The holiday season in the Greater Chicago Area is a magical time filled with festive spirit, enchanting decorations, and joyful gatherings. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, this holiday event guide will ensure you make the most of this wonderful time of year. From Thanksgiving parades to dazzling Christmas light displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Windy City and its charming suburbs.
Thanksgiving Delights
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Location: State Street, Downtown Chicago
Kick off the holiday season with the iconic Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and captivating performances, this event has been a cherished tradition for decades. Grab your hot cocoa and find the perfect spot along State Street to witness the magic of the parade.
Giving Back on Thanksgiving
Date: Throughout November
Locations: Various
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and giving back to the community. The Greater Chicago area offers numerous opportunities to volunteer at local shelters and food banks. Join the spirit of generosity by lending a helping hand to those in need.
The Christmas Spectacular
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
Location: Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a dazzling kickoff to the Christmas season. Watch as the iconic street is illuminated with over one million lights, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live music, festive activities, and a grand parade featuring Santa Claus himself.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023 – Sunday, January 7, 2023
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo becomes a mesmerizing winter wonderland during ZooLights. Stroll through the zoo’s illuminated paths, marvel at the enchanting light displays, and warm up with hot cocoa. Don’t forget to visit Santa and his reindeer while you’re there!
Christkindlmarket
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023 – Sunday, December 24, 2023
Locations: Daley Plaza
Embrace the charm of a European Christmas market. The Christkindlmarket features traditional wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, delicious treats like bratwurst and glühwein, and festive entertainment. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Suburban Serenity
Aurora’s Christkindlmarket
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023 – Sunday, December 24, 2023
Location: RiverEdge Park, Aurora
If you’re in the suburbs, Aurora’s Christkindlmarket is a must-visit. Located at the picturesque RiverEdge Park, this market offers the same festive atmosphere as its Chicago counterpart but with a cozy suburban twist. Explore the charming stalls and savor the holiday flavors.
Light Up The Park
Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023 – Thursday, December 21, 2023
Location: Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont
Experience the magic of the holidays at “Light Up The Park” at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. This suburban destination transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, a massive Christmas tree, and a holiday market. It’s the ideal spot for family-friendly fun and festive cheer.
The Greater Chicago Area truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering a myriad of events and experiences that will warm your heart and create lasting memories. From the grandeur of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival to the coziness of suburban markets, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in this vibrant city and its charming suburbs.
Spread the Holiday Spirit at Tommy’s Red Hots
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Chicago during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style. And when hunger strikes, be sure to satisfy your cravings at Tommy’s Red Hots, a local treasure serving up the best flavors of Chicago.
Trust Tommy’s Red Hots to cater your holiday event. With six different locations, we have served Illinois for 40 years with delicious meals for every occasion. Visit our website to find a location near you or our contact form to request more information.