Alma Bahman 2020-01-22 03:18:20
FOUR SEASONS, ONE CITY Each season brings new reasons to visit Chicago, from fun winter activities and festive holiday celebrations to outdoor adventures and festivals that make the most of warm-weather days. Every holiday season, Chicago turns into a true winter wonderland — and it’s not just because of the snow. The city is full of festive holiday events for everyone to enjoy. Get bundled up and venture out to experience dazzling lights, delicious eats, enchanting stage productions, and only-in-Chicago celebrations. 1 Kick off the holiday season by grabbing a spot along State Street for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. On Thanksgiving morning, downtown Chicago bursts with colorful balloons and floats, performances by local marching bands and dancers, and more. 2 Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the charming Christkindlmarket Chicago in Daley Plaza, where you can get warm mulled wine in a souvenir mug, unique ornaments for your Christmas tree, and tastes of German delights like potato pancakes and bratwurst. 3 Join in the seasonal spirit at Millennium Park during Caroling at Cloud Gate. Sing along to holiday tunes with some of Chicago’s most talented choirs on select days in November and December. 4 Take your holiday celebration to an artistic level at the Art Institute of Chicago. On the front steps of the museum, watch the Wreathing of the Lions as cheery holiday wreaths are placed on the Art Institute’s regal lion statues, then head inside for family art-making activities. 5 While you’re checking out museums, don’t miss the Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light display. Revel in more than 50 magnificently decorated Christmas trees and themed exhibits that represent holiday traditions from around the world. 6 Be sure to get tickets for The Nutcracker, performed by Chicago’s acclaimed Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. The beautifully staged production, accompanied by a live orchestra, is set during the time of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. 7 See the Goodman Theatre‘s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This family favorite features jubilant musical numbers and a timeless message about hope and redemption. 8 Another place to experience classic Chicago holiday traditions is Macy’s State Street. The flagship department store is famous for its whimsical holiday windows and lavishly decorated 45-foot-tall Great Tree that makes the perfect backdrop for dining in the historic Walnut Room. 9 For a full day of family fun, head to Navy Pier’s Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest. This delightful winter playland features indoor ice skating, carnival rides, giant slides, holiday-themed activities, loads of sparkling decorations, selfies with Santa, and much more. SEE THE LIGHTS City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Gather in Millennium Park to see the city’s official Christmas tree lit up in all of its glittering glory. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival A full day of family entertainment leads up to a dazzling evening parade illuminating Michigan Avenue with more than one million lights. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo Animated displays made of 2.5 million lights, strolling carolers, live ice sculpting, and visits with Santa Claus are all part of the free zoo festivities. Holiday Express Tour with Big Bus See all of the city’s seasonal sights in one go with a narrated bus tour that passes downtown holiday attractions. CTA Holiday Train Catch a ride on the most bedazzled form of public transit you’ve ever seen, featuring Santa and his reindeer and free candy canes for all. Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo This nighttime lights festival in suburban Brookfield features a 41-foot-tall talking tree, animal-themed lights displays, zoo chats, and more. NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY EVENTS AFRICA INTERNATIONAL HOUSE PRE-KWANZAA MARKETPLACE, HYDE PARK Support local artists, attend gift-making workshops, and learn the fascinating history behind the holiday so you can set up your own Kwanzaa table at home. ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, ANDERSONVILLE Celebrate this honored Swedish tradition with a candlelit parade and family entertainment at the Swedish American Museum. SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL & COCKTAIL CRAWL, LAKEVIEW Put on your walking shoes and browse local businesses while sipping cocktails. CANDLELIGHT HOUSE WALK, PULLMAN Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a silent auction as part of this annual holiday tour of Pullman Historic District homes. RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR, BRIDGEPORT Find great gifts among the crafts offered by hundreds of local artisans. For a complete list of holiday happenings, go to choosechicago.com/events.
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