The holidays are right around the corner and that means your favorite activities are back. Whether it is something downtown or local, there is something for everyone to enjoy this season. These activities will kick into effect this weekend (or already have) and last, in some cases, up until the beginning of January.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival- This Saturday, November 21st, the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will take place in Downtown Chicago.
The event begins in the middle of the day with numerous events taking place at Pioneer Court. One of those events is a concert from different artists including Michelle Branch (she had a few songs that you would probably remember from your early/late teen years) over at the BMO Harris Bank Stage.
In that area, you can also get some treats (many are free) from Garrett’s Popcorn, Fannie May, Eli’s Cheesecake, and many more. Photo booths, other vendors, and even a Blackhawks and Bulls tent will be there (you can win prizes instantly and a surprise guest will make an appearance at 1pm) as well.
The tree-lighting parade starts at 5:30pm and runs down Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. During the parade their will be performances by Million Dollar Quartet, Singer/Actor MAX (Max Schneider), and many more.
The evening ends with fireworks. Earlier in the day wristbands will also be available for a Meet and Greet with Michelle Branch and MAX (while supplies last). This event is free and would be a great way to spend your Saturday.
Christkindlmarket- Beginning this Friday, the Christkindlmarket will open to the public. This free event was inspired by the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg, Germany and now has been a Chicago tradition for 20 years.
The largest open-air Christmas festival in Chicago brings German and European tradition with an international flair and local charm to the city. This event offers a unique shopping experience, diverse entertainment, and of course, typical German food and beverages will all be available.
Chocolate covered treats, pretzels, potato pancakes, schnitzels, and practically any other food you can think of will be there. Classic German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, etc. can be purchased as well as other items such as jewelry, hand-blown and painted ornaments, clothes, and other décor.
The Christkindlmarket is located in Daley Plaza and is open daily. Check out their website for a full list of details from this traditional event.
Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink- Even though the weather has been a little unpredictable lately, the ice rink is officially open! For the last 14 years, the rink has drawn thousands of skaters each year. The rink is free to the public and will remain open until March 6th (weather permitting). Skate rental is $12 and many skate sizes are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Lockers can also be rented out for $1 to put whatever you need in there. The Park Grill Café will be open for hot chocolate and other snacks. The rink offers lessons an hour before it opens including ice dance demos, speed demos, and Noodle Hockey. Hours vary each day so visit cityofchicago.org to view skating hours.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo- On November 27th, Lincoln Park Zoo will transform into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. The holiday lights will shine until January 3rd and the hours of the zoo are from 4:30-9:00pm. This free holiday fun event will have many festive activities for everyone to partake in.
These activities include: holiday crafts, musical light shows, 3-D light displays, live ice carving, rides on the carousel and train, and ice skating. The ice skating will be a separate fee ($5 admission and $5 skate rental) but everything else is free.
And of course, your favorite animals will be on full display for everyone to see. Public transportation is highly recommended, especially on the weekends so take it if you can. As you can see, you will never be bored this holiday season with all of these great events.
Whether you enjoy it with your friends or with your family, you will surely have a great time and make lots of memories. Additional information for these events can be found on the events websites.
Elizabeth Granato
Features Editor
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