🪄 It's the most magical time of the year, and you'll feel it on the Mag Mile Saturday.

The vibe: Macy's Day Parade meets Chicago Christmas.

What to expect: Floats with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Frozen's Elsa and Anna, Muppets, all on a parade route from Oak St. to Wacker Dr. to Columbus Dr., illuminated by 1 million lights.

Plus, music by members of Chic and Cameo. Good Times!

If you go: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off at 11am-4pm at Pioneer Court. The parade starts at Oak and Michigan at 5:30pm and fireworks are at 7pm at Michigan and the river.

Cost: Free

More things to do this weekend in Chicago

🎄Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Snap photos in front of the majestic beauty until Jan. 8.
• Ceremony Friday at 6pm at Millennium Park

🛍️ Logan Square Autumn Vintage & Artisan Fest

• Hop on your holiday shopping with vintage finds from more than 70 vendors. Bring your pooch — pets are welcome!
• Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm at Logan Square Auditorium

Cost: Free. RSVP here

🪀 It's All Fun and Games: Historic Toys of Evanston Exhibition

• Explore this toy exhibit that will spotlight the contributions made by residents of this north Chicago suburb, including the origin story of Rudolph, the most famous reindeer of them all.
• Thursday-Sunday, 1-4pm until Jan. 5 at the Evanston History Center

Cost: Tickets start at $10; Kids 12 and under are free

🥞 Wicked Drag Brunch

• Put on your pink dress (or paint yourself green) to enjoy this show paying homage to the much anticipated opening of the movie version of "Wicked."
• Saturday at 1pm at Splash Chicago in Northalsted

Cost: $50 includes drinks and food

🎶 Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar

• Shop local and celebrate the city's South Side fashion, music, food and culture at this monthly showcase.
• Sunday 10am-3pm at The Promontory

Cost: Free

🎭 Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"

• Watch the holiday classic, featuring local dance students from the south suburbs.
• Saturday 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday 2pm at Governor's State University in University Park

Cost: Tickets start at $20

Share this story

❄️ Chicago winter is definitely here, but that doesn't rule out evenings outside!

On Saturday, I'll be checking out I|O Godfrey Hotel's Winter Wonderland rooftop for some festive fun. I'm excited to immerse myself in a luxury, cozy getaway above the city's hustle and bustle.

The vibe: Enjoy live entertainment such as fire dancers, s'mores and winter-themed cocktails inside heated igloos that can hold up to 10 people.

If you go: You can reserve an igloo now through February.

Cost: Prices start at $325 for small igloos that hold up to 6 people

Hi, it's Carrie!

Last week, I shared my enjoyment of using weekend time to volunteer.

And you dear Axios readers, being the giving folks that you are, came back with your own great ideas of how to give back:

• Alive Rescue sponsors a program called Outreach when volunteers take their dogs to visit senior residents, usually twice a month on Saturday for one hour. They are always looking for more people with friendly dogs to visit, Kathy T. tells us.
• Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly is looking for volunteers to help make the holidays brighter for elders who are isolated and alone throughout Chicago, Sherri G. tells Axios.
• Local pantries and soup kitchens might need extra hands or specific donations. You can find pantries near you by visiting the Food Depository's "Find Food" section which includes locations, distribution hours and contact info. Thanks to Maggie B. for the tip!

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

What we're watching: Another star-studded August Wilson adaptation, a new season of "Based on a True Story," and a docuseries about the tragic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Max's pick of the week

"The Piano Lesson," available Friday on Netflix

Behind the scenes: This adaption of August Wilson's play is a Washington family affair.

• Denzel Washington and his eldest daughter Katia produced, his youngest son Malcolm makes his feature directorial-debut and his oldest son John David stars as "Boy Willie."

Zoom in: The star-studded cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins and Erykah Badu.

Fun fact: Jackson played the role of "Boy Willie" in the very first production of the play in November 1987.

Don't miss these

"Based on a True Story," Season Two, available now on Peacock

The intrigue: Melissa Fumero ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") guest stars in the second season of this dark comedy about a true-crime obsessed couple.

What they're saying: Showrunner Annie Weisman tells Axios why characters like Ava (played by Kaley Cuoco) are relatable.

• "It can be a violent and dangerous world out there. I think [true crime stories] give women, individually and in community, a sense of having some control over a situation that might otherwise feel pretty terrifying," Weisman said.

More to watch

"Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny," on Hulu

• In Hulu's first original comedy special, Gaffigan talks about brunch, weight loss medication, his marriage and raising teenagers. Available Friday

"Rhythm & Flow," Season Two, on Netflix

• Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Latto are this season's hosts of the competition show in which 33 up-and-coming rappers compete for $250,000 and the title of hip-hop's newest star. Available now

"The Merry Gentlemen," on Netflix

• Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson ("Tomorrowland") star in this rom-com about a woman who organizes a raunchy Christmas show to save her parents' business. Available now

More new streaming shows and movies