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.
Local
WHERE: In Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22nd, performances 5pm, tree lighting 6pm
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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, 5pmÂ
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents 'Blue'
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.
WHERE: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr.
WHEN: Runs thru Sunday, Dec. 1st
Mozart's 'Figaro'
WHAT: The Lyric Opera of Chicago's production of, '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: 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
