thanksgiving-night-chicago-landscape

Thanksgiving in Chicago

The holidays are always magical in the Windy City
By Katie Sagal

Spending time with friends and family in Chicago for Thanksgiving this year? Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November.

Make the most of your holiday in Chicago by adding these seasonal activities to your itinerary. They’re a great way to explore the city during the holidays and get an early glimpse of their famous holiday decorations. Some fun things to do this Thanksgiving in Chicago include...

  • Hop-on Hop-off bus
  • Christmas Market
  • Christmas tree lighting
  • ZooLights
  • Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • Mag Mile Lights festival
  • Holiday windows
  • and more!

Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting

Millennium Park November 16

chicago-millenium-park-skyline

Millennium Park November 16

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.

Chicago's Museum Campus

adler-planetarium-located-downtown-chicago

Chicago's Museum Campus

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.

Go for a Family Bike Ride

woman-riding-bike-along-lake-michigan

Go for a Family Bike Ride

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.

ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo Opens Friday, November 29

aerial-photo-lincoln-park-zoo-chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo Opens Friday, November 29

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.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Chicago Tour

If you don't often spend much time in Chicago or have never been before, then a bus tour is in order! Thanksgiving in Chicago will be a particularly lovely time to enjoy a bus tour, too. You'll get to see tons of holiday decorations and festive preparations. A hop-on hop-off version like this tour from Big Bus provides you with maximum flexibility.

You can ride the loop for a few hours, or get off at places that interest you. As a bonus, Big Bus Chicago picks up near the John Hancock Tower, home to the 360 CHICAGO Observatory, which should also be on your to-do list. 

Getting In: Big Bus Chicago tickets and 360 CHICAGO tickets are both included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Downtown Chicago November 28

This parade has it all. In addition to the nation’s best marching bands, ginormous helium balloons of your favorite cartoon characters, and cleverly decorated floats, you can expect tons of musical talent, too! Arrive early to snag a spot along the parade route, or enjoy watching snuggled in your living room. The parade begins at 8am (Central Time) and proceeds along State Street from Congress to Randolph. 

Getting In: Admission to the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade is free.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Palmer House Hilton

The Loop November 22

Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago

The Loop November 22

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.

Downtown Chicago November 15 - December 24

christmas-market-chicago

Downtown Chicago November 15 - December 24

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.

Holiday Windows

The Magnificent Mile Late November - December

beautiful-christmas-tree-night-on-magnificent-mile

The Magnificent Mile Late November - December

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.

Mag Mile Lights Festival

November 22-23, Michigan Avenue

michigan-avenue-bridge-magnificent-mile-chicago

November 22-23, Michigan Avenue

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.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in Chicago. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your weekend itineraries.

Please note: the November and Thanksgiving events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed. 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Chicago must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

☀️ Compare Chicago passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

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things to do in the loop chicago
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Things to do in The Loop, Chicago

You there! Are you visiting Chicago at some point in the future? Are you wondering which districts to check out during your visit? Do you like loops? Well, The Loop might just be the perfect place for you to visit during your vacation. Here are some of the best things to do while you're there! Including: Grant Park Shedd Aquarium Eat Drink Shopping and more! Grant Park Let's begin, then, with one of the city's most significant green zones; the one and only Grant Park! Named after the late, great Ulysses S. Grant, this behemoth of a park measures over 300 acres. Step inside, and you'll find a world of entertainment. Perhaps the park's biggest draw is Millennium Park, where you'll find Cloud Gate. Referred to locally as The Bean, this massive, chrome, reflective sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago, and has featured in many films and TV shows. But alongside The Bean, you'll find Buckingham Fountain, Maggie Daley Park, Art Institute of Chicago, The Court of the Presidents, and much more at Grant Park! The Field Museum Want to discover over 4 billion years of history in one place? Then you should check out the Field Museum! There, you'll meet Maximo, the largest recorded dinosaur ever found on Earth. Weighing in at over 70 tons, they were quite the beast! You can also experience what it's like to be a tiny bug at the Underground Adventure exhibit, observe scientists extract DNA in real-time at the DNA Discovery Center, and also watch fossils being prepared at the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet. All that and much more await you at the Field Museum. So, what are you waiting for? The Art Institute of Chicago Let's get cultural for a second, and talk about some art. In The Loop, you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best-known art museums on Earth! Inside, you'll find hundreds of pieces from all across the globe, from older, more traditional masterpieces to modern marvels. With fixed collections as well as a rotation of amazing seasonal experiences, there's sure to be something inspiring at the Art Institute of Chicago! Skyline Lake Tour Want to see the city from a different perspective? Check out a Skyline Lake Tour. Take to the seven seas, or just the one in this case, and enjoy amazing views of Chicago's heavenly skyline as you spot some of the city's biggest and best landmarks. Beginning at Navy Pier, your trip will take you past the likes of the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and beautiful Grant Park. And, with a learned robot, or prerecording, narrating the significance of each spot, you'll learn all about modern Chicago. American Writers Museum Words. Powerful, plentiful, and often misused, words are the backbone of our civilization. Want to discover how Americans have used words over the centuries? Then head to the American Writers Museum in The Loop. Novels, speeches, poetry, and more are all housed within. See how historical events changed the approach of American authors, whether through war, financial collapse, or in response to cultural shifts. Learn how speechwriters changed the course of history. And discover how American poets touched the hearts and minds of millions. With a huge variety of words in all their forms on display, you're sure to find something mind-opening at the American Writers Museum. Shedd Aquarium Next, let's take a trip under the very oceans themselves. At Shedd Aquarium, you'll find a whole new world of wonder in the heart of The Loop. See exotic species of marine life from all corners of the world, from sharks to stingrays, and plenty more too! There are a wealth of exhibits to explore within, including a 360-degree tour at the Caribbean Reef, a look at South American fish species that occupy the Amazon at Amazon Rising, and a look at how a local community saved their coral reef from being wiped out at Wild Reef. All that and more ocean fun awaits you. So go get your snorkel and suit up! Eat! After all the activity, you might be feeling peckish. Never fear; we've got your hunger covered. The Loop has plenty of places to eat a wide variety of cuisine. Can't decide which to pick? Head to Revival Food Hall, which houses a large number of food vendors under one roof. Whether you're in the market for pizza, seafood, or Italian, you're sure to find something to turn your head there! Want a little fusion in your life? Head to Saucy Porka, which mixes Asian delights with Latin deliciousness. Wonder what a bao bun would be like if it was filled with some fried meat and beans? Look no further. Or, if you just want a snack to refuel you during the day, stop by Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheese. Sure, it's simply a collection of grilled cheese sandwiches. But grilled cheese is good. And these are some of the best you'll ever taste. Drink! Need a little refreshment in The Loop, or looking for a quality night out? You're in luck, because there are some great spots in the area you should check out. Monk's Pub combines a medieval exterior and modernized interior, replete with a load of beers on tap and bites to sample. Want a little blues with your booze? Head to Buddy Guy's Legends, which combines foot-tapping tunes with a delightful selection of drinks. Or, if you're feeling super fancy and the weather is fine, check out a rooftop bar like Raised or Boleo. Whichever you pick, you'll find top cocktails, good vibes, and great views of the beautiful Chicago skyline. Shop! And finally, let's end our list on a little shopping spree. The Loop has a load of great boutiques where you can pick up some slick accessories, threads, and everything in between. Of course, there's Macy's, where you'll find a world of shopping bliss and pretty much whatever you need. But there are also specialized shops like Optimo Hats for all your headwear needs, Madison Hall for your continental clothing supplies, and Graham Crackers Comics if you're looking for some special editions. And that's our list of the best things to in The Loop when visiting Chicago. Enjoy!
Dom Bewley
Chicago
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Chicago itinerary – 3 days in Chicago for first timers

Chicago offers diverse cultural experiences, world-class museums, exciting culinary adventures, and renowned architecture.
Katie Sagal
A traditional Chinese lion dance
Blog

Visiting Chicago in February

Sun worshippers look away now. February in Chicago lies in the depths of the Illinois winter. But beyond the building snow and icy temperatures you’ll find Chicago in February remains a top pick for a vacation. How can this be? To begin with, the windy city has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. However, there’s lots to lure you outside too, from public ice skating rinks to Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations. We start though with the all-important weather, so you know exactly what to expect. Chicago weather in February Those movie and TV scenes of people wrapped up like the Michelin man in the Chicago winter are no exaggeration. You’ll want to pack your winterproof clothing, and shouldn’t leave home without a pair of gloves, scarf and wooly hat either. Daytime temperatures average a frosty 34°F and can drop as low as 17°F overnight. At the same time, there’s only around 1.5 inches of rain, spread across seven non-consecutive days. Roughly half the month sees clear skies and sun, making it feel much warmer than the temperature would otherwise suggest. Get all loved up If there’s one day in the calendar sure to raise the temperature it’s Valentine’s Day. Home of the 1929 Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre ordered by Al Capone – the site on North Clark Street is now the parking lot for a nursing home – takes nothing from the annual indulgence of heart-shaped chocolate boxes or the dozens upon dozens of red roses which must be purchased. Reservations at the city’s best restaurants get booked up quickly, so if it’s a candle-lit dinner you’re after make sure to stay ahead of the curve and call in your own booking ahead of time. The same rule applies for anyone who fancies treating their better half to a night at the Chicago Theater. A behind-the-scenes Marquee Tour at the same venue will come a close second, especially during February’s Theater Week. Elsewhere, there’s the chance to snuggle up in one of the glass-bottomed gondolas of the Centennial Wheel, one of several rides at Navy Pier now running throughout February. It’s even possible to make it extra special by reserving one of the VIP gondolas for you and up to three others. Embrace the cold for these epic attractions Long after the outdoor rinks in most other cities have melted away for the year, Chicagoans are still able to enjoy the sensation of gliding across the ice (and the glee of watching others fall over) right through February. Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink has the finer location, right in front of Cloud Gate, the gleaming ‘bean’ sculpture which rapidly became a symbol of the city after its installation in 2006. But Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon offers the more unusual experience as it winds through the green space. Whilst many of the parks in Chicago in February are looking a little sorry for themselves, this isn’t the case with Garfield Park Conservatory west of downtown. Having one of the USA’s greatest areas under glass, there’s no shortage of color or tropical warmth amongst the plants of the so-called new conservatory – completed in 1907 – including those of the Palm Room and Fern Room. For sumptuous food without a booking head to Chinatown, which comes alive with the sound of drumming and sight of traditional lion dances during the annual Chinese New Year parade. Indoor attractions you won’t want to miss Visiting Chicago in February doesn’t have to be about wooly hats and insulated jackets though, and you could easily pass several days wandering through the vast collections of the city’s world-class museums. For insight into how the city developed, including after the horror of the Great Fire of 1871, there’s nowhere better to head than Chicago History Museum. Its vast collections include objects from the first street car of Chicago’s L system, to Abraham Lincoln’s deathbed and the table at which the American Civil War was ended. It occupies a fine example of the Federal style of architecture which flourished in the early United States and is one of several styles that can be found in the city. No wonder then that Chicago was chosen as the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the twentieth century’s most important building designers. His home and studio of ten years has been restored to echo how it would have looked in 1909, complete with Egyptian motif children’s playroom and open-plan studio where the great man brought to life 125 much-celebrated structures. These include Chicago’s Robie House, one of just a handful open to the public anywhere in the world. Cheer on a local team Rich in sporting heritage, Chicago is also a great destination for sports fans. Mid-February sees the city host basketball’s NBA All-Stars event, bringing some of the best players of the moment to venues across Chicago including Navy Pier. Meanwhile the United Center Arena – shared with the Chicago Bulls – is home to the Blackhawks, one of the six original National Hockey League teams. The atmosphere that develops inside during a match is something no behold, with games taking place throughout February. You might also like to pay a visit to Chicago’s 23,000 foot Sports Museum. Located inside the Magnificent Mile’s Water Tower Place mall, it not only includes artifacts relating to the city’s sporting history but several interactive skill challenges too. Getting the best out of Chicago in February Whether it’s participating in the city’s sporting life, admiring its art or simply spending some time with a loved one, there are so many things to do in Chicago in February you won’t know where to begin! We’d suggest your first port of call is Go City. Travel with us to Chicago in February and you can explore the very best the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Our passes provide incredible savings on admission to many of Chicago’s top attractions so that the only thing you have to worry about is cramming it all in!
Ian Packham

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