If it’s November, it must be the holidays, or at least time for a first look at what’s in store this coming season.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade: Celebrating its 90th year, Chicago’s Thanksgiving event on State Street debuted in 1934 as the Christmas Caravan. This year, expect floats and marching bands, equestrian groups such as the American Sidesaddle Association and performers and presenters including actress Lynn Whitfield, the Jesse White Tumbling Team, Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team, Miss Illinois 2024 Breana Bagley, the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison and the Korean Performing Arts Institute. Bundle up and come in person or catch the livestream on Pluto TV. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 28 on State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street; $70 VIP seating and more information at chicagothanksgivingparade.com
Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony: The 111th Annual Christmas Tree will be illuminated in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street at 6 p.m. Nov. 22, according to an announcement from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, with a pre-show and performers starting at 5 p.m. The event will be joined by the 2024 Millennium Park Holiday Market Nov. 22-24 in Chase Promenade North, and the tree will remain illuminated through Jan. 8, 2025. More information at millenniumpark.org
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink: This year’s ice skating season at McCormick Tribune Plaza is slated to run Nov. 15 to Feb. 2, 2025, weather permitting. Admission is free with online reservations required. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with weather updates on Millennium Park’s social media channels. 1 N. Michigan Ave.; reservation details and a schedule of free lessons to come; millenniumpark.org
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs: The caroling in Millennium Park returns on Friday evenings in December, with Chicagoans invited to join their voices with community singers and choruses from around the city (performers to be announced). 6 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20 in Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square, 201 E. Randolph St.; millenniumpark.org
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: The annual parade has long launched the holiday shopping season and all the holiday lights on Michigan Avenue, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 23 on Oak Street and culminating on Wacker Drive and the Chicago River with fireworks at 7:30 p.m. Grand marshals, as always, are Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Or watch the next day on TV at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 on ABC 7 Chicago. More information at themagnificentmile.com
Tree lighting and ice skating in Rosemont: The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink opens for free skating at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 (skate rentals $8), followed by other holiday activities leading up to the annual “Light Up the Park” tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m., hosted by Mayor Brad Stephens. The skating season continues through Jan. 26, 2025. At Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont; more information at parkwaybankpark.com
Christkindlmarket: The popular holiday markets in the Loop and Aurora will be back Nov. 22, as hosted since 1996 by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. With unique vendors and gift shopping, live entertainment and concessions including German Glühwein mulled wine. Plus the annual souvenir Christkindlmarket mugs.
- Chicago in Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.; open Nov. 22-Dec. 24. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). More at christkindlmarket.com/daleyplaza
- Aurora in RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway; open Nov. 22-Dec. 24. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24); 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 16-18 and Dec. 23. More at christkindlmarket.com/aurora
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Thousand of lights cover Chicago’s lakefront tourist destination, plus the heated Centennial Ferris Wheel, the Wave Swinger and a two-story ice slide (all with paid tickets). Winter fireworks are 9 p.m. Saturdays, plus first-of-their-kind Friday holiday drone shows at 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 (all free). Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, 2025, at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.; more at navypier.org
Macy’s State Street: The holiday season opens at the State Street department store with a tree lighting at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2, continuing until the decorations come down in 2025. At 111 N. State St.; free reservations at eventbrite.com
Illuminate 900: The retail center 900 North Michigan Shops has a ticketed event to light what’s billed as Chicago’s tallest Christmas tree in its six-floor atrium, along with a lineup of singers and performers, all the benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois. 6-8 p.m. Nov. 21 at 900 N. Michigan Ave.; tickets $5-$30 at eventbrite.com
Check back in the Tribune for our annual guides to holiday shows (coming in A+E on Nov. 17) and outdoor light displays (Nov. 24).
dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
