It’s the holiday season!
Holiday events kick into high gear starting this weekend. Here’s a look at some of what you can expect Nov. 21-23.
Chicago’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony
WHAT: Chicago’s ‘official’ Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the city’s 112th, happens after a program of several performances on stage.
WHERE: Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street
WHEN: Pre-show at 5 p.m.; Tree lighting at 6:25 p.m. on Nov. 21
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival & Parade
WHAT: The holiday kicks into high gear with a day-long festival along Michigan Avenue followed by the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, culminating with a fireworks display over the Chicago River.
WHERE: Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to the Chicago River
WHEN: Lights Festival Lane, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ; Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 22.
Christkindlmarket Holiday Market
WHAT: Experience the authentic German-style Christkindlmarket, considered the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities.
WHERE: 3 locations: Daley Plaza, Chicago’s Loop; River Edge Park, Aurora; Gallagher Way, Wrigleyville
WHEN: Opens Nov. 21 (Chicago and Aurora) and Nov. 23 (Wrigleyville)
Lincoln Park Zoo: Zoolights
WHAT: ZooLights brings the holiday spirit to Lincoln Park Zoo, with festive attractions and more than 3 million lights across zoo grounds.
WHERE: 2400 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago
WHEN: opens Nov. 21 and runs through Jan. 4
Brookfield Zoo: Holiday Magic
WHAT: Now with more than 3.5 million lights, Holiday Magic’s interactive display transforms Brookfield Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland.
WHERE: 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield, IL
WHEN: Weekends starting Nov. 21 and running through Jan. 4
Christmas at Cantigny
WHAT: Christmas at Cantigny is a holiday light show and festival, features a half-mile path of music-orchestrated lights, and festive decorations, along with a new “Northern Lights” display in the Rose Garden.
WHERE: Cantigny Park, 1 S, 151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL
WHEN: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4
Greektown Tree Lighting
WHAT: The 10th annual Greektown Tree Lighting and caroling kicks off the neighborhood’s holiday programming, with live musicians and a special visit from Santa and friends.
WHERE: Elysian Field, 401 S. Halsted St., Chicago
WHEN: 4 p.m. on Nov. 23
Navy Pier: Santa Appearance
WHAT: “The Big Guy” will make his splashy entrance aboard the Seadog speedboat. After greeting waiting children, he will lead guests to Harry Caray’s Tavern to continue the holiday magic with brunch and photo ops.
WHERE: Navy Pier’s South Dock, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago,
WHEN: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Nov. 23
Parkway Bank Park: Light Up the Park
WHAT: “Light Up The Park” tree lighting celebration will feature an array of free holiday activities including meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers and ice sculpting demonstrations.
WHERE: Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont, IL
WHEN: 2 – 6 p.m. on Nov. 22
Concert: ‘A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness’
WHAT: Billy Corgan teams up with Lyric Opera of Chicago to to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘A Night of Mellon Collie and Infiniate Sadness’, a groundbreaking album with his signature boundary-pushing, innovation, and imagination.
WHERE: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago
WHEN: Nov. 21- Nov. 30
Concert: Sarah McLachlan
WHO: Named one of fall’s most anticipated albums by the New York Times, Sarah McLachlan’s tenth studio album, Better Broken, takes center stage in Chicago.
WHERE: The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 22
Concert: Sting 3.0
WHO: One of the most distinctive solo artists in the world and former front man of The Police, Sting will be come to a Chicago stage this weekend.
WHERE: The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 24
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