It’s time! Chicago in the Winter is full of festive activities that you don’t want to miss out on! Some might say November is a little early to celebrate with holiday festivities but what else would make the colder weather more bearable! Here are some key dates in November that kickstart the merry season.
Skating Around the City
Mark your calendars for November 15th, ice skating at both Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Skating Ribbon and Millennium Park Ice Rink will be open to the public. Lace up and glide around the ice for a romantic date, family activity, or a friend outing! The city’s architecture surrounds the parks adding even more twinkling lights!
The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is open from 5pm to 7pm and they reopen at 8pm allowing the public to enjoy skating until 10pm. For more information and how to plan your day swirling around the city visit Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park’s website for details before visiting.
While visiting either of the ice rinks, Millennium Parks annual tree lighting will take place on November 22nd at 6pm with a pre show at 5pm! Stop by before January 8th to see the 53 foot lit up Colorado Blue Spruce. The tree was happily donated by a family from Logan Square.
Chicago Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights
For its 33rd year, Wintrust will be hosting its Magnificent Lights Festival along the Magnificent Mile. The all day mile long festival draws about a million people. The largest nighttime parade in the US, this year the festive fun takes place on Saturday November 23rd from 11am until 7pm.
Pioneer Court at 401 N Michigan Avenue is hosting Lights Festival Lane from 10am to 4pm. Festival Lane will have a variety of booths and family activities! Pioneer Court will also have their holiday tree set up for the season starting November 18th! Come check out the tree that stands at 45 feet tall decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments!
Riding the CTA in Style
Public transit is always a good way to commute around any bustling city with traffic. During the holiday season debuting in late November is the holiday CTA! While this special train goes around spreading holiday cheer it also acts as a delivery service to charitable sites around the city.
Whether using public transit or walking around the city, keep your eyes peeled for the festive train decked out with lights and decorations! Follow the CTA site to learn more.
Chriskindlemarket in Chicago
Chicago’s popular German-themed markets are back in town. Enjoy fun outdoor activities at Daley Plaza in Chicago and in Aurora. The market has gift vendors, food, and more. The market will have its opening day this year on November 22nd and have its final day on December 24th.
The Christkindlmarket is open everyday of the week, check out their website to find more information and their operating hours as they do vary.
Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
A tradition for almost 90 years, Chicago will be hosting their annual kickstart to the holiday season by hosting the Thanksgiving day celebration. TimeOut Magazine named this family friendly event the #2 Thanksgiving parade in the country! Catch the parade from 8am to 11am as the colorful floats make their way up State Street from Ida B. Wells north to Randolph Street.
