Thanksgiving in Chicago

This year’s ceremony will be held in the Millennium Park location, although you can also watch from the comfort of your home or hotel room (which you may want to do if it’s typical November weather!) If you do choose to venture outside, Millennium Park is also home to many excellent Chicago attractions, from the award-winning Art Institute of Chicago to the charming Lurie Garden (pretty fascinating even in the cold weather).

The Art Institute of Chicago also has some exciting exhibitions this time of year, so be sure to stop by. The gallery also has late closing on Thursdays, so if the timings are right, it's a great evening activity. 

Getting In: Admission to the Christmas Tree Lighting is free. Art Institute of Chicago tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

If you're looking for some indoor attractions in the Chicago fall weather, you can't go wrong with the fine institutions at the Museum Campus. Choose from the popular Shedd Aquarium, the fascinating Adler Planetarium, and the wonderful Field Museum. Don't miss Máximo the Titanosaur!

Each of these offers something unique to visitors, from an astonishing collection of natural and historical artifacts to some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. Take the kids and spend the whole day at the Museum Campus! Plan to visit at least two of these museums on the same day to maximize your time and the value of your card. 

Getting In: Admission to all three Museum Campus institutions is included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

A bike ride is the best way to get your exercise in Chicago while staying warm in the crisp fall air. It's the perfect way to be out and active, as you zoom around the parks, along the lakeside, and throughout the city. Check out the City of Chicago Bike Map to plan your route before you go.

With 20 miles of lake-front paved paths, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to explore the beauties of nature in autumn. A fair warning, however: lakeside rides can be pretty chilly in November, so be sure to wear weather-appropriate technical gear to stay warm and dry while riding! 

Getting In: Bike rentals by Bike and Roll Chicago are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

This November, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo to see some of the loveliest lights around. Marvel at fascinating 3-D displays, watch some master ice-carving, and let the kids enjoy hands-on festive craft-making on select dates. For the adults, there's also delicious mulled wine or frosty brews. Plus, don't miss out on this historic train and carousel rides!

On November 27, visitors can also enjoy the special Holiday Market, which can be an excellent opportunity to score unique presents for your loved ones. A fantastic free event that's great for the whole family, it's sure to be an evening of wonder and joy. Zoo Lights runs from 4:30pm - 9pm. 

Getting In: Admission to Zoo Lights is free on most nights. Lincoln Park Zoo ride tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

If you’re not one for cooking at home – or, if like many Chicagoans, you’re dealing with a big family in a small apartment – check out one of the many fabulous spreads throughout the city. One of the most famous is the Thanksgiving Dinner held each year at the Lockwood Restaurant in the historic Palmer House Hotel. It’s a bit pricey, but the elegant atmosphere and unsurpassed dining experience are worth it. Remember to make reservations soon, as it books up quickly for this special event. 

Getting In: Thanksgiving Dinner at the Palmer House Hilton is separately ticketed and is not included with Go City® Chicago passes. For more information and to make reservations, please visit the restaurant website.

Thanksgiving is right about the time when Chicago's famed Christkindlmarket gets going, a lovely tradition you won't want to miss out on. It's a combination of a Christmas craft fair and a German food extravaganza - two of our favorite things in one! It's a great place to get some Christmas gifts and is a wonderful way to experience Chicago's strong German heritage. One fun tradition I particularly love is sipping on their delicious hot spiced cider, which comes in a collectible mug. The mug designs are different each year, too! 

Getting In: Admission to Christkindlmarket is free.

Given its eclectic mixture of high-end stores and funky independent shops, it’s not surprising that the Magnificent Mile is even more beautiful during the holidays. Right around Thanksgiving, you’ll start to see the holiday decorations go up. You'll likely be tempted to photograph all of them. Get some holiday shopping done and enjoy the first taste of the December holidays. 

Getting In: Window-peeping on the Magnificent Mile is free.

If you're in town the weekend before Thanksgiving, don't miss out on the BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival! It's a beautiful celebration of light and color along one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Plus, it's an especially family-friendly event, featuring your kids' favorite cartoon and media characters. Don't forget to take advantage of the special offers going on during this event at locations throughout the neighborhood.

Getting In: Admission to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is free.