FALL/WINTER HOLIDAYS CHICAGO STYLE BY ALLANA MORTELL 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. Christkindlmarket Chicago Wreathing of the Lions CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ABEL ARCINIEGA; SEANLOCKEPHOTOGRAPHY/ADOBE STOCK; ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY For a complete and up-to-date list of holiday happenings, go to choosechicago.com/events . 24 choosechicago.com
Chicago Visitors Guide 2021: Page 24
