Things to Do in and Around Chicago
With the holiday season upon us, there is no shortage of festive fun to be had in the Chicago area this weekend.
If you’re not ready to dive into the holiday cheer, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to do.
Events and Festivals
Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights exhibition opens with a Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival.
WHAT: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights exhibition opens with a Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival.
WHERE: 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive
WHEN: 11 a.m. on Nov. 8
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
The 23rd annual Holiday Chicago Toy and Game Fair offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages
WHAT: The 23rd annual Holiday Chicago Toy and Game Fair offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages
WHERE: Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road in Rosemont
WHEN: 10a.m. – 6p.m on Nov 8 and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov. 9
Navy Pier: Flyover
Flyover’s new alpine adventure, ‘Call of the Canadian Rockies’, transports you over iconic mountain scenery. To celebrate the season, Flyover is offering 50% off single-experience tickets booked from November 28 to December 1, 2026, valid for rides through March 20, 2027.
WHAT: Flyover’s new alpine adventure, ‘Call of the Canadian Rockies’, transports you over iconic mountain scenery.
WHERE: 600 East Grand Avenue in Chicago
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Concerts and Shows
Movie: ‘Twilight’ in Concert
Experience the original ‘Twilight’ movie accompanied by a live band on stage, presented by Broadway in Chicago.
WHAT: Experience the original ‘Twilight’ movie accompanied by a live band on stage, presented by Broadway in Chicago.
WHERE: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 West Randolph Street in Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Nov. 7; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, a company known for its’ powerful visual storytelling, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
WHAT: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, a company known for its’ powerful visual storytelling, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
WHERE: Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street in Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Nov 7 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 8
Soweto Gospel Choir
The internationally known Soweto Gospel Choir presents powerful acappella renditions of both traditional and contemporary songs
WHAT: The internationally known Soweto Gospel Choir presents powerful acappella renditions of both traditional and contemporary songs
WHERE: McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
From the creators of ‘Million Dollar Quartet’, your favorite Rock ‘n’ Roll legends present a brand-new holiday musical experience, comes ‘Million Dollar Quartet Christmas’.
WHAT: From the creators of ‘Million Dollar Quartet’, your favorite Rock ‘n’ Roll legends present a brand-new holiday musical experience, comes ‘Million Dollar Quartet Christmas’.
WHERE: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire
WHEN: Runs through Jan. 4
Comedy and Jazz
312 Comedy Fest
The 312 Comedy Festival features more than 20 comedians, from national headliners to rising stars.
WHAT: The 312 Comedy Festival features more than 20 comedians, from national headliners to rising stars.
WHERE: Various venues
WHEN: Runs thru Nov. 9
Comedy: Hasan Hates Ronny/Ronny Hates Hasan
Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng will face off about America’s most pressing issues.
WHO: Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng will face off about America’s most pressing issues.
WHERE: The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 8
Comedy: Jo Koy
Comedian Jo Koy is known for his uniquely relatable inspiration from his colorful family.
WHO: Comedian Jo Koy is known for his uniquely relatable inspiration from his colorful family.
WHERE: United Center, 1901 West Madison Street in Chicago
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 7
Chicago Asian American Jazz Fest
Asian Improv aRts Midwest presents the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival, which features established and emerging multigenerational voices.
WHAT: Asian Improv aRts Midwest presents the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival, which features established and emerging multigenerational voices.
WHERE: Elastic Arts, 3429 West Diversey Ave in Chicago
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8; 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m. on Nov. 9; 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 10
Concert: Grizzly Bear
The band Grizzly Bear, known for its intricate vocal harmonies and genre-blending sound brings its tour to Chicago.
WHO: The band Grizzly Bear, known for its intricate vocal harmonies and genre-blending sound brings its tour to Chicago.
WHERE: The Salt Shed, 1357 North Elston Avenue in Chicago
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9
Concert: Brian Culbertson
Jazz Musician Brian Culbertson, who plays multiple instruments, blends jazz, R&B, funk, pop, and new age into his own unique sound.
WHO: Jazz Musician Brian Culbertson, who plays multiple instruments, blends jazz, R&B, funk, pop, and new age into his own unique sound.
WHERE: The Venue, Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 7
Conclusion
The Chicago area offers a wide range of events and activities for all interests, from festive fun to concerts and comedy shows. Whether you’re looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit or just want to enjoy some great music or laughter, there’s something for everyone in and around Chicago this weekend.
FAQs
Q: What are some of the top events happening in Chicago this weekend?
A: Some of the top events include the Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights exhibition, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, and the 312 Comedy Festival.
Q: Where can I find more information about the events listed?
A: You can find more information about the events listed by visiting the websites of the individual venues or event organizers.
Q: Are there any events that are suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, many of the events listed are suitable for families with children, such as the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and the Million Dollar Quartet Christmas musical.
Q: Can I purchase tickets to the events online?
A: Yes, many of the events listed offer online ticket sales through their websites or through ticketing websites such as Ticketmaster.
