Many of Chicago’s best holiday events kick off in November.
Things to Do in Chicago in November:
Table of Contents
SOFA Expo
When: November 3-6, 2022
Neighborhood: Streeterville
Address: Navy Pier
SOFA stands for sculpture, objects, functional art, and design. This art fest highlights three dimensional art and design.
Lightscape
When: November 11, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Neighborhood: Glencoe
Address: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
An event where an illuminated walking trail and light installations take over the grounds of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Tickets sell out every year – they go on sale June 8th.
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K
When: TBD
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: Grant Park
A road race that raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At the end of the race, participants get a mug of hot chocolate.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade
When: November 19, 2022
Neighborhood: Streeterville
Address: Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street
This parade with illuminated floats is the largest nighttime parade in America. Disney World is a sponsor, so expect some Disney characters to make an appearance.
Wildcats Classic at Wrigley Field
When: TBD
Neighborhood: Wrigleyville, Lakeview
Address: Wrigley Field
Northwestern University’s football team has a deal to play a game at Wrigley Field in 2022. The date has not been announced yet.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
When: TBD
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: Millennium Park
The city’s official Christmas tree is lit at a ceremony that involves fireworks and a concert.
Thanksgiving Parade
When: November 24, 2022, 8 am – 10 am
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street
Chicago’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
When: TBD (late November)
Neighborhood: Andersonville
Address: Swedish American Museum, 5211 North Clark St
An event based on the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia, during this event St. Lucia girls dressed in white robes with crowns and candles make a procession starting at the Swedish American Museum and continuing down Clark Street. After the procession, there is a celebration at the Swedish American Museum with entertainment and Swedish treats.
Chicago Artisan Market Ravenswood
When: November 26-27, 2022
Neighborhood: Ravenswood
Address: Artifact Events Building
A fall market that features food, fashion, home goods, and art.
Zoolights
When: end of November through December
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: Lincoln Park Zoo
An annual event during the holiday season, Zoolights takes place at the Lincoln Park Zoo and involves elaborate light decorations and light shows. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Holiday Sing-Along (Caroling at Cloud Gate)
When: 6 pm on Fridays from late November through mid-December
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: Cloud Gate, Millennium Park
A holiday sing-along series that includes different faiths, cultures, and holidays. Each week a different choral group leads the sing-along.
Christkindlmarket
When: from Mid-November until Christmas Eve
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington Street
A European-style Christmas market that has vendors serving mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and a variety of other food and drinks. There are also craftspeople selling holiday ornaments and gifts. Chriskindlmarket has a second location at Winterland at Gallgher Way.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
When: November 29, 2022 through the end of December
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Address: Gallagher Way, 3635 North Clark Street
This large family-friendly event has a Christkindlmarket, an ice rink, and Santa’s Village. It is one of Chicago’s best holiday events.
Light Up the Lake
When: the end of November through December
Neighborhood: Streeterville
Address: Navy Pier
This indoor winter playground features an ice skating rink, an Arctic Express Train, a Candy Cane Lighthouse, a huge decorated tree, and of course, Santa.
Garfield Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show
When: TBD
Neighborhood: Garfield Park
Address: Garfield Park Conservatory
The Winter Flower Show starts in late November and is open until early January.
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Friday 2nd of February 2024
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