Unofficial Holiday Kickoff Weekend in the Chicago Area
While Christmas is still more than a month away, this weekend marks the return of several Chicago holiday traditions, serving as an unofficial kickoff to the holiday season.
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- WHAT: For thirty-three years, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has helped kicked off the holiday season in Chicago. With family fun activations during the day, capped off with a parade down Michigan Avenue and fireworks.
- WHERE: Lights Festival Lane, 401 N. Michigan Ave; Parade starts at Oak Street and Michigan Ave.
- WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23rd. Festival 11a – 4p; Parade 5:30p; Fireworks, 7pm
111th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park
- WHAT: The city’s annual celebration to flip the switch on Chicago’s "official" Christmas tree, with performances, Santa and more.
- WHERE: In Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
- WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22nd, performances 5pm, tree lighting 6pm
The Christkindlmarket
- WHAT: The Christkindlmarket is inspired by the 16th century Christkindlemarkets in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, featuring unique gifts, food and holiday cheer.
- WHERE: Daley Plaza 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL; RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, Aurora, IL
- WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22nd – Tuesday, Dec. 24th
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic
- WHAT: Billed as Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, and Santa Claus.
- WHERE: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street or 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
- WHEN: November 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31
Greektown Tree Lighting
- WHAT: Greektown’s annual Tree Lighting event with Greek carols from local students and other Greek-themed festivities and events
- WHERE: Elysian Field (southeast corner of Halsted & Van Buren Streets)
- WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24th, 5pm
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents ‘Blue’ and ‘Mozart’s ‘Figaro”
- WHAT: ‘Blue’ is a story about a Black middle-class family in Harlem whose hopes and dreams for their teenage son are shattered when he is shot by a white police officer. ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ is an intimate study of human relationships and considered one of the greatest operas ever written.
- WHERE: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr.
- WHEN: ‘Blue’ runs thru Sunday, Dec. 1st; ‘Mozart’s ‘Figaro” runs through Saturday, Nov. 30th
Broadway in Chicago: ‘Yippee Ki Yay’
- WHAT: ‘Yippee Ki Yay’ is the staged parody celebration of the classic movie ‘Die Hard’, written and performed by Richard Marsh, Fringe First-winner and London poetry slam champion.
- WHERE: Broadway Playhouse At Water Tower Place, 175 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Runs thru Sunday, Dec. 15th
The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
- WHAT: The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer, better known as FoBAB, convened the nation’s top barrel-aged brewing programs—brewers who have perfected the balance of art and science, of wood and bourbon, of timing and technique—for a showcase of brewing craftsmanship and innovation
- WHERE: Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL
- WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22, 6 – 10pm; Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 – 5pm
The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
- WHAT: If you’re into cool cars….the annual Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals features hundreds of fast vehicles for anyone who has a passion for horsepower
- WHERE: Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL
- WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23rd & Sunday, Nov. 24th
The Great American Dog & Cat Shows
- WHAT: The Great American Dog Show follows the 120 year tradition of the International Kennel Club of Chicago (IKC), with 200 different dog breeds competing for Best In Show, along with family friendly content for all dog lovers. There is also a Cat Show this year, too
- WHERE: Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr N, Schaumburg, IL
- WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 24th, 8am – 6pm
Conclusion
This weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season in the Chicago area, with a variety of events and activities to get you in the festive spirit. From holiday markets to tree lightings, and from opera performances to car shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs
- What is the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a annual event that kicks off the holiday season in Chicago, featuring family fun activations, a parade, and fireworks.
- What is the Christkindlmarket?
- The Christkindlmarket is an outdoor market inspired by the 16th century Christkindlemarkets in Nuremberg, Germany, featuring unique gifts, food, and holiday cheer.
- What is Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic?
- Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic is a lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, and Santa Claus.
