Lisa Shames 2022-01-08 11:37:48
From a Day of the Dead celebration and artfully carved pumpkins to a sparkly nighttime parade and a magical holiday market, Chicago embraces the best of the changing seasons. Pumpkin picking, bounce houses, corn mazes, fall-themed food, and amazing animals are all part of October’s Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest. At the end of the month, Spooky Zoo provides safe and family-friendly Halloween fun. Celebrating Halloween as the artist’s holiday, Arts in the Dark delights with unique floats, giant puppets, and creative performances set against the backdrop of historic State Street in the Loop. During its annual Day of the Dead Xicágo celebration, Pilsen’s National Museum of Mexican Art honors departed loved ones with music, sugar skull painting, and decorating Day of the Dead altars. October’s annual Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the north suburban Chicago Botanic Garden features a display of hundreds of expertly carved pumpkins, some weighing up to 150 pounds, that line the outdoor paths in this gorgeous oasis. Since 1934, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade has been delighting fans on Thanksgiving morning with huge helium character balloons, floats, marching bands, and local celebrities as it winds its way along State Street in the Loop. As the kickoff to the holiday season, the annual BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival begins with a wonderland of holiday-themed activities along North Michigan Avenue during the day, culminating in a festive nighttime parade led by none other than Mickey Mouse. Each year, the Loop’s Daley Plaza transforms into Christkindlmarket Chicago, a German-inspired holiday market filled with unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and traditional food and drink offerings, including warm glühwein served in a collectible mug. Get into the holiday spirit at Millennium Park with the annual Lighting of the City of Chicago Christmas Tree. Continue the fun with the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along, led by local musical groups. At the Museum of Science and Industry, explore international holiday traditions during Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, which features elaborately decorated trees inspired by countries and cultures from across the globe. Mark the first night of Hanukkah at the annual Menorah Lighting Celebration in the Loop’s Daley Plaza. Enjoy sufganiyot (doughnut-like treats), drinks, and lively music from local DJs. The DuSable Museum of African American History presents a week-long Kwanzaa Celebration that features traditional candle-lighting ceremonies focused on history, family, community, and culture. Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is an after-dark world of wonder and light set on a milelong path decorated with a playful choir of singing trees, a spectacular waterfall of light, and colorful zig-zag laser beams. Both ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo and Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo feature larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures and lights synchronized to music, as well as festive food and warming beverages. Scan here for a complete list of holiday events in Chicago. NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY MARKETS Turn your holiday shopping into a festive experience at these one-of-a-kind neighborhood pop-up markets. Vintage clothing, jewelry, and crafts from small Pilsen businesses are featured at the annual Pilsen Holiday Market. Take a break from shopping with live music, delicious food, and interactive experiences. facebook.com/pilsenculturalcenter Explore African culture at the Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace, held in Hyde Park’s Africa International House, with authentic food, music, spoken word performances, and vendors selling unique items. aihusa.org/pre-kwanza Find gifts for everyone on your list at Bridgeport’s holiday edition of the beloved Renegade Craft Fair at the Bridgeport Art Center, featuring a wide selection of handmade art and wares. renegadecraft.com/city/chicago For more than 20 years, the One of a Kind Holiday Show has brought hundreds of talented artists, designers, and makers to River North’s theMART for this unique four-day gift market. oneofakindshowchicago.com The DuSable Collective Holiday Sip N Shop at Stony Island Arts Bank in Woodlawn offers a side of music and drinks to go along with its curated selection of art and goods made by celebrated local artisans. rebuild-foundation.org/events
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