25+ things to do in Chicago this November 2026

November is a magical time in Chicago. The air gets crisp, festive decorations appear, and the calendar fills up with beloved holiday events, from dazzling light shows to charming holiday markets.

Here are just a few of the events and activities that we’re most excited about this month, from cultural celebrations for Native American Heritage Month to the beginning of Chicago’s iconic holiday traditions.

Top events in Chicago this November

Christmas Around the World

Opens Nov. 7, 2026
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Included with museum admission
One of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions returns to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where a four-story, floor-to-dome Christmas tree anchors a celebration of global winter traditions. Christmas Around the World features more than 50 holiday trees representing dozens of Chicago’s cultural communities, complete with faux snow showers to add to the festive atmosphere.

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 13 – Dec. 31, 2026
Goodman Theatre
Ticket prices vary
The Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is an iconic Chicago theatre tradition. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation to life with breathtaking stagecraft and heartwarming performances. This year is the first that Chicago-based Tim Hopper will take the stage as Scrooge.

Lightscape

Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Tickets from $16 (children) / $29 (adults); prices vary
Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden’s illuminated trails for a magical after-dark holiday experience. Lightscape features dazzling new light installations, the classic light tunnel, and plenty of interactive elements. Get your timed tickets in advance, as popular slots tend to sell out fast.

Ice Skating Ribbon

Starts Nov. 13, 2026
Maggie Daley Park
Starts at $17 with skate rentals
One of Chicago’s most scenic winter traditions, the Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon offers a one-of-a-kind winter experience set against the stunning Chicago skyline. The Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park offers timed slots with skates available for rent, so make sure to reserve online in advance.

Illumination: Tree Lights

Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027
Morton Arboretum
Non-member tickets start at $19.50; prices vary
The 14th annual Illumination returns to the Morton Arboretum for a spectacular evening experience. The reimagined Illumination: Tree Lights covers the tree-filled landscape with a breathtaking display of light, color, and sound, featuring four brand-new large-scale installations this year.

Randolph Street Holiday Market

Nov. 14 – 15, 2026
1340 W. Washington Blvd.
Tickets start at $19; prices vary
There’s plenty to discover at Chicago’s annual Randolph Street Holiday Market, from antiques to vintage clothing to collectibles and artisan goods. With more than 125 vendors under one roof, this special holiday edition is a fantastic opportunity to kick off holiday shopping in style.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Lincoln Park Zoo
Tickets start at $7; free on select Mondays
Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for the city’s most beloved holiday lights tradition, featuring more than three million lights. ZooLights transforms the historic zoo each winter with hundreds of dazzling LED displays, a Ferris wheel with skyline views, and festive food and drinks. Check the calendar for special events featuring live ice carvers, strolling carolers, and more.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Nov. 20 – Dec. 24, 2026
Daley Plaza
Free admission
The city’s most famous holiday market, Christkindlmarket Chicago fills the heart of downtown with magical Christmas cheer. The 30th annual edition of the outdoor bazaar features warm mulled wine (glühwein), authentic cuisine, handcrafted ornaments, and festive vendors, all inspired by traditional German holiday markets.

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

Nov. 20 – Dec. 31, 2026
Gallagher Way
Free admission
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville offers all the market favorites — freshly roasted nuts, hot spiced wine, and tons of holiday charm — in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. There’s also an ice rink where kids can learn to skate.

Millennium Park Holiday Market

Nov. 20 – 22, 2026
Millennium Park
Free admission
Ring in the holiday season at the Millennium Park Holiday Market, where shopping, entertainment, food, and drink come together for a festive weekend in the heart of the city. Plus, it’s the same weekend as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting

Nov. 20, 2026
Millennium Park
Free
The City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a spectacular event that’s been a local tradition for more than a century. The evening ceremony includes live performances, giant viewing screens, seasonal treats, and a dazzling firework show as the tree is lit up for the season.

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Nov. 21, 2026
Michigan Avenue
Free
A magical way to welcome the holiday season in Chicago, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is the country’s largest evening parade. The procession marches down Michigan Avenue, featuring everyone’s favorite holiday characters, before finishing with fireworks along the Chicago River.

Winter Flower Show

Nov. 25, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Garfield Park Conservatory
Free for Chicago residents; non-resident tickets start at $10
Escape the winter chill at the Garfield Park Conservatory, where the annual Winter Flower Show fills the greenhouse with festive plants, seasonal blooms, and holiday color. Wander the rest of the conservatory’s indoor gardens while you’re there, including the Palm House and Fern Room.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Nov. 26, 2026
State Street
Free
The iconic Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a holiday tradition for all ages, with larger-than-life character balloons, marching bands, energetic dance groups, and special celebrity appearances. The joyous procession marches down State Street, surrounded by more than 25,000 spectators.

Wintrust Winter WonderFest

Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Navy Pier
Tickets start at $27; free for ages 2 and under
Navy Pier comes alive with festive décor, dazzling holiday lights, and family fun during the Wintrust Winter WonderFest. Enjoy visits with Santa, indoor ice skating, and tons of kid-friendly rides and activities. For an extra $10, you can add a ride on the Centennial Wheel.

More events in Chicago this November

312 Comedy Festival

Nov. 5 – 15, 2026
Various venues
Ticket prices vary
Chicago’s premier comedy festival brings big laughs and big names to venues across the city. The 312 Comedy Festival is a celebration of stand-up, sketch, and improv that draws nationally recognized comics (think Nikki Glaser and Ali Siddiq) and rising stars to stages throughout Chicago for one unforgettable event.

Black Harvest Film Festival

Nov. 6 – 15, 2026
Gene Siskel Film Center
Individual screening tickets start at $14
Celebrating more than 30 years in Chicago, the Black Harvest Film Festival returns to celebrate the Black cinematic experience. All screenings will take place at the Gene Siskel Film Center, showcasing films, documentaries, and emerging voices from across the genre.

Dozin’ with the Dinos

Nov. 6, 2026
Field Museum
Non-member tickets start at $95
Pack your sleeping bag for one of Chicago’s most unusual overnight experiences, a night spent surrounded by dinosaurs at the Field Museum. Dozin’ with the Dinos is a family sleepover event filled with games, challenges, and stories among some of the world’s most iconic prehistoric fossils.

Chicago Humanities Fall Festival

Nov. 7, 2026
Various venues
Ticket prices vary
Chicago’s biggest ideas take the stage at the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival, a series of nearly 50 talks, performances, and conversations with authors, actors, comedians, and thinkers. The fall event is centered around Hyde Park with events at the University of Chicago.

Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers

Opens Nov. 7, 2026
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Included with museum admission
Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers at the acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is a major retrospective of the Chicago artist, spanning nearly three decades of his career across photography, video, painting, and installation.

Festival of Barrel Aged Beers

Nov. 13 – 14, 2026
Credit Union 1 Arena
Tickets start at $98
The Festival of Barrel Aged Beers is a bucket-list event for craft beer lovers, showcasing more than 350 barrel-aged beers, ciders, and specialty pours from hundreds of local and national breweries.

Diwali at the Field Museum

Nov. 15, 2026
Field Museum
Included with museum admission
The Field Museum is shining a light on Diwali, celebrating the Festival of Lights in its own unique way. The second annual Diwali celebration features cultural performances, storytelling, kid-friendly activities, a henna station, and dance groups performing everything from classical Indian dance to contemporary Bollywood.

Chicago Artisan Market

Nov. 15, 2026
Morgan Manufacturing
$8 general admission; ticket prices vary
Whether you’re ready for holiday shopping or just looking to browse, the Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market features goods from some of the region’s best local makers. Expect a diverse selection of Midwest-made food, fashion, home goods, art, jewelry, and décor, plus a stocked bar and local food options.

Sip and Stroll at Brookfield Zoo

Nov. 20, 2026
Brookfield Zoo
$40 for general admission; ticket prices vary
The holiday season kicks off at Brookfield Zoo with its adults-only evening experience. Sip and Stroll at Brookfield Zoo offers a first look at the holiday lights display, complete with seasonal beers, ciders, and more than two million LED lights illuminating the grounds.

Vintage House Market

Nov. 21 – 22, 2026
Revolution Brewing
Free admission
Head to Revolution Brewing on Kedzie for affordable vintage shopping at the Vintage House Market, a rotating series that brings fresh and unique finds to the city. With items priced at $10 and under, it’s a perfect opportunity to find a fresh holiday outfit on a budget.

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol

Nov. 28 – Dec. 20, 2026
Lifeline Theatre
Tickets start at $32
Prepare to be dazzled by this one-actor tour de force spanning 19 characters in a unique reimagining of the classic holiday tale. Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Lifeline Theatre explores the untold story of Jacob Marley in an intimate setting.

Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos

Through Nov. 29, 2026
National Museum of Mexican Art
Free admission
Celebrate and reflect at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen, where the Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos exhibit honors the cultural traditions of Day of the Dead through art, ofrendas, and community programming.

Inner Worlds: Visions from the Hirshhorn Collection

Now open through Dec. 19, 2026
Wrightwood 659
Ticket prices vary
One of the most anticipated exhibits to hit Chicago this fall, Inner Worlds: Visions from the Hirshhorn Collection showcases the legendary Yayoi Kusama, including two of Kusama’s iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms. The show at Wrightwood 659 will also feature works by Niki de Saint Phalle and Mary Bauermeister.

Anne Frank: The Exhibition

Now open through Jan. 31, 2027
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Included with museum admission
A powerful and moving exhibition, Anne Frank: The Exhibition at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry recreates the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Through personal artifacts, photographs, and immersive storytelling, the exhibit brings her story to life.