1. Zoolights at Lincoln Park
With 1,000 animals and nearly 1 million lights, the Zoolights at Lincoln Park are not to be missed. The light exhibits and holiday-related events and activities will guarantee a fun-packed holiday carnival for your entire family. One of the biggest free celebrations, Lincoln Park Zoolights is open to all, Fridays to Sundays starting Nov. 29 at 2001 N. Clark St. Kids will enjoy, of course, but so will you!
2. McDonalds Thanksgiving Parade
With live performances, horse showjumping units, parading bands and gigantic inflatables, it’s not Thanksgiving in Chicago unless you …show more content…
In the heart of downtown Chicago, it features traditional holiday markets including international merchants putting on their handcrafted adornments, toys and gifts on display. This is also a great place to binge on delicious and lip-smacking traditional German food, sweets and beverages. Christkindlmarket Chicago is free and open from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Don’t forget to try out the customary German drink “Glühwein,” a delectable hot spicy wine that will fill you with the holiday spirit.
4. Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa House
This year, Chicago’s Christmas Tree will move to its new home to Millennium Park at the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. While you are there for the lighting ceremony of the 63-foot Colorado blue spruce that starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 24, do drop in at the Santa House. It is a reproduction of Santa’s workshop and it’s the perfect place to take a photograph with Santa himself.
5. The Turkey Day 5K and Plymouth Rock