Chicago's holiday season has unofficially arrived, with the city's Christmas tree being lit Friday as a weekend full of holiday events begins.

Some along the parade route said they were excited for another year of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse flipping the switch to light up the Mag Mile.

The city is a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, soaring Christmas trees, bustling crowds and enough holiday experiences to put even Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. Here are the ways my family celebrates Christmas in Chicago.