Chicago mom leading Christmas toy drive in honor of son, Janari Ricks, 9, who died in Chicago violence

Janari Ricks was 9 when he was shot and killed in Chicago. “He always had that gift to give back to others and enjoyed the holidays with his loved ones,” his mom, Jalisa Ford, said. “He loved the good food and to be around family. He knew the meaning about what Christmas meant.”

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic light festival to open on November 25

Holiday Magic features more than 2 million lights, including the "Sea of Lights," "Tunnel of Lights," a sparkling gingerbread house, giant illuminated animals, and a 41-foot tall tree. Visitors can drop off letters to Santa and go ice skating.

Chicago mom organizes holiday toy drive in honor of her son who was a victim of gun violence
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One Chicago mom took her grief and created a non-profit organization that gives Chicago kids toys around the holidays. Jalisa Ford founded 1Jar Foundation in honor of her little boy who was a victim of Chicago gun violence. This season the foundation celebrated its third annual toy drive.

Brookfield Zoo 'Holiday Magic' lights festival starts Nov. 25
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Brookfield Zoo is preparing for its 'Holiday Magic' festivities featuring 2 million lights and tons of holiday decorations. The fun begins the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Hundreds fill the streets in downtown Aurora as the city transforms into a winter wonderland

The magic of the holiday season is in the air, after hundreds of people filled the streets in downtown Aurora Friday evening to watch the city transform into a winter wonderland.

Holiday magic comes to Aurora
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The magic of the holiday season is in the air, after hundreds of people filled the streets in downtown Aurora Friday evening to watch the city transform into a winter wonderland.

Reynolds shares Chicago-style turkey recipe
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Reynolds, the aluminum foil company, is sharing a recipe for Chicago style turkey. The inspiration is ? you guessed it ? Chicago-style hot dogs!

Chicago police discuss holiday safety ahead of holiday events
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Crowds are beginning to gather in downtown Chicago as the city prepares for the annual Christmas tree lighting at Millennium Park. The event is just one of many downtown holiday events planned for this weekend.

Target claims ‘biggest Black Friday sale ever’ as Thanksgiving nears

An estimated 166.3 million people are planning to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year, according to a new survey.