THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Ringing in the Holidays!
This weekend we officially ring in the holidays with a host of festive events, as we anxiously await the arrival of Thanksgiving Day this coming Thursday. Check it out!
Take your senses on a journey at the return of the ever popular Christkindlmarket now through December 24th at the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop. This iconic German-inspired holiday market brings you vendor handmade products from around the world, the smell of roasted nuts, pretzels, bratwurst, and other German food, plenty of hot beverages, the sound of festive music, special events, and more. And, as you wander around and soak in the cozy atmosphere that has been created for you, don’t forget to try the spiced glühwein, a German hot wine concoction best enjoyed in the market’s famous boot mugs. It’s truly an ideal place to make unique memories with your family and/or friends!
Your holiday cheer begins here at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival this Saturday starting with the Lights Festival Lane (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) on the Near North Side. This lane features a festive thoroughfare of booths and free family activities as well as the Wintrust Pavilion for complimentary photos with Santa Claus. Then at 5:30 p.m. it’s time for the Parade which steps off from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue led by Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the Walt Disney World® Resort who will illuminate more than one million lights on 200+ trees down the parade route on North Michigan Avenue. This spectacular parade will also feature fabulous floats with other Disney beloved characters, giant helium balloons, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, and, of course, Santa Claus. The evening finishes with The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular (7:30 p.m.) over the Chicago River. Come feel the magic of this dazzling holiday festival!
Enjoy a day of shopping at the Millennium Park Holiday Market this Saturday (12 p.m.-8 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.) located in the Chase Promenade North tent in Millennium Park (55 N. Michigan Ave.) in The Loop. This pop-up holiday market will feature dozens of local artists selling a variety of items; holiday themed food, hot drinks, and cocktails for purchase; and live entertainment.
Kickstart your Turkey Day (November 28) with the 46th annual Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago at Diversey Harbor (2601 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a crisp fall morning as you run or walk the 5K or 8K course along the shores of Lake Michigan. There’s also the Plymouth Rock Ramble for your little gobblers to enjoy a trot of their own. Afterwards, it’s time to celebrate your finish at the amazing Turkey Day Tailgate for some delicious fall treats, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to begin your Thanksgiving Day while giving back to a worthy cause!
Before digging into your turkey dinner, catch the 90th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday (November 28) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in The Loop. Join thousands on State Street as the parade travels north from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. Not only is this parade a free family tradition highlighting talent from across the nation and the best Chicagoland has to offer, but it also includes marching bands, festive floats, larger-than-life cartoon-character helium balloons, majestic equestrian units, a diverse array of staged cultural performances, and more. It’s a celebration for attendees of all ages! Happy Gobble Day!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
