk through the Uptown neighborhood as you sample treats from local businesses and enjoy live music.

• 5-8:30pm Friday.

If you go: To celebrate the event's 10-year anniversary, those who register will be in the drawing to win a prize.

Price: Free. Register.

🎶 Concierto Jíbaro Navideño 2024

• Learn about Latin culture as you listen to live music by the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra.
• Doors open 5pm Friday and the show starts at 6pm at Northside College Prep.

Price: Tickets start at $30

🎭 "Drunk Shakespeare"

• Sip on drinks as you watch this 90-minute performance or pay extra to play the role of king or queen.
• Showtimes begin at 5, 7 and 9pm daily.

Price: Tickets start at $27

🎫 Upcoming concerts

Here are a few concerts we're keeping an eye on next year:

• AC/DC is performing on May 24 at Soldier Field.
• Kendrick Lamar and SZA will perform June 6 at Soldier Field
• Alison Krauss & Union Station will perform June 7 at the Chicago Theatre.

Price: Varying

With the holidays back in full swing, I'm eager to explore more festive pop-ups while they last.

This weekend, my friends and I plan to bar hop around these temporary themed bars and restaurants.

The intrigue: These venues are great opportunities for photo ops with friends and family, and many are kid friendly during the day.

A few notable places worth mentioning:

• Santa Baby at Bamboo Club
• 8 Crazy Nights, at The Graystone Tavern
• The Christmas Inn at Hubbard Inn
• Jack Frost Christmas Pop-up in Fulton Market

Cost: Prices vary

Go deeper: We've got a full guide if you're looking for more things to do this season.

Here's what's new on Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and Prime Video.

What we're watching: A variety holiday special from Sabrina Carpenter, a reboot of a classic Richard Pryor film and a new season of "The Ultimatum."

Only here for the Christmas flicks? Here's our holiday streaming roundup.

"A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter" available Friday on Netflix

State of play: Carpenter will perform songs from her 2023 EP "fruitcake" in this variety music special.

Zoom in: Special appearances include Chappell Roan, Tyla, Shania Twain, Kali Uchis, Quinta Brunson, Kyle Mooney, Sean Astin and Jillian Bell.

"Brewster's Millions: Christmas" available now on BET+

The intrigue: Richard Pryor and John Candy's 1985 comedy is reimagined in this film starring China Anne McClain, Romeo Miller, Telma Hopkins and two of Pryor's children: Richard Jr. and Rain.

What they're saying: Richard Jr. and Rain Pryor told Axios they'd like to see the films "Which Way Is Up" and "The Toy" rebooted to introduce their dad to a newer generation.

"The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On" season 3 available now on Netflix

Driving the news: The third season of this experimental reality show will follow six couples who live in Los Angeles.

• Previous seasons were filmed in Austin and Charlotte.

More new streaming shows and movies