This month in Chicago, enjoy ice skating in the heart of downtown, admire works in one of the world’s top art museums, and explore the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America — all without spending a dime.
Chicago is bursting with free things to do this November, including plenty of holiday celebrations, free museum days, festivals and parades, cultural happenings, and more. Start planning your budget trip to Chicago with this round-up of the free things to do and see all month long.
1. Go ice skating in Millennium Park
Opens Nov. 21, 2025
Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks. One favorite spot is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which opens for its 23rd season in November. This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is surrounded by views of “The Bean” and the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue.
Note that free online reservations are required, bring your own skates or rent them for a fee. The rink will remain open through early February 2026, weather permitting.
2. Attend a magical holiday parade
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 and Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival marks the official start of the holiday season in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 22. This classic celebration is a packed day of free, family-friendly activities leading up to the famous tree-lighting parade on Michigan Avenue and concluding with a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River.
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for almost 90 years, kicks off Thanksgiving Day with a fun-filled morning in the heart of downtown Chicago on Thursday, Nov. 27. Watch the colorful procession make its way up State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive north to Randolph Street at this free, all-ages event.
3. Visit the Chicago Architecture Biennial
Through November
The largest architecture and design exhibition in North America is back in Chicago, featuring projects created by contributors from around the globe at free exhibits and events throughout the city.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial is centered around the Chicago Cultural Center, plus a variety of neighborhood sites with related exhibitions and programming all across the city. The Biennial’s free exhibits are now open will run through Feb. 28 2026.
4. Bask in the glow of ZooLights
Nov. 25, 2025
More than one million lights make up the mesmerizing displays at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, which opens for the holiday season on Nov. 21, 2025. This year’s family-friendly holiday event, set in the city’s historic lakefront zoo, includes light shows set to music, an 18-foot tree, and live entertainment.
This season, the zoo will be offering free admission to ZooLights every Monday. Advance reservations are required, so get your free Monday tickets online before you go. ZooLights will run through Jan. 4, 2026.
5. See the lighting of the official Christmas Tree
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
For more than 100 years, the city of Chicago has celebrated the holiday season with the lighting of the official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park. This year’s free 112th annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 21 and include live music, performances, and a fireworks display as officials flip the switch to illuminate this year’s tree. The Millennium Park tree will remain lit through Jan. 11, 2026.
6. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
Throughout November
The 35th annual First Nations Film and Video Festival is the only event of its kind to solely showcase the works of Indigenous/Native American directors. The fall edition, which runs from Nov. 5 – 13, includes a variety of free screenings in venues all around the city.
Take a free Open Beadwork Class at the American Indian Center in Albany Park. These weekly workshops are open to the public, whether you’re a member of the Native community, an ally, or simply curious about beadwork. No registration is required and all supplies are provided.
Chicago Public Libraries are offering a wide variety of free activities and events throughout the month. Gets hands on with Loom Workshops, Native American Crafts, and Corn Husk Doll crafting at various locations throughout the city.
Explore more things to do during Native American Heritage Month in Chicago.
7. Visit Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket
Opens Nov. 21, 2025
Christkindlmarket arrives in Chicago this month! The beloved tradition transforms downtown Daley Plaza into a bustling holiday market, filling the air with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine. Admission is free to come in and peruse artisan goods, imported German gifts, and handmade holiday decorations.
If you can’t get enough Christkindlmarket, the Wrigleyville version is back in action this year as part of Winterland at Gallagher Way. This miniature market and winter festival offers free admission for the whole family, with tons of kid-friendly fun.
8. Get free admission at Chicago museums
Multiple days in November
Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, artistic masterpieces, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during November 2025 for Illinois residents:
- Art Institute of Chicago is free on Nov. 10
- Field Museum is free on Wednesdays throughout November
- Chicago History Museum is free on Nov. 6, 12, and 19
- Shedd Aquarium is free after 5 p.m. on Nov. 4, 11, 18, and 25
- Adler Planetarium is free every Wednesday from 4 – 10 p.m.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday. You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center.
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
9. Honor Day of the Dead
Throughout November
Día de los Muertos is a meaningful Mexican holiday that celebrates life and the memory of loved ones who have passed. Experience the customs and traditions for yourself at this year’s Día de Muertos exhibit at the always-free National Museum of Mexican Art. Now in its 39th year, the exhibit showcases stunning ofrendas (altars) by local and national artists through Dec. 14, 2025.
10. Admire fall colors at local gardens
Various dates in November
The stunning Chicago Botanic Garden is free for Illinois residents this month on Nov. 3 – 7, 10, and 11. Explore more than 380 acres of natural beauty, including an English walled garden, a Japanese garden, a 100-acre wood, native plant area, and Nature Play Garden for kids. Make sure to register in advance for your free admission.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Morton Arboretum is offering free admission to their sprawling grounds. Enjoy the changing colors, crisp air, and crunch of leaves underfoot as you meander through 1,700 acres of trees and plant life.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
