Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this holiday season. This weekend, step inside immersive pop-up experiences, get in the holiday spirit at a festive Christmas market, experience exhilarating theatrical productions, have a Thanksgiving dinner to remember, and so much more.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago, Nov. 25 – 28, 2021.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season in the heart of downtown Chicago. The parade takes over Chicago’s iconic State Street from 8 – 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.
Lightscape
The popular holiday event is back, with a new path and exciting new delights! We’ve got inventive new installations and all your favorites too. Hum…
North Suburbs
Event details
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
The ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns as a walking experience. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum's majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color,…
Christkindlmarket Chicago
The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all…
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights Chicago’s favorite holiday tradition is back and better than ever in 2021 with our new Pepper Family Wildlife Center at the heart of the…
Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater
Enjoy a performance of the legendary Blue Man Group, one of Chicago’s longest-running shows, at the Briar Street Theater. This worldwide performance troupe, whose hilarious…
Immersive Art Space LP presents Immersive Van Gogh
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, a new venue within Chicago’s recently renovated landmark Germania Club Building, will open Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 with the U.S. premiere of…
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Strawdog Theatre Company is pleased to welcome back live audiences this winter with its annual holiday hit Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. A traveling troupe of…
Paradise Square
New York City. 1863. The Civil War raged on. An extraordinary thing occurred amid the dangerous streets and crumbling tenement houses of the Five Points,…
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat, Nov 27, 7:00PM. Tickets are on sale at TicketNetwork.
Milky Chance – Mind the Moon Tour
German folk group Milky Chance is coming to Chicago for their brand new Mind the Moon Tour! See them live at Riviera Theatre on Nov…
Disney’s Frozen
From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA…
Winter WNDRland
What’s winter without a WNDRland? Immerse yourself in the magic of the season as we totally transform WNDR Museum into a Winter WNDRland. Featuring a…
The Office Experience
This fall, get ready to be transported to the world of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company when The Office Experience makes its debut in Chicago on…
‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
'Twas the Night Before... is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine. This festive show about the…
Ray Bradbury: Inextinguishable
Ray Bradbury: Inextinguishable honors the incredible writing and enduring impact of one of America's most celebrated writers. Featuring personal artifacts from Bradbury's life like his…
ChiTown Movies Drive-In Theatre
A fun and safe outdoor movie experience every night at ChiTown Movies! Enjoy blockbuster and classic movies under the stars at our permanent drive-in located…
Steppenwolf presents BUG by Tracy Letts
In a seedy Oklahoma motel room, a lonely waitress begins an unexpected love affair with a young drifter. And then they see the first bugs…Tracy…
Light Up the Lake
Brighten the winter season with Chicagoland’s biggest indoor, temperature-controlled light garden, featuring large-scale light-sculpture displays with more than 600,000 lights; Alpine ice rink with free…
Chicago Blackhawks vs. San Jose Sharks
Chicago Blackhawks vs. San Jose Sharks, Nov 28, 6:00PM. Tickets are on sale at TicketNetwork.
Guided Tour the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, the Birthplace of Black History Month
The Wabash Y was the heart of cultural and economic progress for African Americans in the Bronzeville region of Chicago for over half a century…
The Dr. Seuss Experience
The Dr. Seuss Experience is an imaginative, interactive, Instagram-able immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss. This Seuss-tacular sensory spectacle takes each guest…
Downtown Interior Architecture Walking Tour (“The World Within”)
Did you know that the #1-ranked tour in Chicago out of 340+ on TripAdvisor is a woman-owned small business consisting of ONLY ONE full-time employee…
Chinatown Lunch Tour
On our #1 TripAdvisor Rated Chinatown Adventure, you’ll enjoy seated dining at five restaurants and bakeries featuring upscale Chinese recipes while navigating Chicago’s historic Chinatown…
Día de Muertos - A Time to Grieve & Remember
Our 35th annual Day of the Dead exhibition honors and celebrates the lives of lost loved ones through this time-honored tradition.
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Experience the future of architecture at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. This ground-breaking event, which is the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America, will feature projects created by contributors from around the globe at free exhibits and events throughout the city.
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
