Winter break is a time where students can recharge before exams and offers students plenty of time for some fun.

For those looking to spend time in the suburbs and are up for some holiday cheer, go to the Christkindlmarket in Naperville.

The Christkindlmarket is an outdoor German market where vendors sell items. The tradition comes from Nuremberg, Germany.

German foods such as bratwursts, apple strudel, and hot chocolate are sold. Musicians and carolers also perform.

Admission to the market is free and the market closes on Saturday.

For those up for urban exploring, Chicago has many things to do.

The second annual Chi-Town Rising New Year’s Celebration gives people the chance to ring in the new year in the city.

People can buy food, spend time with friends and families while counting down to midnight. After midnight, a firework show is held on Michigan Avenue near the Chicago River.

Entrance is free of charge, but tickets are required. Registration is found online at chi-townrising.com.

Also, Navy Pier for 16 years has been running the Winter Wonderfest hosted by Fifth Third Bank.

The Winter Wonderfest includes 170,000 square feet of rides, giant slides, and the Chicago Blackhawks indoor ice skating rink. The Winter Wonderfest closes on Jan. 8.

For those wanting to connect more with nature, Zoolights in the Lincoln Park Zoo is open.

People can explore the zoo with the many Christmas lights while getting up close with the animals, and it is always free. Zoolights closes on Jan. 1.

Having fun for winter break does not always have to be traveling. It can be found in the comfort of someone’s house.

Binge watching on Netflix is a way to pass the time over break or having friends and family come over is always relaxing.

For movie lovers, Christmas is the day where lots of movies hit the theaters such as “Silence” and “Sing.”

Building a snowman or going sledding is a way to get some exercise while having fun.