Halloween is about to pass us by and Chicago is revving up for another big holiday season. From light shows to ice skating, our favorite festive activities are coming back paving the way for another special November in Chicago.
Whether it be watching the greenery turn different shades of orange, celebrating Thanksgiving at an outdoor patio, or enjoying one of Chicago’s excellent Christmas markets, here are our top activities to do in and around Chicago this November!
1. Watch the Christmas Tree lights go on in Millenium Park
First of all, if there is one date to have in your diary, it is the day Millenium Park begins to embrace the Christmas spirit. Yes, some will still complain that November is too early to celebrate Christmas, but when Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree appears, few can do little but be imbued with festive cheer.
Every year, the City of Chicago puts up a huge Christmas tree in Millenium Park with thousands of twinkling lights and ornaments. This year, the lights go on at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17.
This year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will once again be an in-person event with various viewing locations on huge screens throughout the park.
Read more about Millenium Park’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
2. Get in the Christmas spirit at Chicago’s cherished Christkindlmarket
During the winter months, those annual traditions like Christkindlmarket are our shining lights in times of darkness.
As Chicago’s notorious winter sweeps through the city, the festive season counters it with jubilance and cheer. But worry not; the 27th edition of the German-inspired annual Christmas market is back again on Friday, November 17th, and plans to be as big as ever!
Prepare for the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, hot spiced wine, and the magic of festive music and glistening lights, all in the coziest of atmospheres.
Learn more about Christkindlmarket in Chicago.
3. Don’t miss the Magnificent Mile’s annual lights festival
That weekend on Sunday, November 19th, over one million lights will begin illuminating The Magnificent Mile for the holiday season. The stretch of Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street is one of the most magical places to embrace the festive cheer, with more than 200 glistening trees offering a phenomenal spectacle in the heart of Chicago.
According to the festival’s Chairman, Gail Spreen, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival “is the third-largest parade in the country, televised in over 91 percent of the United States.
The free festival features a thoroughfare of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus, a holiday DJ, and more.
Learn more about the Tree-lighting Parade.
4-8. Enjoy Chicago’s incredible array of light shows
Talking of magical light shows, November is the month that many, many mind-blowing light shows begin illuminating various parts of Chicagoland.
Every year, more and more dazzling light shows pop up in extraordinary locations all around Illinois. Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Gardens, and Lincoln Park Zoo are just a few that guarantee an extra special festive spectacle.
Gorgeous natural backdrops, cutting-edge light art installations, and festive cheer all combine, providing some magical multi-sensory events like nothing else.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
- ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Let It Shine at Northbrook Court
- Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Head to our list of 10 magical must-see light shows in and around Chicago for more.
9. Snuggle up in a rooftop igloo at Godfrey Hotel
Once the weather turns it might be time to seek refuge in a cozy den. At The Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop you can enjoy being outdoors on an open rooftop whilst enjoying the warmth from within a transparent igloo.
Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop with a retractable roof has the versatility to transform into any type of venue it desires. This month the rooftop will transform into a magical winter wonderland comprising heated igloos, fire pits, fire dancing, live DJs, s’mores, and, of course, themed cocktails.
Read more about Godfrey Hotel’s winter wonderland.
10. Head to Winterland at Gallagher Way
Lace up your ice skates and zoom around the iconic baseball field this winter. Starting November 21st, Gallagher Way’s Winterland experience brings ice skating back to the ballpark with a huge 12,000-square-foot ice rink along with the beloved Christkindlmarket. Even if the Cubs aren’t playing, heading to Gallagher Way still remains one of the best things to do in Chicago in November.
11. Take to the ice at Maggie Daley Park
In the heart of Chicago, there’s no better way to glide into winter than with some winter skating. The ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is one of Chicago’s best winter-time activities offering skaters the chance to experience “alpine in the city” skating around a quarter-mile rink in Millennium Park.
The winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall with the city’s stunning skyline in the backdrop. It’s a must for your winter bucket list. Reservations cost $5 for those who have skates and $16-$20 for those who rent, depending on the date.
Read more about Maggie Daley Park’s ice ribbon.
12. Check out the Steve McCurry exhibition
Steve McCurry is one of the most influential photographers of our time with a lengthy career that has spanned three decades. Now you can see his iconic photographs at ICONS in Chicago after touring Madrid, Mexico City, Lisbon, and Sydney.
Marvel at over 80 large-format photographs, including the famous ‘Afghan Girl’ featured on the 1985 National Geographic cover.
Read more about the incoming Steve McCurry exhibition.
13. Send your senses soaring with a Dining in the Dark sushi experience
Take your date night to the next level or embark on a surreal adventure with friends by sitting down for a meal blindfolded to focus on more important things like the exquisite tasting experience.
Dining in the Dark invites guests to engage their taste buds to their maximum in circumstances you’ve like never done before and now for the first time they’ve released a new sushi version of the iconic experience.
Omakase, as defined by Michelin Guide, is a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal that is seasonal, elegant, artistic, and uses the finest ingredients available.
This special 12-course menu will surprise you with its burst of flavors encompassing the highest standard of Japanese cuisine all the while focusing on taste and smell alone.
Grab tickets to Dining in the Dark: Sushi “Omakase” Edition.
14-18. Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s sublime Candlelight Concert series is providing an array of breathtaking spectacles in the Windy City. Talented musicians will be performing at extraordinary venues all over Chicago offering guests the chance to marvel at the enchanting combination of flickering candles and melodic sounds.
Here are some of our favorite Candlelight concerts taking place this month:
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele at Stan Mansion on November 8
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Cafe Brauer on November 16
- Candlelight Aurora: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at New England Congregational Church on November 18
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd at Wicker Park Lutheran Church on November 25
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at Cafe Brauer on November 30
See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Can’t decide on a concert but want to ensure you attend one or need to buy a gift for somebody special? Candlelight gift cards are easy to use and valid for any Candlelight event in the U.S., making it a unique gift for friends and family.
19. Catch a glimpse of the Leonids Meteor Shower
Another scintillating spectacle this month can be found in the skies above. The Leonids are one of the many natural wonders to light up the sky each year when Earth’s orbit crosses the orbit of Comet Tempel-Tuttle, leaving behind a trail of debris that vaporizes in the atmosphere.
This year the Leonid Meteor Shower is expected to begin on Friday, November 3, and last through Saturday, December 2 peaking from Thursday, November 16 to Saturday, November 18.
Read more about the Leonid Meteor Shower.
20. Sip a Guinness at the new Guinness Taproom
For anybody who loves Chicago beer and has a thirst for that smooth, creamy, world-famous Irish dry stout, you’re in luck!
Chicago’s long-awaited Guinness Taproom is now open in West Loop offering a unique new experience in one of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhoods.
Read more about the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago.
21. Drink cocktails at the new 360 CHICAGO bar up in the clouds
Talking of drinks, a new bar has opened 1,000 feet above Chicago up on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center. European design meets Chicago’s neighborhoods at 360 CHICAGO’s CloudBar. The 18-seat lounge bar celebrates the 77 boroughs with a locally inspired menu and illustrations from renowned Chicago street artist— Lauren Asta.
Sip on an Orange Line or opt for the Gold Coast Manhattan and take in the breathtaking views at the $2 million lounge this month.
22. Sip under heat lamps on a patio this chilly season
Back down at ground level, another place to grab a drink this fall is West Loop’s Recess. Despite winter on the horizon, it’s still very much patio season in Chicago, and you’ll likely agree Chicago doesn’t play around when it comes to patio season. Rain or shine, if a patio is opened somewhere in the Windy City, guaranteed Chicagoans are out there clinking drinks. We’ve rounded up the very best patios and beer gardens in and around Chicago to give you an essential range of options but if there is one that’s ideal for soaking up the last of the sunshine it has to be Recess’s gigantic patio bar.
Nestled within 30 shipping containers on a West Loop corner, Recess is home to a cozy amalgamation of bars, food stands, and cabana houses within a 14,500-square-foot space that holds the title of the largest patio in Chicago. The stacked shipping containers give it an unusual, reclaimed industrial vibe, while the fusion of plant life and vibrant murals make it a brilliant hideout all year round. There are a few better places to grab a drink this fall!
23. Head up to London House Chicago’s famed 22nd-level terrace
The luxury hotel’s elegant tri-level rooftop bar will once again be decked out with excessive holiday décor for its over-the-top Rudolph’s Rooftop experience from Friday, November 18.
In addition to some of Chicago’s most unique sweeping panoramic views, guests will find rentable outdoor igloos and an ice bar selling holiday-themed cocktails awaiting them on the famed 22nd-level terrace.
Extra-special photo ops in front of the stunning vistas of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue offer the chance to snap some unforgettable holiday season memories while reveling in the iconic winter wonderland.
More information can be found here.
24. Enter the Chicago Field museum for free
Free admission days are somewhat of a rarity during the summer months when Chicago’s tourism industry is thriving. Luckily though, as we enter the fall months many of our marvelous museums and attractions begin bringing back frequent free admission days.
This month Field Museum will be free on November 7, 10, 14, and 28.
Check out our full guide to free admission days at Chicago’s many museums and attractions.
25. Indulge your artistic side at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art
While not free, another standout museum from Chicago’s plethora of world-renowned museums is the Museum of Contemporary Art. This unique, grand structure houses exciting temporary and permanent exhibitions that are sure to leave you awestruck.
Make it a whole family day and prepare for an unforgettable experience in contemporary art or gather a group of friends and embrace your whimsical, artistic nature as you explore the fascinating collections. Filled with endlessly intriguing paintings, sculptures, and photos, this museum is always one for the books.
Read more about reduced tickets at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
26. Get free entry to Adler Planetarium on a Wednesday
Another of Chicago’s famed attractions, The Adler Planetarium, underwent a huge revamp during a two-year Covid-19-induced hiatus and now boasts a brand new telescope in the Doane Observatory, which holds the title of the largest public telescope in the state.
As well as a new observation park, the planetarium has a shiny new roof giving the 80-year-old dome an iconic new glow. However, The best news is that upon its reopening, the planetarium announced that Illinois residents would be able to enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm for the foreseeable future, provided they bring proof of residency.
Read more about the Adler Planetarium.
27. Wander Morton Arboretum’s new range of sculptures
A new exhibition at the Morton Arboretum has opened earlier this year featuring a collection of towering arbor-inspired sculptures.
Titled “Of the Earth,” the exhibition features five exclusive new works from Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska and replaced those on display for Human + Nature.
The largest exhibition of artist Olga Ziemska’s work to date, “Of the Earth” is has been created exclusively for Arboretum visitors. According to an official Morton Arboretum release, Ziemska’s sculptures have been predominantly created from reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials gathered from various locations throughout the Arboretum’s grounds.
Read more about the arboretum’s ‘Of the Earth’ exhibition.
28. See Art on the MART’s fall projections
Of course, you don’t need to enter an exhibition to see extraordinary art in Chicago. Holding the title of the “largest permanent digital art projection in the world”, Art on theMART attracts thousands to the Riverwalk and Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago every week from spring through fall by transforming the 2.5-acre river façade of the Merchandise Mart.
The new fall program features mesmerizing projections developed in response to humanity’s environmental crisis and the power of AI technologies which will be shown every night from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Friday, November 18.
Read more about Art on theMART’s fall schedule.
29. Peruse the magnificent street art murals of Chicago
Chicago’s street art and graffiti scene has continued to thrive in Chicago over the last decade. New pieces pop up all over the city every week, some of which are so esteemed that they’ve embedded themselves in the very fabric of Chicago and are now part and parcel of the Windy City’s identity.
Today murals do more than just provide an extraordinary spectacle for our eyes. They pay homage to icons, fight for racial equality, celebrate different heritages, and honor the essential workers of our societies during turbulent times.
Hunting down the must-see street art murals in Chicago is a rewarding experience any time of the year and luckily we’ve rounded up our top murals in the city so you can navigate your way around the best of the best and learn about the inspiration behind some of Chicago’s famous murals.
View our list of the 25 most amazing murals in Chicago.
30. Unleash your inner artist at a Spray ‘N’ Sip urban art workshop
If perusing Chicago’s incredible street art has your creative juices flowing there’s no better place to let your inner artist run wild than at Chicago’s incredible BYOB Urban Art Workshops.
Taking place weekly within Studio W.I.P. at The Chicago Kedzie Plaza, there’s no pressure and no presumptions, just creativity and fun flowing in all forms.
Trained professional artists will teach you the tricks of the trade as unleash your inner artist on a mural with your favorite drink in one hand and a spray can in the other.
Grab your tickets to a Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip Urban Art Workshop.
31. Hit up the largest outdoor adventure park in America
Take a short drive down to Lemont, where The Forge: Lemont Quarries offers an all-around day of fun.
From mountain biking and climbing walls to yoga to a tactical laser tag course, the 300-acre park is packed with everything you can think of with something for everyone!
Read more about The Forge: Lemont Quarries.
32. Brunch to your heart’s content
If you’re in need of an instant mood boost, searching for a group Sunday Funday activity, or looking to cure a hangover from the night before, brunch is the solution to all problems.
Luckily Chicago has an abundance of seriously good morning eats, and here we’ve compiled the best of the bunch!
Read our full list of the best brunch spots in Chicago.
33. Sample the best cocktails in Chicago
Whether you’re treating yourself to brunch in Chicago, kicking back on a Chicago patio, or enjoying drinks out at one of Chicago’s many bars and restaurants, you can be sure a finely-crafted cocktail is only seconds away.
From top-notch margaritas to more innovative cocktail concoctions and everything in between, the Windy City and its abundance of revered mixologists have the answers to whatever it is you’re after.
We’ve recently filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago based on our experiences at Secret Chicago, our reader’s most popular choices, and a scrupulous assessment of settings and drink quality.
Read our full list of the best places to buy cocktails in Chicago.
34. Kick back at a revered brewery
If craft beers are more up your street than a fruity cocktail, worry not, for Chicago has an abundance of internationally acclaimed breweries.
Frequently recognized as one of the best beer cities in the country, our seasoned and inventive beer scene has produced so many fantastic breweries and taprooms in Chicago that we’re spoilt for choice.
There are now over 200 breweries, big and small, across Chicagoland, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a finely crafted beer in a range of different environments, whatever the weather.
To make sure you’re checking out the best of the best, we’ve here rounded up the 10 best breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in Chicago. Cheers!
35. Buckel up for a Drunk Shakespeare show
On the topic of booze, another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show.
On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of whiskey, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!
Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!
Grab tickets to a Drunk Shakespeare show.
36. Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show
If you’re looking for a chuckle, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls. Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago.
37. Go hiking near Chicago this fall
Every season offers new and different ways to enjoy nature, with spring splashing with the newly melted snow, summer peaking with an abundance of colors, fall trees bursting with warm red and golden hues, and winter bringing a clean slate of snow to remind us the year as come to a close.
No matter the time of year, there are plenty of great for hiking near Chicago but it is during fall that many offer a particularly unique spectacle.
As the autumnal hues set in across the Land of Lincoln, escape from the city for a day getaway by exploring nature and hiking at one of the esteemed parks near Chicago.
38. Head out of the city and see Illinois’ natural spectacles
Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible spectacles this time of the year.
From monolithic marvels to cascading waterfalls, we’ve rounded up the 7 natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit while they’re about to peak so you can plan an outing regardless of whether you want to hike or not.
Read our full breakdown of the 7 Natural Wonders of Illinois.
39. Stay in a Starved Rock Getaway cabin
One of the aforementioned spots, Starved Rock State Park, has recently opened a selection of minimalistic cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to wake up fully immersed in the wilderness.
Located in lush landscapes and with minimalistic yet comfortable designs, they offer the perfect escape for those wanting to disconnect from busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature.
Undoubtedly one of our state’s most impressive natural spectacles, Starved Rock offers over 13 miles of hiking trails, numerous cascading waterfalls, and 18 different canyons.
40. Discover the Windy City’s small pockets of Eden
Of course, Chicago is no far friend from nature and there are many places you can get back in touch with Mother Nature all over the city.
The Lakefront, lush parks, and incredible hiking trails offer great natural experiences but Chicago also has numerous secret gardens hidden across the city.
Read our full article on 10 of the best spots around the city.