Allana Mortell 2021-02-04 10:54:41
Something magical happens in Chicago when temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change. Beginning in October, the city is filled with festivities celebrating the arrival of the fall and winter months. Here are some classic can’t-miss events to help usher in the holiday season. Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest features harvest favorites like a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and more throughout the free zoo. For little ones, check out Spooky Zoo, a fun event to celebrate Halloween. Arts in the Dark is the artist’s celebration of Halloween, taking over downtown with a vibrant parade of costumes, puppets, and floats. Speaking of floats, the larger-than-life Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is an annual turkey day tradition for many Chicagoans and visitors alike. Traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving, the Wreathing of the Lions at the Art Institute of Chicago is a unique way to get into the seasonal spirit. The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is one of the official kickoffs to the holidays in Chicago, with a dazzling procession led by Mickey Mouse along Michigan Avenue. At nearby Millennium Park, there are many traditions to help ring in the season, including the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling at Cloud Gate. And it’s hard to resist a visit to Christkindlmarket Chicago, an open-air, German-style Christmas market. Venture over to Macy’s State Street to check out their magical holiday window displays and the Great Tree in The Walnut Room, a beloved landmark. See a holiday show, such as The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet or A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. Don’t miss the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light displays at the Museum of Science and Industry. More than one million twinkling lights are on display at suburban Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic celebration, which includes a 41-foot-tall talking tree. Or take in the glittery animated displays as you enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights. And the holidays in Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the CTA Holiday Train, with free candy canes for passengers and Santa perched on his sleigh. NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY EVENTS While there are plenty of large-scale happenings around the city, some of the most special holiday traditions take place in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. The St. Lucia Festival of Lights in Andersonville is a nod to the area’s Swedish heritage, with a candlelit procession that starts on Clark Street and ends at the Swedish American Museum. In Lakeview, the shops stay open late for a night of cocktail sipping and shopping during the Southport Holiday Stroll & Cocktail Crawl. During the Historic Pullman Candlelight House Walk, get a glimpse of privately owned historic row houses spectacularly decorated for the holidays. In the West Loop, join in the Menorah Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park, which also includes live Hanukkah music, treats, and more. The Garfield Park Conservatory’s Holiday Flower Show is a colorful oasis, showcasing an artistic display of flowers and plants in Garfield Park. NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY MARKETS Shopping local this holiday season has never been more fun, thanks to an array of neighborhood holiday markets. In the West Loop, the Randolph Street Holiday Market showcases hundreds of vendors selling one-of-a-kind vintage goods that are perfect for gifting. The Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace at Africa International House in Hyde Park is a wonderful celebration of the African holiday that includes poetry, musical celebrations, and gift shopping. Mingle with some of Chicago’s brightest artisans and browse their specialty wares at the Renegade Craft Fair in Bridgeport. The One of a Kind Holiday Show at theMART in River North has been a mainstay for more than 20 years, connecting local artists and their work with art lovers. The DuSable Collective Holiday Sip N Shop at the Stony Island Arts Bank encourages shoppers to check out handmade items with a side of food, drink, and entertainment in Woodlawn. For a complete and up-to-date list of holiday happenings, go to choosechicago.com/events.
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