Things to do in Chicago during Thanksgiving Weekend
Staying in Chicago for the Thanksgiving weekend? Lucky you. Chicago is a holiday travel destination and the Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the season. If you make it off the couch after turkey and all the trimmings, Chicago offers a host of free or low-cost holiday events and attractions. It is also a good chance to give back a little.
On Thanksgiving morning, November 24, the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade makes its way up State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street from 8am to 11 am with floats, marching bands, soul steppers, equestrian teams, giant character balloons – and of course Santa. Stage performances continue throughout the day at the main stage area between Washington and Randolph Street.
After the parade visit the Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza, which brings the cherished European tradition of open-air holiday markets to the heart of Chicago – right under “The Picasso.” Fifty-some vendor stalls feature holiday decorations, clothing, jewelry and wooden handicrafts from Germany and other countries in Europe and around the world. Authentic food (sausages, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, waffles) are also available, along with assorted sweets. The market is open daily through December 24 beginning at 11am. Admission is free.
If you are looking for something a bit more active to do on Thanksgiving Day, round-up a scavenger hunt team and head for the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure- Chicago. It’s a great way to explore the City and its history while solving clues and completing challenges. Start when you want and play at your own pace guided by any smart phone. The hunt begins at the Westin Chicago River North, 320 N. Dearborn Street. 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. $44 for a team of 5.
Or you can volunteer to help serve free Thanksgiving meal to people who might not otherwise go without. Boulevard Road to Health and Home at 3456 W. Franklin Boulevard needs help serving Thanksgiving lunch. Please sign-in by 10am and plan to stay until 1:30pm. Find details on the Volunteer Match web site.
Wrap up Thanksgiving Day at Zoolights, an extravagant holiday lights display and festival at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Through January 1. Check the zoo’s web site for specific days and times. Admission is free.
Head for Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park on Black Friday, November 25. The Art Institute of Chicago’s famous lions don their holiday wreaths in an annual ceremony this year led by the Chicago cast of Hamilton. The festivities include a live performance by the Soul Children of Chicago and complimentary hot chocolate. The wreathing takes place at 10:00 am on the Michigan Avenue entrance steps. Admission is free.
Get into the holiday spirit and work off some of the Thanksgiving feast ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park or at the Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley park across the pedestrian BP bridge. Admission is free. Skates are available to rent. Lessons are available at the ice rink. Check web sites for times.
Friday evening gather at “the bean” at 6:00 pm for Caroling at Cloud Gate with a performance by After School Matters: The IA Music Program, the first of four Friday evening performances through December 16. And while you are there, visit Chicago’s 103rd city Christmas tree, a 69 foot tall Norway pine decorated with 48,000 twinkling lights.
If you’d rather sing than listen, head north to the Sound of Music Sing-Along at the Music Box Theater. The sing-along begins with a warm up accompanied by the house organist on the Music Boxes’ famous Wurlitzer organ. (And yes there is a costume contest.) Through December 4. See the web site for times and ticket information.
Volunteer at the Grant Park Turkey trot and help out kids in the Chicago area. Proceeds from the race go to over 30 schools and youth organizations. Volunteering runs from 7:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, November 26 in Grant Park. Find details on the Volunteer Match web site.
And for a break from all things Thanksgiving try out Chillfest, the fourth annual acoustic music festival sponsored by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce. The event features over 60 musicians performing in storefronts throughout WPB. Saturday, November 26, 2:00pm to 5:00 pm in various locations. Check the web site for details. No admission charge.
On Sunday, November 27th, head for the Field Museum on the museum campus south of Grant Park. It’s a free admission day for Illinois residents. Visit in particular, the Field’s extensive exhibit on the ancient America’s and the native Peoples of North America. (And FYI, there is special Tattoo exhibit on through April 30.) The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. See the web site for information about free admission days.
But, if the weather is nasty or the couch is calling out to you, here’s a list from Time Out Chicago, of classic Thanksgiving movies and TV episodes on demand. Grab the popcorn and settle in!
Image: Chicago Picasso, Christkindlmarket Chicago by Doug Sun Beams; CC by 2.0
