FALL/WINTER 9 FUN CHICAGO HOLIDAY TRADITIONS BY ALMA BAHMAN (THIS PAGE) TOP TO BOTTOM: PETER J. SCHULZ; RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC; DAN JARVIS/THE MAGNIFICENT MILE ASSOCIATION; (FACING PAGE) CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC; ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY; CHOOSE CHICAGO 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. Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park ornaments for your Christmas tree, and tastes of German delights like potato pancakes and bratwurst. For a complete list of holiday happenings, go to choosechicago.com/ events . 3 Join in the seasonal spirit at 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. 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 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 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. Christkindlmarket Chicago 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. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 15
Chicago Visitors Guide 2020: Page 15
