By: Ashmar Mandou
The festive season officially kicks off this weekend with official tree lighting ceremonies taking place across the city to Christmas concerts and even a little visit Mickey and Minnie House at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. There is plenty to do in the weeks ahead, so fill up your calendar with these delightful events, grab your family and friends, and head out to explore all the magic and merriment this holiday season.
108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 19 at 6pm
Millennium Park
Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 19 through January 9. This year’s Tree, a 51-foot Blue Spruce, was donated by the Benavides family of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will have fireworks right after and will have a special concert from 6:35–7:45pm headlined by singer-songwriter Brian McKnight.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Friday, November 19 at 4pm
North Michigan Avenue
The action-packed weekend will begin with a preview night on Friday featuring a ceremonial tree-lighting in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza in honor of the building’s 100 years. On Saturday, November 20, the event-filled day begins at 11a.m. starting in Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus, until 4p.m. Free, family fun culminates in the grand tree-lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, November 20 starting at 5:30 p.m. with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida.
Zoolights
Saturday, November 20-Jan. 2 at 4pm to 10pm
Lincoln Park Zoo
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ returns on Saturday, November 20, transforming Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland. Tickets are available via Eventbrite at lpzoo.org/zoolights.
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Friday, November 19- March 3rd, 2022
Maggie Daley Park. 337 E. Randolph St.
It’s time for one of your favorite Chicago holiday and winter traditions, ice-skating on the Maggie Daley Park Ribbon. The quarter mile ribbon offers incredible views of the city, and an atmosphere of good old fashioned fun for all ages. Reservations are required and there will be session capacity limits. For more information, visit www.maggiedaleypark.com.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Presents: Home Alone in Concert
Friday, November 26 at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 27 at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 28 at 3pm
220 S. Michigan Ave
Don’t miss this beloved holiday favorite on the big screen at Symphony Center as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ delightful, Academy Award-nominated score. Home Alone is hilarious, heartwarming fun for the entire family! For ticket information, visit www.cso.org.
Christkindlmarket
Friday, November 19-Friday, December 24
Sundays-Thursdays 11am to 8pm
Fridays-Saturdays: 11am to 10pm
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St.
The authentic Christkindlmarket in downtown; 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 in a cozy atmosphere – a visit to the market takes all your senses on a journey!
