Thanksgiving is truly a unique time of the year, even if most folks consider Christmas the most wonderful time of the year – but the main emphasis of Thanksgiving is food & family. With that being said, once the table and dinner plates clear…there’s plenty of events for the whole family to partake and help settle those full bellies.
Chicago has plenty in store, and not just shopping, but a Thanksgiving weekend of fun. So put away those leftovers, and if tempers are high from another Bears lost this Thanksgiving weekend, then head out for some wonderful turkey day events…the Chicago way!
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The 90th anniversary Chicago Thanksgiving Parade this year will fill State Street with marching bands, performers, and festive floats – so wake up bright and early to traverse down State Street to grab a seat. Special guests include Emmy-winning actor Lynn Whitfield, country music stars Reyna Roberts and Donnie Lee Strickland. If the idea of getting through crowds and bracing for the weather sounds exhausting, you can also watch the parade in the comfort of your own home. The parade will air live on local Chicago TV stations and as well as Pluto TV this year. The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. C.T..
Christkindlmarket
Chicago has found a new tradition to look forward to, Christkindlmarket – has been a beloved holiday tradition for locals and tourists since its debut in 1996. Christkindlmarket is inspired by the 16th-century Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany.
This year, visitors can experience the market in a new way with the Culture and Cheer Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Before the market opens to the public, visitors get a guided experience which begins at 10:15 a.m. from Friday to Sunday. The tour includes a walkthrough of the market’s grounds at Daley Plaza with some historical insights and a mini-German language session where participants learn some holiday phrases. Christkindlmarket is currently open at Daley Plaza and will conclude Dec. 24. Christkindlmarket hours are from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Please visit Christkindlmarket.com for more information.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden
2024 marks the 6th annual winter event of Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The event features around 500,000 lights and draws approximately 245,000 people. Every year the art and light displays change, the always popular “winter cathedral” will still be on display. The Lightscape event is an outdoor event, so dress accordingly for the weather.
The event runs through Jan. 5 on select dates. Tickets begin at $19 for non-members, and select dates and times are expected to sell out. According to the website, in the event that you have to cancel plans to attend, flex tickets are also available.
Please visit Chicagobotanic.org for more information.
There is plenty to do in Chicago during this Thanksgiving weekend, but if staying home with friends and loved ones is more of your cup of tea – you really can’t go wrong with that. However one celebrates this upcoming weekend – we’ll always be thankful for those close to us, for those we love and care for – past and present.
Happy Thanksgivings Classic Chicago readers!
